The University of Haifa is participating in CETI to understand whale conversations
The University of Haifa has contributed to the development of an autonomous underwater glider to detect and track whale vocalizations in real time. This innovation could transform the study of these marine mammals by enabling their continuous observation over extended periods. In the ocean depths, sperm whales communicate using powerful clicks audible from several kilometers away. Until now, studying these exchanges has remained difficult because these animals spend much of their time at depths of over 1,600 meters, making dives that can last nearly 50 minutes. The new system developed by the researchers is based on an underwater glider equipped with four hydrophones.
These sensors record the sounds produced by the whales and allow the robot to determine their direction. As soon as it identifies the characteristic vocalizations of sperm whales, the onboard software transmits the information to the navigation system, which automatically adjusts the device’s trajectory to track the animals. According to David Gruber, founder of the CETI project and professor of biology and environmental science at Baruch College, New York University, “this device acts as a silent explorer, capable of traversing the ocean for extended periods while collecting valuable data on the lives of cetaceans.”
Unlike traditional methods, which rely on temporary tags or fixed sensors, this technology allows for active and continuous tracking. While previous techniques could only reconstruct whale movements after the fact, the glider constantly updates its trajectory to remain close to the same individual or group for several weeks, or even months. This advancement opens new avenues for research. Scientists will be able to observe sperm whales’ social interactions more precisely, their coordination within groups, and the learning mechanisms of their young.
Extended tracking of mother-calf pairs could thus provide unprecedented information on the transmission of vocalizations and language acquisition in these animals. Technology could also contribute to a better understanding of the impact of human activities on cetaceans. By observing their behavior in response to noise generated by maritime traffic, offshore work, or fishing activities, researchers hope to gather data useful for implementing more effective protection measures, such as reducing ship speeds or adapting shipping lanes in sensitive areas.
Despite its potential, the system still has some limitations. The glider can determine a whale’s direction, but not its exact position, which complicates individual animal identification. Furthermore, it must regularly resurface to transmit data and receive new instructions. For researchers, however, this innovation represents a major step forward in the study of sperm whales. Beyond its applications for species conservation, it could lead to a better understanding of the forms of intelligence and communication developed by other living beings on our planet.
