Revolutionizing Blue Whale Research: Advanced Techniques and Global Collaboration Lead to Groundbreaking Discoveries in Antarctic Populations

Researchers at the Australian Antarctic Program have developed a unique method for locating blue whales using sonoboyas equipped with hydrophones that transmit sounds to a boat in real time via a VHF radio link. Upon detecting blue whale calls, a team of specialists can determine the direction and deploy more instruments to obtain an accurate position. The information was shared by the Australian Antarctic Program through a photo release.

In a comprehensive report published in Frontiers in Marine Science, an international team of researchers led by Brian Miller, a marine mammal expert at the Australian Antarctic Program, analyzed acoustic data on the distribution of blue whales in Antarctica and subantarctic regions during the summer months. The study revealed that blue whales are dispersed around Antarctica and across subantarctic regions, making them difficult to locate due to their size and elusive behavior.

Over nearly two decades, Miller’s team has used sonoboyas as listening stations to track and record Antarctic blue whale and other cetacean sounds. In combination with methods such as satellite tracking, video tracking, photography, DNA sampling, drones, and artificial intelligence, the team collected data from listening stations in Antarctica. After monitoring almost 3,900 hours of sound over more than eight months covering over 145,510 kilometers at sea, the research team was able to build a comprehensive picture of the distribution, abundance, and behavior of these elusive animals.

The report highlights the importance of continued research on blue whale populations in Antarctica and subantarctic regions to better understand their behavior and potential impacts on marine ecosystems.