View into Vocalizations

For the last 15 years, Cetos Research Organization has used underwater videography with a variety of recording set-ups that allow us to capture both video and sounds in our studies of Hawaiian humpback whales. While collecting data on sounds and behaviors, we also, when possible, obtain photo identification of humpbacks, and collect annual song samples by tracking and recording singers. Our priority is the social sounds and underwater behaviors of different humpback groups.

In the 2015 field season, Cetos focused on using non-invasive suction cup tagging on mothers, calves, escorts, and competitive males, in order to track movements and acoustics both above and below water. These tags have ability to take in acoustic information as well as positional movement underwater. Join Maren to hear about using their current research to understand Hawaiian humpback whales on a new level, as well as give a sneak peak into a current publication underway on calf susceptibility to ship strikes.

Speaker: Maren Anderson