Home / Environment / Humpback Whales Sing Louder as Blue Whales Struggle After Marine Heat Wave
Humpback Whales Sing Louder as Blue Whales Struggle After Marine Heat Wave
5 Sep
Summary
- Humpback whales increased singing after 2015 marine heat wave
- Blue whales, reliant on scarce krill, had to spend more time foraging
- Marine heat waves expected to become more frequent due to climate change
According to a report published in 2025, researchers from the Monterey Bay Aquarium Research Institute have been tracking whale sounds in the region since 2015. Their findings reveal a concerning trend: humpback whales steadily increased their singing after a severe marine heat wave that year, while blue whales faced challenges.
The heat wave, nicknamed "the Blob," depleted food sources and coincided with the most severe toxic algal bloom ever recorded. This event infected countless marine mammals, but humpback whales, which have a diet of fish and krill, were able to recover.
However, blue whales, which rely heavily on krill, struggled when the crustaceans became scarce. Lead researcher John Ryan explained that blue whales may have had to travel farther in search of food, leaving less time to sing. This could be a red flag for their struggling populations, as whale songs are crucial for navigation, mating, and communication.
With the Earth's global temperatures becoming more inconsistent due to a weakened ozone layer, marine heat waves like the Blob are expected to become more frequent. This spells trouble for all marine life, especially whales with large appetites. Scientists are racing to better understand heat wave patterns so that conservation efforts can adapt.
