2025/11/12 by Evgeny A. Podolskiy, Monica Ogawa, Mayuko Otsuki +2 · 1 voice · 1 citation
Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology · Environmental Science · #Animal Vocal Communication and Behavior #Ichthyology and Marine Biology #Marine animal studies overview
paper · pdf · doi:10.1038/s42003-025-09106-4
openalex created_date 2025/11/12 · openalex publication_date 2025/11/12 · openalex updated_date 2026/08/01
Passive-acoustic monitoring is known as a non-intrusive and transformative tool for ecology and has been increasingly used for conservation and biodiversity monitoring. This study, however, identifies a high level of curiosity in narwhals (Monodon monoceros) with respect to scientific moorings and partially explains recent cases of narwhal entanglements. Using acoustic data from different locations and years together with stomach content analysis, it is shown that foraging narwhals engaged in repeated hits on seafloor moorings (11 times per day), presumably out of curiosity or due to confusion with food items. It is a behavior previously unknown for odontocetes. These results imply that oceanographic monitoring might alter the behavior of whales and poses a risk to their well-being, which should be investigated and accounted for in design. Our findings reveal the intrusive nature of a key scientific method, with implications for the management and conservation of vulnerable marine mammals. Passive acoustic monitoring may inadvertently affect narwhal behavior. Field observations of narwhals in Greenland show they repeatedly interact with seafloor moorings, possibly mistaking them for food, raising concerns for cetacean conservation.