About This Project

Killer whales represent a striking example of communicative complexity in the animal kingdom, yet a thorough understanding of their communication is hindered by challenges related to data collection, in particular signal localization. By combining state-of-the-art hydrophone array systems with complementary drone footage, we aim to collect a large consolidated dataset with which to decode orca communication and shed light on how complex communication evolves.

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What is the context of this research?

The mystery of how human language evolved still endures. To tackle the enigma of language evolution, a fruitful approach is to investigate the communication systems of non-humans. By comparing the features of our communication systems and the social and environmental pressures that we experience, we can better understand the mechanisms that drove humans and other animals to develop such complex communication. Highly intelligent, group-living cetaceans represent a prime opportunity to investigate the complexity of non-human communication. In particular, killer whales exhibit cultural transmission, geographically distinct dialects, and extensive acoustic repertoires. However, orca communication remains largely undeciphered, pending the availability of detailed datasets.

What is the significance of this project?

Killer whales are known to rely on vocal communication to navigate large multi-layered social networks, to engage in complex cooperative hunting behaviours, and to transmit valuable knowledge over generations. Yet a typical recording of orca communicative behaviour involves a jumble of many different sound types, frequently overlapping, and often not paired with simultaneous video footage, making it almost impossible to determine the source of each sound. Therefore, a crucial missing component in the study of orca communication is the ability to assign a given vocalization to a particular animal. Using state-of-the-art hydrophone array technology, we intend to collect a dataset that will enable sound localization and therefore unravel the dynamics of a communicative exchange in orcas.

What are the goals of the project?

Deciphering an underwater communication system requires data in many forms. We will install a 7-element bottom-landing hydrophone array to continuously record the soundscape for 3 months. Additionally, we will deploy an array of four hydrophone recorder buoys from the motorboat to allow source separation during specific behaviours of interest, such as carousel feeding and subsequent social activity. During acoustic recording, we will collect complementary aerial videos with a drone, allowing a crucial pairing of vocal and behavioural data. Once we obtain the files from various recording instruments, we will consolidate these raw files into a publication-grade format, also adding meta-data, such as field notes and environmental factors like weather, tide, and depth profiles.