The secret underwater life of whales

Whales and dolphins spend far more time under water than at the surface, and this makes studying them a real challenge. This programme looks at two methods that scientists use to study cetaceans. One is the Europhlukes database, developed by the University of Leiden and the Centre for Mathematics and Computer Science (both in the Netherlands), to recognise and analyse whale and dolphin fins and flukes. This database assists scientists in gathering and sharing information on, for example, the migratory routes, feeding habits, breeding patterns, and life expectancy of the. This pan-European database has implications for worldwide use. The second method is using special equipment attached to the animals that records their diving profiles. These ‘tags’ record the depth, the time spent at each depth, and the water temperature at each depth during a dive. Coupled with surface observation of the tagged animals, researchers can interpret feeding patterns and socializing behaviours. The application of the knowledge gained through the study of cetaceans allows researchers to play an advisory role in determining fishing quotas, in setting shipping routes, in the whale watching industry, and to analyse causes of strandings.