The Occurrence and Significance of Humpback Whale Songs in Glacier Bay, Southeastern Alaska

Abstract

Humpback whale songs are among the longest and most complex vocalizations made by any animal. Underwater acoustic monitoring in Glacier Bay National Park since May 2000 has revealed that humpback whales sing much more frequently in the late summer and early fall than previously believed. Prior to this study, humpback whale songs had rarely been recorded in Alaskan waters. By describing the occurrences of Alaskan whale song and comparing them with recordings made in Hawaii, we hope to learn more about the functions of song and the importance of high-latitude feeding areas to the humpback whale mating system. The presence of whale songs also highlights the potential effects of vessel-generated noise on endangered humpback whales in Glacier Bay.