Whale Song — The Ocean's Music
Megaptera novaeangliae
Quick Fact
Blue whale calls can travel thousands of kilometres through the ocean — making them the loudest animals on Earth, producing sounds up to 188 decibels.
About This Species
Humpback whale song is one of the most complex vocalisations produced by any animal. Male humpbacks sing elaborate songs lasting up to 20 minutes, which they repeat for hours. All males in a population sing the same song, which evolves gradually over time — a form of cultural transmission unique in the animal kingdom outside of humans. Blue whales produce the loudest sounds of any animal, audible across entire ocean basins. Whale song is used for mate attraction, navigation, and possibly long-distance communication.
Why It Matters
Ocean noise pollution from shipping, sonar, and industrial activity is drowning out whale communication, disrupting feeding, mating, and navigation. Quieter oceans are essential for whale survival.