Hearing Abilities of Minke Whales | 27 Nov 2024
Recent research has revealed that minke whales can detect high-frequency sounds up to 90 kilohertz (kHz), a significant finding that enhances our understanding of these marine mammals.
- The study reveals minke whales are more affected by ocean noise pollution than previously thought, with shipping, naval sonar, and industrial activities increasing marine noise levels.
- Anthropogenic noise can interfere with marine mammals' communication, foraging behaviour, and navigation abilities.
- Current regulations may insufficiently protect baleen whales, as their hearing ranges were previously underestimated. This new data calls for a reevaluation of marine noise pollution policies.
- Minke Whales: Minke Whales (Balaenoptera acutorostrata) are the smallest member of the rorqual whale family, which includes other baleen whales. It can reach a maximum length of about 10.7 meters.
- Conservation status:
Read more: Fin Whale