Imagine if one day we could understand the communication of whales in the depths of the ocean. For me, there is no creature on this planet more fascinating than these mammals that have been swimming through our world’s waters for millions of years. Unfortunately, many whale species today are endangered or on the brink of becoming so. Humans play a significant role here, as the main threats they face include ship collisions, noise pollution, climate change, and plastic pollution.
Noise pollution may not seem like a serious threat, but it truly is. Whales don’t talk the way we do, yet their language is far more complex than we might imagine. They use a range of tones, often described as underwater songs – some lasting for hours. Each song carries information about identity, emotions, feeding grounds, or their social bonds. However, industrial sounds disrupt whale communication. We may not perceive the ocean’s noise, but for whales, it can be devastating – interfering with their conversations and daily lives.
It’s essential to understand what whales are communicating so that we can help protect them before their voices fall silent. The importance of their communication is evident in the fact that scientists have observed blue whales becoming significantly quieter, a serious sign of negative changes in marine ecosystems.
What once seemed like science fiction is now within our reach. Project CETI (Cetacean Translation Initiative), a pioneering international effort combining biology, linguistics, robotics, and artificial intelligence, is striving to uncover the secrets of one whale species’ language – the sperm whale (Physeter macrocephalus).
Launched in 2020, the project focuses on this species that inhabits Caribbean waters, especially around Dominica. These whales use a form of communication that can be described as codes – short sequences of sounds. According to scientists, these signals conceal a real language, complex and structured, with patterns reminiscent of human phonetics.
Using advanced tools and an extensive database, researchers have discovered that whales use something similar to a phonetic alphabet, even incorporating embellishments into their communication. Data is collected through underwater listening stations and drones that safely and discreetly attach sensors to whales. Additionally, underwater gliders track them during their journeys. Artificial intelligence plays a crucial role in deciphering the meaning of these sounds.
A unique aspect of the project is its involvement with local communities through scholarship programs for young researchers, educational initiatives, artistic collaborations, and other efforts that bridge science and culture.
The project aims to transform our relationship with animals and nature, reminding us that they have their own languages. Some of these languages are already somewhat understood, while others, like the language of whales, require patience and effort to comprehend. Those who choose not to remain deaf to their voices, through understanding whale communication, open the door to their protection and survival.
Katarina Vuinac
