Story perspectives

Oldest Humpback Whale Song Reveals Communication Challenges

3/16/2026

Summary

Story summary

The Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution (WHOI) researchers identified the oldest known recording of a humpback whale song, captured in March 1949 in Bermuda on a Gray Audograph disc.
Marine bioacoustician Peter Tyack notes the recording helps scientists understand how modern human-made noises affect whale communication.
NOAA notes current threats to whales include ship strikes and entanglements.
The discovery highlights the importance of underwater sound recordings in protecting vulnerable whale populations.

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Story summary

The Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution (WHOI) researchers identified the oldest known recording of a humpback whale song, captured in March 1949 in Bermuda on a Gray Audograph disc.
Marine bioacoustician Peter Tyack notes the recording helps scientists understand how modern human-made noises affect whale communication.
NOAA notes current threats to whales include ship strikes and entanglements.
The discovery highlights the importance of underwater sound recordings in protecting vulnerable whale populations.