Uhhhh, what?
For the last 50 million years whales have been living in the oceans. Up until the last 100 years, they had communication ranges of up to 1000 miles. Currently that communication range is about 100 miles.
For the last 50 million years whales have been living in the oceans. Up until the last 100 years, they had communication ranges of up to 1000 miles. Currently that communication range is about 100 miles.
Whales communicate vocally, and have a shared oral tradition that spreads through the world
Its well documented that ship and military noise is impeding whale's ability to communicate, but its less well studied how much aquired knowledge whales are losing due to this noise pollution. Its possible that 50 million years of whale history is being destroyed currently, lost to international shipping noise. Its unknown if the whales themselves are becoming dumb as a result of having their social communication disrupted.
We could stop large loud ships from sailing around in the ocean.
If we're unwilling to do that, I propose we create an underwater network of speakers and train whales in how to use them. Whales are pretty smart, we can create technology that works with their physiology. We can repeat their vocal signals all over the ocean. This won't help them with daily survival, but may help them pass on some of their vocalizations before they become so isolated all whale culture is lost.