What Happens When Whales Can't Hear Their Families?

Pilot whales rely on sound for nearly every aspect of their lives. They use vocalizations to communicate with family members, coordinate movements, find food, and navigate through their environment. But what happens when the ocean becomes so noisy that those sounds are drowned out? In this episode of How to Protect the Ocean, we explore new research suggesting that commercial shipping noise in the Strait of Gibraltar may be interfering with the ability of pilot whales to hear and communicate with one another.

The Strait of Gibraltar is one of the busiest shipping routes on the planet, connecting the Atlantic Ocean to the Mediterranean Sea. Every day, hundreds of vessels move through these waters, generating a constant background of underwater noise. Scientists are increasingly concerned that this noise pollution is masking whale calls, forcing animals to change how they communicate and potentially affecting their ability to stay connected with their social groups. For highly social species like pilot whales, losing the ability to communicate effectively could have serious consequences.

In this episode, Andrew Lewin breaks down why sound is so important in the ocean, how human activities are changing underwater soundscapes, and what can be done to reduce noise pollution. You'll learn why scientists consider sound an essential part of marine habitat, how quieter ships could help protect marine mammals, and why ocean conservation is about more than just protecting physical spaces. If you've ever wondered how something as invisible as noise can impact whale survival, this episode is for you.