Oldest known whale recording could unlock mysteries of the ocean

Associated Press (AP)CenterEN 4 min read 100% complete by By PATRICK WHITTLEMarch 16, 2026 at 03:53 PM

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Researchers have discovered the oldest known recording of whale sounds, a humpback whale song captured in March 1949 in Bermuda by Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution scientists. The recording, made while testing sonar systems, predates the recognized discovery of whale song by almost two decades. Scientists believe the recording is significant because it provides insight into the ocean soundscape of the late 1940s, which was much quieter than today's oceans. Analyzing the recording can help researchers understand how increased human-made noises, like shipping, impact whale communication. The preserved audio allows scientists to compare past and present ocean environments and study changes in whale behavior.

Key Entities & Roles

Key Player Opposition Context

Roger Payne 40% U.S. Office of Naval Research 40% Falmouth, Massachusetts 40% Ashley Jester ×240% Bermuda 50% National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration 50% Peter Tyack ×260% Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution ×470% Humpback Whale 80%

Keywords

whale song 100% whale communication 80% ocean soundscape 70% humpback whale 60% ocean noise 50% marine bioacoustics 50% sonar systems 40% acoustic recording 40%

Sentiment Analysis

Positive

Score: 0.40

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Source

Associated Press (AP)

Political Lean

Center (0.00)

Far LeftCenterFar Right

Classification Confidence

90%

Geographic Perspective

Bermuda

This article was automatically classified using rule-based analysis. The political bias score ranges from -1 (far left) to +1 (far right).

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whale song whale communication ocean soundscape humpback whale ocean noise marine bioacoustics sonar systems acoustic recording

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