Studying whales with high-tech tools
Wednesday, July 15, 2020 - 09:01
in Earth & Climate
Scanning the airwaves over Monterey Bay with a hand-held antenna, Stanford University researchers listen for blue whales—or, more precisely, they listen for the suction tags they've stuck on blue whales. The first beep sounds and the captain whips the boat on course, following the quickening signal to find the surfacing giant. The three-person crew must reach the animal before it disappears under the ocean, hidden from sight, radar and study for another 10 minutes. [Note: This research was conducted prior to the novel coronavirus pandemic, and has been on hold in accordance with current guidance regarding research operations.]