Drone footage captured by researchers at Oregon State University’s Marine Mammal Institute has provided new insights into the foraging behaviors of gray whales off the coast of Oregon. The footage showed that the whales exhibit various acrobatic behaviors such as forward and side-swimming, headstands, and the use of “bubble blasts” to regulate their buoyancy while feeding. Clara Bird, a researcher at the institute, quantified these behaviors over a seven-year period and found that the whales’ behavior changes as they age. Younger, smaller whales tend to use forward swimming behaviors, while older, larger whales are more likely to engage in headstanding.
According to Bird, headstanding requires strength and coordination, and it is a behavior that is learned by whales as they mature. The researchers observed that whale calves attempting to copy this behavior were not successful. The findings from the research, which were published in two papers authored by Bird and co-authored by Associate Professor Leigh Torres, shed light on how the whales’ size affects their behavior and the role of social learning in the adoption of these behaviors. The researchers also discovered that whales change their foraging tactics depending on the habitat and depth of the water they are in, with headstanding being more common on reefs where their primary prey, mysid shrimp, aggregate.
The researchers also investigated the purpose of the “bubble blasts” produced by gray whales while underwater. Contrary to previous beliefs that the bubble blasts helped the whales aggregate or capture prey, the study revealed that the blasts are actually a behavioral adaptation used by the whales to regulate their buoyancy while feeding in shallow waters. Larger, fatter whales were more likely to perform bubble blasts, especially while headstanding. The blasts were also associated with longer dives, suggesting that they help the whales feed for longer periods underwater by assisting with buoyancy control.
Leigh Torres, who leads the GEMM Lab at the Hatfield Marine Science Center in Newport, highlighted the importance of understanding the behaviors of gray whales in protecting them from threats such as boat traffic, noise, and pollution. The research has uncovered a deeper connection between the whales’ behaviors, habitat, size, and age, providing valuable insights into why they exhibit certain behaviors and go to specific locations. By studying the whales in their natural habitat and observing their behaviors up close, the researchers have been able to gain a better understanding of how these animals navigate their environment and ensure their long-term conservation.
The Pacific Coast Feeding Group, a subgroup of roughly 200 gray whales that feed off the coast of Oregon, Washington, northern California, and southern Canada, face increased exposure to human activities in some locations where they feed in shallow waters along the Pacific Northwest Coast. Bird expressed gratitude for being able to study the whales in their natural habitat and contribute to answering questions about their behavior. By studying the behaviors of gray whales through drone footage and other observation methods, researchers can continue to uncover new insights into the lives of these majestic animals and work towards their conservation and protection in the future.
The research conducted by the Marine Mammal Institute at Oregon State University has advanced our understanding of gray whale behaviors such as headstanding, bubble blasting, and other acrobatic movements. By analyzing drone footage captured over several years and quantifying the behaviors of individual whales, researchers have been able to identify patterns based on age, size, and habitat. This valuable information not only enhances our knowledge of gray whale behavior but also contributes to their conservation by providing insights into how they interact with their environment and adapt their foraging tactics. Overall, the study sheds light on the complex behaviors of gray whales and the factors that influence their actions, highlighting the importance of continued research and conservation efforts to protect these magnificent creatures.
