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1949 Humpback Whale Song Recording Reveals Evolution Amid Noise

2/13/2026

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Summary

Story summary

The earliest preserved recording of humpback whale songs dates to March 7, 1949, near Bermuda.
The recording was captured on a Gray Audograph and was initially overlooked and poorly archived.
Laela Sayigh, a marine bioacoustician, notes the recording shows how whale sounds have evolved amid ocean noise.
Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution now uses advanced technology, including autonomous robots, to monitor acoustics and protect whale populations.

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Story summary

The earliest preserved recording of humpback whale songs dates to March 7, 1949, near Bermuda.
The recording was captured on a Gray Audograph and was initially overlooked and poorly archived.
Laela Sayigh, a marine bioacoustician, notes the recording shows how whale sounds have evolved amid ocean noise.
Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution now uses advanced technology, including autonomous robots, to monitor acoustics and protect whale populations.