Whale behavior research findings

In late July 2026, a series of studies by researchers in the United Kingdom, Switzerland and other partners reported three distinct discoveries across whale species. Tags on sperm whales off Norway showed that the animals release gas bubbles to counteract their natural buoyancy, allowing them to rest vertically just below the surface. Separate work on humpback whales documented the creation and spread of evolving song patterns during migrations, a cultural transmission comparable to human music trends. A third investigation of southern right whales measured extreme energy expenditure during their annual migration, finding individuals lose roughly 36 % of body fat, equivalent to tens of thousands of kilograms of krill.

A week later, a focused paper detailed the sperm‑whale bubble‑release mechanism. Suction‑cup tags recorded sound and three‑dimensional movement, revealing that during short 10–15‑minute resting bouts whales emit bubbles about eleven times more often than during ascent, maintaining a vertical posture that protects them from surface waves while keeping quick access to air. The study reinforced the earlier finding and highlighted how advanced tagging can uncover hidden underwater behaviors.

Together, the research expands understanding of whale physiology, communication and the energetic costs of migration.