Humpback Whale Social Groups Embrace Soap Bubble Feeding Trick

Innovative foraging behaviors are rapidly spreading among humpback whales in the fjords of western Canada, showcasing how cultural knowledge contributes to the survival of marine populations.

Bubble net feeding is a coordinated hunting method where humpback whales expel bubbles to encircle fish, then all rise simultaneously to feed.

According to Ellen Garland from the University of St. Andrews, “This is a collaborative activity characterized by a high degree of coordination and division of labor.”

This remarkable behavior has been observed for decades among humpback whales (Megaptera novaengliae) in Alaskan waters, with recent observations detailing their activities in the northeastern Pacific off Canada’s coast.

However, determining whether such complex behaviors stem from social learning or independent discovery among individuals remains a challenge for researchers.

In a comprehensive study, Edyn O’Mahony and a team from the University of St. Andrews analyzed field observation data from 2004 to 2023, focusing on 526 individuals in British Columbia’s Kitimat Fjord System, part of Gitga’at First Nation Territory.

Using distinct images of each whale’s tail fin, researchers identified 254 individuals engaging in bubble net feeding, with approximately 90% of these activities occurring in a cooperative setting.

This behavior surged post-2014, aligned with a significant marine heatwave in the Northeast Pacific that diminished prey availability.

“As heatwaves decrease prey availability, the whales’ adaptability in their feeding techniques is crucial for maintaining their caloric intake,” stated O’Mahony.

Whales are more likely to adopt bubble net feeding when they interact with individuals already using this technique. While bubble net feeding likely spread to the region from migrating whales, the current prevalence indicates stable groups or influential individuals spreading this knowledge through local social networks.

“After several years post-heatwave, we observe that whales previously not participating in bubble net feeding are now present in this area,” O’Mahony added.

The ability of humpback whales to share knowledge within social groups could be vital for their survival, implying that our understanding of their culture is essential for conservation efforts.

According to Ted Cheeseman, co-founder of the citizen science platform Happywhale, who did not participate in the study, “The key question is not just about the number of whales remaining but also whether the social behaviors crucial for population cohesion are restored.”

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