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Oldest Humpback Whale Song Discovered, Sparks Conservation Interest

3/18/2026

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Summary

Story summary

The Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution researchers discovered the oldest recording of a humpback whale's song, captured in March 1949 off Bermuda.
The recording, preserved on a plastic disc, reveals details of whale communication from a quieter ocean era.
The finding predates Roger Payne's identification of whale song by nearly 20 years and could spur public interest in ocean conservation.

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Story summary

The Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution researchers discovered the oldest recording of a humpback whale's song, captured in March 1949 off Bermuda.
The recording, preserved on a plastic disc, reveals details of whale communication from a quieter ocean era.
The finding predates Roger Payne's identification of whale song by nearly 20 years and could spur public interest in ocean conservation.