Humpback Whales Use Bubble Rings in Unique Behavioral Communication

In a groundbreaking study, researchers from the SETI Institute and the University of California, Davis have documented an unprecedented behavior among humpback whales: the creation of large "vortex bubble rings" that resemble smoke rings. This behavior was observed during calm interactions with humans and marks the first time scientists have identified such playful communication in the wild. The study, published in the journal Marine Mammal Science, reveals that this behavior is distinct from traditional whale activities associated with feeding or mating, suggesting a new avenue of interaction between humans and these marine mammals.

The research team observed a total of 12 bubble ring episodes involving 11 different humpback whales across both the Pacific and Atlantic Oceans. Notably, these bubble rings were produced during relaxed, voluntary encounters with humans, rather than in the context of hunting or competition. According to Josephine Hubbard, a postdoctoral researcher at UC Davis and co-author of the study, "We did not see aggression; the whales were approaching boats where people were present, engaging in slow movements, often rolling in the water before producing a bubble ring right next to the boat."

To further investigate whether the presence of humans influenced this behavior, the researchers meticulously analyzed hundreds of hours of drone footage from previous whale studies. Their findings indicate that such bubble rings were absent when humans were not nearby, implying that the whales may be deliberately performing this behavior for human observers. "That suggests that perhaps they’re doing it only when humans are close by," Hubbard explained.

Dr. Laurance Doyle, a SETI Institute scientist and co-author of the paper, posited that the act of creating a bubble ring requires a significant level of technical intelligence and control. He stated, "What is the technical intelligence required [for a humpback whale] to make a bubble ring?" This inquiry aligns with the broader objectives of WhaleSETI, a long-term research initiative aimed at understanding nonhuman intelligence on Earth to enhance the search for extraterrestrial intelligence.

Dr. Fred Sharpe, another co-lead author from UC Davis, emphasized the implications of these findings. "Humpback whales live in complex societies, are acoustically diverse, use bubble tools, and assist other species in distress," he noted. The ability to produce bubble rings may represent a form of playful interaction, signaling an attempt to communicate or engage with humans.

The WhaleSETI team has been examining marine mammal communication for several years. In 2021, they reported a "conversation" with a humpback whale named Twain by playing recorded whale calls through an underwater speaker. A separate study earlier this year investigated the singing behaviors of baleen whales, and previous research from the SETI Institute highlighted how whales communicate during feeding events. The latest findings regarding bubble rings add a new dimension to the understanding of whale communication.

As researchers continue to decode the behaviors of these intelligent creatures, they are not only uncovering the complexities of whale social interactions but also laying the groundwork for recognizing intelligent life, whether it resides in our oceans or beyond our planet. The implications of this research extend beyond marine biology, as it challenges perceptions of communication and intelligence across species. Future studies may explore the nuances of whale interactions further, potentially leading to deeper insights into the cognitive capabilities of these remarkable marine mammals.