Researchers have documented the longest ocean crossing ever recorded by humpback whales, traveling between breeding grounds in Brazil and eastern Australia. According to a study published in Royal Society Open Science, one whale traveled approximately 9,383 miles from Brazil to Australia over 22 years, while another covered about 8,700 miles in the opposite direction over six years.
Key Takeaways
Researchers have documented the longest ocean crossing ever recorded by humpback whales, traveling between breeding grounds in Brazil and Australia. Two whales were identified using tens of thousands of photographs collected over decades. These rare journeys highlight the importance of genetic diversity and cultural exchange among whale populations.
- Humpback whales traveled 8,700 to 9,383 miles between Australia and Brazil
- The journeys took place over six to twenty-two years
- Researchers used an automated image-recognition algorithm to identify the whales by their unique tail flukes
- These exchanges are rare but important for genetic diversity and cultural spread among whale populations
The discovery was made possible by analyzing nearly 20,000 photographs collected between 1984 and 2025. Researchers used an automated image-recognition algorithm to identify two humpback whales that had been photographed in both regions. Each whale's unique tail fluke patterns, similar to human fingerprints, allowed scientists to track their remarkable journeys.
Stephanie Stack, a PhD researcher at Griffith University and co-author of the study, emphasized the significance of these rare exchanges. "Occasional individuals moving between distant breeding grounds can help maintain genetic diversity across populations," she said. These whales may also carry new song styles from one region to another, as humpback whale songs are known to spread culturally across ocean basins.
The findings support the 'Southern Ocean Exchange' hypothesis, suggesting that climate-driven changes in the Southern Ocean may be making such crossings more likely. As reported by CBS News, these changes include shifts in sea ice and the distribution of Antarctic krill, the whale's main prey. The study highlights the importance of international collaboration in conserving migratory marine species.
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