Evidence of a drop in underwater noise pollution has led experts to predict the worldwide coronavirus lockdown may be good news for whales and other sea mammals. Researchers examining real-time underwater sound signals from seabed observatories run by Ocean Networks Canada near the port of Vancouver found a significant drop in low-frequency sound associated with ships. With the seas comparatively quiet, whales now have the rare ability to engage in more — and more complex — conversation.

First published in the April 30, 2020, 2:57 a.m. edition

Go to the DailySource front page