Ship Noise Silences Endangered Whales

A study using 24‑hour suction‑cup recorders on 23 long‑finned pilot whales in the Strait of Gibraltar (population ≈250) found whales are increasing call volume but mainly at high frequencies and only partially compensating for background ship noise (79–144 dB); deep‑dive physiology limits louder, low‑frequency calls needed for long‑range pod reunion. The data include 1,432 calls and contextual shipping noise measures (≈60,000 vessels/year, ambient peaks ~132 dB). — If heavy commercial traffic prevents effective communication for a critically endangered marine mammal, it creates a concrete case for regulatory responses (shipping routing, quieting technology, protected corridors) and reframes maritime policy as biodiversity policy.