Whoop! Monitoring Right Whale Vocalizations
By Gisele Galoustian Senior Media Relations Director, Research and Health Division of Public Affairs, Florida Atlantic University
T
he North Atlantic right whale is one of the most endangered whale species in the world with only about 368 remaining off the east coast of North America. A decreasing trend and low reproduction rates, combined with high levels of human activities – such as shipping and fisheries – underscore their precarious situation. Efficient tracking of their numbers, migration paths and habitat use is vital to lowering the number of preventable injuries and deaths and promoting their recovery. One of the frequently used methods to monitor whales is called passive acoustics technology. Right whales vocalize a variety of lowfrequency sounds such as moans, groans, pulses and even belches. One typical vocalization they use to communicate with each other is referred to as an “up-call,” which is a short chirp or “whoop” that lasts about two seconds. Up-calls are narrowband vocalizations with frequency swings in the range of 50 to 440 Hertz and appear to function as signals that bring whales together. Although current passive acoustics technology is a reliable, safe and effective way to monitor these endangered leviathans, it hasn’t always performed well. In the increasingly noisy ocean, current methods can mistake other sounds for whale calls. This high “false positive” rate hampers scientific research and hinders conservation efforts.
This image: Catalog #3720 and calf were sighted approximately 10nm east of Wassaw Island, Ga., on January 19, 2021. Catalog #3720 is 14 years old and this is her first documented calf. Photo provided by Clearwater Marine Aquarium Research Institute, NOAA permit #20556-01
