Researchers at the Australian Antarctic Program have successfully used sonoboyas equipped with hydrophones to track and record Antarctic blue whale and other cetacean sounds for over two decades. The team, led by marine mammal expert Brian Miller, has utilized a variety of methods including satellite tracking, video tracking, photography, DNA sampling, drones, and artificial intelligence to collect data from listening stations across the subantarctic regions.
Over nearly 3,900 hours of sound monitoring, covering over 145,510 kilometers at sea, the research team was able to build a comprehensive picture of the distribution, abundance, and behavior of these elusive animals. The study was published in Frontiers in Marine Science and highlights that blue whales are dispersed around Antarctica and across the subantarctic regions during the summer.
When blue whale calls are detected using sonoboyas equipped with hydrophones, a team of specialists can determine the direction and deploy more instruments to obtain an accurate position. This information is shared through a VHF radio link and allows for precise tracking of these majestic creatures.
