Pilot whales, a species of large dolphin, are increasing their vocalizations to be heard over ship traffic in the Strait of Gibraltar. Researchers studying long-finned pilot whales (Globicephala melas) found that the mammals can increase the volume of their calls for short-distance communication.
However, long-distance calling proved more difficult. The study suggests that noise pollution in the strait may hinder the whales’ ability to communicate over extended distances, potentially leading to isolation. Approximately 60,000 ships transit the Strait of Gibraltar annually.
Source: Mongabay