Pilot whales increase calling over ship noise in Strait of Gibraltar
Researchers examined how long-finned pilot whales communicate across short and long distances in the Strait of Gibraltar, where ship traffic creates persistent underwater noise. The whales, which are a species of large dolphin, were found to need louder calls to be heard over the rumble between Morocco and Spain.
Researchers studying long-finned pilot whales in the Strait of Gibraltar found that the animals need to increase their calls to communicate over the sound of ship traffic.
The research examined near- and long-distance communication among the whales. The Strait of Gibraltar is a narrow waterway between Morocco and Spain.
Long-finned pilot whales, scientifically known as Globicephala melas, are a species of large dolphin.
THE QUESTIONS THIS EVENT LEAVES BEHIND
How does increased calling affect the whales’ energy use and communication over time?
What levels and patterns of ship traffic were present during the research?
Which conditions would reduce the underwater noise affecting the whales?
How might communication changes affect interactions between groups separated by greater distances?
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