Blue Whale Silence Signals Global Marine Crisis

Blue whales have experienced a 40% drop in vocalizations over six years, a phenomenon linked to food scarcity caused by marine heatwaves such as 'The Blob' that began in 2013. The heatwave raised ocean temperatures by up to 4.5°F, devastated krill and anchovy populations, and triggered toxic algal blooms off California, resulting in the most widespread poisoning of marine mammals ever recorded. Scientists report that whales are using all their energy to search for food, leaving little for singing, which is vital for their communication and mating. Similar declines in whale songs have been observed in other ocean regions, signaling broader ecosystem instability. Researchers warn that if these conditions persist, blue whale populations could significantly decline. The situation serves as a dire warning for the health of marine ecosystems worldwide.