Story perspectives

Study Reveals Sei Whales' Spring Patterns Amid Vessel Traffic

4/7/2026

Summary

Story summary

A study by the Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS) and Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution (WHOI) finds sei whales inhabit the New York Bight in spring, indicating a seasonal pattern.
Researchers used data from 2017–2020 and found that 95% of sei whale vocalizations occur March–May, peaking in spring.
This timing overlaps with high vessel traffic, raising concerns that underwater noise disrupts communication and highlights need for management to protect sei whales.

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Story summary

A study by the Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS) and Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution (WHOI) finds sei whales inhabit the New York Bight in spring, indicating a seasonal pattern.
Researchers used data from 2017–2020 and found that 95% of sei whale vocalizations occur March–May, peaking in spring.
This timing overlaps with high vessel traffic, raising concerns that underwater noise disrupts communication and highlights need for management to protect sei whales.