Why We Should Worry When Whales Stop Singing

A hungry whale is a quiet whale. A new first-of-its kind study found the marine mammals vocalized less after a marine heat wave decimated their prey, making whale songs a barometer of the effects of climate change on ocean ecosystems.

The waters of the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary off central California are rich feeding grounds for blue, fin and humpback whales that cruise the coast during their annual migrations. Whales sense their surroundings largely through sound and create complex vocalizations, or songs, when they’re searching for mates and food.