Australian East Coast Marine Sounds

For the first time, researchers from the Whales and Climate Program, led by Dr. Olaf Meynecke, are conducting simultaneous acoustic monitoring along multiple sections of Australia’s east coast. This groundbreaking project is vital as human activities in the ocean—such as offshore wind farms, gas and oil exploration, deep-sea mining, shipping, and fishing—continue to increase.

In the past, similar research was limited to short-term studies or incomplete due to access restrictions. By listening to whale songs and calls, the team can track changes in migration routes and identify critical habitats. Whales act as sentinels of ocean health, offering valuable insights into how marine environments are changing.

For example, humpback whales migrate vast distances, from polar feeding grounds to tropical breeding areas, adapting to a variety of environmental conditions. Their ability to change feeding, migration and breeding areas provides a unique glimpse into how ocean life responds to shifting conditions. Studying these remarkable creatures helps researchers better understand the challenges facing our oceans—and how to address them.