Whales are amazing animals. However, scientists find them very hard to study. Many whales live far out in the ocean and swim very deep, so researchers cannot easily follow them. In addition, some whales grow so large that scientists cannot safely catch or examine them. Using drones to study whales is great technique.
Because of these challenges, scientists looked for a better way to study whales. As a result, a team of researchers developed a new and creative method. They used drones to collect samples from the breath of whales in the Arctic. This method helped them discover a dangerous virus that causes illness and death in whales and dolphins. Most importantly, scientists found this virus in Arctic waters for the first time.
The team published their study in a scientific journal called BMC Veterinary Research.
The new method
Usually, scientists collect whale samples by moving close in a boat and taking a small piece of skin with a dart. Using drones to study whales, this method can cause stress and minor injury to the whale. Moreover, many samples come only from whales that have already died.
However, in this new study, scientists chose a gentler approach. They collected samples from whale breath instead. Whales breathe through blowholes, which sit on top of their heads. When a whale comes to the surface, it blows air out forcefully.
Therefore, scientists flew a drone above the whale at the right moment. Using a live camera, they guided the drone carefully. Small petri dishes attached to the drone caught the breath as the whale exhaled.
Helena Costa, the lead scientist, said she felt amazed because scientists could detect disease just by collecting whale breath.
What the scientists discovered
Between 2022 and 2025, Costa and her team collected over 50 breath samples. They studied humpback, sperm, and fin whales living near northern Norway, Iceland, and Cape Verde. Drones helped the scientists greatly because they allowed safe and stress-free sampling.
Through these samples, scientists found cetacean morbillivirus. This virus spreads easily among whales, dolphins, and porpoises. It affects their lungs and brains. As a result, it has caused many mass strandings and deaths worldwide.
Although scientists discovered the virus in 1987, they had never found it in Arctic waters before. However, experts believe this happened because researchers had not done enough testing in the region.
Now, thanks to the drone method, scientists detected the virus in:
- Two groups of humpback whales
- One sick sperm whale
- One stranded pilot whale
Why this discovery matters
Scientists hope to collect data over many years. With more information, they can better understand how diseases spread among whales. Additionally, they want to learn how pollution and climate change affect whale health.
At the moment, scientists cannot treat sick whales. However, people can still help them. For example, ships can change their routes to avoid sick whales. This reduces stress and gives the animals a better chance to recover.
Overall, this new drone method offers a safer, kinder, and more effective way to study whales and protect them in the future.
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