In a study published in the journal Science, researchers successfully tested baleen whales’ hearing for the first time. Controversial research conducted in 2023 involved the capture of two juvenile minke whales off the Norwegian coast. Each whale, measuring about 12 feet long and weighing about a ton, had gold-plated electrodes implanted on their skin to monitor brain responses to different sound frequencies. The findings show that baleen whales can hear far higher ultrasonic frequencies than previously thought, an ability believed to help them avoid predators, particularly killer whales.
The project, referred to as the Minke Whale Hearing Project, has faced criticism from conservation groups and scientists. Concerns were raised about the stress and potential harm caused to whales during temporary captivity. According to NBC News, the Whale and Dolphin Conservation sent an open letter to the Norwegian government in 2021 urging the cancellation of the project. reportCritics argued that alternative, non-invasive methods could yield similar findings without risking the animals’ welfare.
Marine acoustics consultant Brandon Southall told NBC News that despite the protests, the research was executed under strict protocols. He said the project followed best practices and contributed valuable insights into marine noise management policies under regulations such as the Marine Mammal Protection Act.
Methodology and challenges in whale capture and testing
To facilitate testing, a complex trapping system was installed along the migration route of minke whales near the Lofoten Islands of Norway. StudyThe team used more than a mile of net to transport the whales to a channel, where they were kept in a fish farm enclosure for a period of time. Monitoring was done by a team of 12-15 personnel, including veterinarians. Blood samples, satellite tags, and neurological data were collected during sessions lasting 30 to 90 minutes before the animals were released.
Dr. Dorian Houser, lead researcher at the National Marine Mammal Foundation, emphasized the welfare measures during an interview with NBC News. They reported that tagged whales resumed normal behavior after release, but one whale that was not tested died after being entangled in a net during a storm.
The results of the study may influence future policies addressing underwater noise pollution. However, as Susan Parks, a biology professor at Syracuse University, told NBC News, the limited sample size and scope highlights the need for further research to understand the hearing abilities of baleen whales across different species and age groups. .