A recent study conducted by researchers at the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution in Massachusetts has discovered that the breath of North Atlantic right whales contains significant information about their health. Using drones to collect spray from the blowholes of these endangered whales, the scientists analyzed the bacteria present in the spray to assess the well-being of individual whales more accurately.
The study, published in the journal International Society for Microbial Ecology, marks a significant breakthrough in monitoring the health of North Atlantic right whales, a species facing critical endangerment with fewer than 400 individuals remaining globally. Researchers have obtained 103 samples from 85 whales in Cape Cod Bay, Mass., since implementing the drone technique in 2016.
Utilizing drones for sample collection is a pioneering method that offers a safer and non-invasive approach. By correlating the microbial samples with detailed information on the whales’ physical characteristics and conditions, such as robustness, thinness, skin condition, and presence of whale lice, the researchers identified a connection between the types of bacteria in a whale’s breath and its health status.
According to lead author Carolyn Miller, the microbial analysis provides valuable insights into the health of these whales, serving as a potential biomarker for assessing their well-being. The drone-based collection method not only ensures the safety of the researchers but also minimizes stress on the whales, as they appear undisturbed by the drones during sampling.
Sean Brillant, a senior conservation biologist at the Canadian Wildlife Federation, hailed the study as a novel approach that could revolutionize the monitoring of North Atlantic right whales. Given the challenges in approaching these elusive animals, the ability to analyze the breath samples for health monitoring purposes could offer critical insights into the long-term effects of threats like entanglements and ship strikes on whale populations.