A study published in Royal Society Open Science has shed new light on the remarkable behavior of humpback whales (Megaptera novaeangliae). Researchers from the University of Hawaiʻi’s Marine Mammal Research Program (MMRP) and the Alaska Whale Foundation (AWF) have uncovered evidence that these majestic marine mammals not only use tools but also create and manipulate them to improve their feeding efficiency. This discovery has led scientists to consider reclassifying humpback whales as tool users, a rare distinction among animals.
The study focused on a specific hunting technique employed by solitary humpback whales in Southeast Alaska known as “bubble-net feeding”. During this process, the whales create intricate patterns of bubbles in the water to corral and trap their prey, primarily krill and small fish. What sets these bubble-nets apart is the level of complexity and control exhibited by the whales in their creation and use.
The whales blow bubbles in precise patterns, forming rings with internal structures that can vary in size, depth, and spacing, depending on the desired effect. This manipulation of bubble-nets allows the whales to capture up to seven times more prey in a single feeding dive, all without expending additional energy.
Lars Bejder, a co-author of the study and the Director of MMRP, emphasized the significance of this behavior: Many animals use tools to help them find food, but very few actually create or modify these tools themselves. We discovered that solitary humpback whales in Southeast Alaska construct complex bubble-nets to trap krill, a small shrimp-like creature. These whales skillfully blow bubbles in patterns that form nets with inner rings, actively controlling details such as the number of rings, the size and depth of the net, and the spacing between the bubbles.
This innovative hunting technique is not just a fascinating behavior; it is crucial for the survival of the whales. Humpback whales in Alaska rely on these feeding strategies to accumulate enough energy during the summer and fall months to sustain themselves throughout the winter when they migrate to warmer waters near Hawaiʻi.
Understanding the intricacies of their feeding behavior provides valuable insight into how these whales manage to consume sufficient calories to make the long journey across the Pacific Ocean.
Studying marine mammals, especially cetaceans like whales, dolphins, and porpoises, presents significant challenges due to their elusive nature. However, advancements in research tools have made it possible to observe and analyze their behavior more closely. In this study, researchers utilized non-invasive suction cup tags and drones to monitor the underwater movements of humpback whales from above and below the water surface.
William Gough, a co-author and researcher at MMRP, highlighted the importance of these tools, noting that perfecting their use requires skill and precision, especially when working in remote locations like Alaska.
The collaboration between MMRP and AWF was essential for the success of this research. The team’s expertise in the local environment and knowledge of the whales’ behavior in Southeast Alaska were invaluable. Bejder expressed gratitude to AWF for their significant contributions, stating that the research would not have been possible without their partnership.
The findings from this study have broader implications for conservation efforts. Cetaceans worldwide face numerous threats, including habitat degradation, climate change, fishing, and chemical and noise pollution. With a quarter of the 92 known cetacean species endangered, there is an urgent need to develop effective conservation strategies. Understanding the feeding behavior of these animals is crucial for monitoring and preserving their critical habitats.
This discovery not only highlights the ingenuity and adaptability of humpback whales but also opens the door for further research into their behavior and the impact of environmental changes on their survival.
As Dr. Andy Szabo, Executive Director of AWF and co-author of the study, pointed out, The flexibility and ingenuity in their behavior will hopefully serve these whales well as our oceans continue to change.
SOURCES
Szabo A., Bejder L., et al., Solitary humpback whales manufacture bubble-nets as tools to increase prey intake. R. Soc. Open Sci. 11240328. doi.org/10.1098/rsos.240328
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