Humpbacks enjoy pandemic peace

The behaviour of humpback whales changed as seas became quieter in the pandemic, according to new research. Christine Gabriele from the US National Park Service (NPS) and Michelle Fournet, from Cornell University in the US, found that with fewer boats in the area, whales on the north-west Pacific coast changed their habits. Glacier Bay in the US state of Alaska is home to all sorts of creatures including bears, birds, dolphins, sea otters and seals. In summer months, humpback whales migrate north to feed in these waters. For around 35 years, NPS researchers have collected information on these seasonal visitors, counting how many come and identifying individuals that return each year. The team listen in on the whales’ calls using a network of special underwater microphones. During 2020, there was…

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The Week Junior (Digital) - 1 Issue, 297

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