The blue whale observatory uses acoustic and other sensing techniques to acquire collocated, persistent observations of whales, krill, and physical oceanography, thereby enabling new insights into the complex dynamics of predator-prey interactions. It was successfully deployed in outer Monterey Bay during the summer and fall of 2022 and 2023. Blue whales are most acoustically active during this summer-fall period when they transition from foraging in the Monterey Bay to migrating towards their breeding grounds further south.

Blue whales are an endangered species, and findings from the observatory can help inform conservation efforts. These gentle giants face the risk of fatal collisions with massive and fast-moving vessels in shipping lanes, like those found near the observatory. Furthermore, as climate change impacts ocean conditions worldwide, we remain uncertain about how blue whales will be able to adapt to rapidly shifting environmental conditions. Learning more about how these incredible animals respond to different cues and changes in their surroundings will provide critical information needed to safeguard their future.

While focused on blue whales and krill, the methods of observation and resulting data will also enable the examination of the ecology of other species of predator and prey. Understanding the full variety of predator, prey, and environmental dynamics that drive life in the ocean—from the tiniest krill to the largest whale—is vital for learning how we can best protect our blue backyard.