Scientists captured two juvenile minke whales off the coast of Norway and tested their hearing for the first time by applying gold-plated electrodes to their skin and examining their brain waves as different frequencies of sound played. The results of the study, published in the journal Science, surprised researchers as they found that the whales can hear at much higher frequencies than expected, suggesting they have ultrasonic hearing. This ability is likely related to avoiding predators like killer whales.
The study, part of the Minke Whale Hearing Project, faced opposition over concerns about the stress and potential harm to the whales during captivity. Despite the controversy, the research could lead to changes in regulations regarding ocean noise and its impact on marine mammals under the Marine Mammal Protection Act. The study also provides valuable information about the hearing capabilities of baleen whales, which are too large to study in captivity, and the importance of sound in their social communication and survival.
Although the research effort faced criticism from some groups, scientists involved in the project followed best practices and were able to gain important insights into the hearing abilities of minke whales. The findings could help guide future conservation efforts to protect marine mammals from the harmful effects of ocean noise. Further research on the topic, particularly focusing on the lower limits of whale hearing, could provide valuable information for future conservation initiatives.
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