Latest news with #SalishSea
Malay Mail
30-06-2025
- Science
- Malay Mail
You scratch my back: Killer whales use seaweed as tools to bond and exfoliate, study finds
Whales observed in Salish Sea off western North America Behaviour is a rare instance of tool use by marine mammals It may promote skin health and strengthen social bonds WASHINGTON, July 1 — Killer whales are known for exceptional intelligence, displaying complex social structures and sophisticated communication. New research provides fresh evidence for this, documenting how these marine mammals use stalks of seaweed as tools to groom each other — as in, 'You scratch my back and I'll scratch yours.' Using drones to observe a population of killer whales in the Salish Sea, part of the Pacific Ocean between Washington state and British Columbia, researchers noticed that these predators engaged in a behaviour they named 'allokelping,' one of the few known examples of tool use by marine mammals. The killer whales find large stalks of a type of seaweed called bull kelp, either attached to the seabed or floating at the surface. They then bite off the end of the stalk, position it between themselves and another killer whale and roll the kelp between their bodies. The researchers hypothesise that the behaviour promotes skin health while strengthening social bonds. Other populations of killer whales have been observed rubbing their bodies on smooth stone beaches, possibly to remove dead skin. 'Most examples of tool use in animals involve solving ecological problems, such as gaining access to food. For example, chimpanzees use sticks to fish for termites. What's remarkable about this discovery is that the tool — the kelp — is used not to obtain food but to facilitate social interaction,' said marine biologist Darren Croft of the University of Exeter in England, co-author of the study published this week in the journal Current Biology. 'This kind of socially motivated tool use is extremely rare in non-human animals and has previously only been observed in a small number of primates, usually in captivity,' added Croft, executive director of the Centre for Whale Research, a scientific organisation based in Washington state that has studied this population of killer whales since the 1970s. A pair of killer whales swim, one of which has kelp in its mouth, as researchers document a behaviour called 'allokelping' in which one killer whale uses kelp to massage the back of another killer whale, in this handout photograph taken near Admiralty Inlet, Washington April 10, 2024. — Centre for Whale Research, NMFS NOAA Permit 27038 handout pic via Reuters The researchers documented the behaviour among both male and female killer whales of all ages. It likely plays an important role in their social lives, Croft said. There are some other examples of tool use among marine mammals. Sea otters use rocks and other hard objects to crack open shells to get at the meat inside. And certain dolphins use marine sponges to protect their snouts and stir up the seabed while foraging. The researchers said the behaviour by the killer whales goes one step further because they modify an object for use as a tool. 'While this is not the first documented case of cetacean or marine mammal tool use, it is — as far as we know — the first case of cetacean tool manufacturing with tool use. The whales are not just finding perfect lengths of kelp in the environment, but rather actively modifying larger intact stalks of kelp to create the pieces they are using for allokelping,' said study co-author Rachel John, a University of Exeter graduate student studying killer whale behaviour. 'Another key part of what makes this behaviour so unique is the fact that they are manipulating the kelp cooperatively with a partner without the use of hands or any hand-like appendages. They use their mouth to position the kelp initially, but after that they only use the momentum and pressure of the core of their bodies to maintain contact with each other and the kelp between them,' John added. The behaviour is known only among this killer whale population. Two killer whales engage in a behaviour called 'allokelping', which consists in one killer whale using kelp to massage the back of another killer whale, in this handout photograph taken near San Juan Island, Washington June 19, 2024. — Centre for Whale Research, NMFS NOAA Permit 27038 handout pic via Reuters 'We found that individuals with more visible peeling skin were more likely to engage in allokelping, suggesting that the behaviour may serve a skin-care function. Brown seaweeds like kelp are known to have antibacterial properties, so it's plausible that rubbing with kelp helps improve skin health,' Croft said. 'Second, we think this behaviour likely plays a role in maintaining social bonds. Physical contact is known to be important for social cohesion in many species, including humans. Just as we might hug a friend we haven't seen in a while, it's possible that allokelping serves to reinforce social relationships among whales,' Croft added. This kelp grows in cold and nutrient-rich coastal and intertidal waters and thrives off the western coast of North America, which includes the home range of these killer whales. This population is at grave risk of extinction, Croft said, with only 73 individuals counted in the latest census. They are highly specialised salmon hunters, particularly reliant on Chinook salmon. As salmon populations have declined, in part due to dam-building on spawning rivers, the whales have struggled to find enough food. 'In short, they are starving,' Croft said. — Reuters
The Guardian
30-06-2025
- Entertainment
- The Guardian
I was a big orca fan – but their skincare regime is giving me the ick
I've thought for a while that it would be nice to be an orca. Not because I hate boats and they sink them (though I get it – the briny depths are none of our human business). What actually appeals is the idea of being charismatic megafauna – I love that phrase – and also important as a post-menopausal female. Orcas are one of very few species that go through menopause, living for decades after their reproductive years. These older matriarchs remain an integral part of the community, improving pod survival rates thanks to being 'repositories of ecological knowledge', caring for young and even, research suggests, keeping their giant adult sons safe from being attacked. The fact that they're fashion-conscious is a bonus: the 80s orca trend for wearing jaunty salmon fascinators was revived, intriguingly, in some pods last December; other orcas have been observed draping themselves artistically in kelp. But new research is giving me pause. Now orcas in the Salish Sea off the coast of Washington state have been filmed picking kelp stalks and 'massaging' each other with them. In sightings of this behaviour, reported and dubbed 'allokelping' by the Center for Whale Research, 'the two whales then manoeuvre to keep the kelp between them while rolling it across their bodies … During contact, whales roll and twist their bodies, often adopting an exaggerated S-shaped posture.' Whether this weirdly acrobatic seaweed exfoliation is more about skincare or social bonding is unclear, but it's fascinating. It's also, however, off-putting. There's a nauseating 'mud-daubed couples' cute spa selfie' or 'wearing matching thong swimwear to give each other a scrub at the mixed hammam session' vibe to this kelp massage business. It seems out of character for my orca heroines: this is the kind of performative sensuality I can imagine dolphins indulging in (don't get me started on dolphins). I'm choosing, however, to have faith. Hopefully 'allokelping' will be revealed to be a creative part of a greater orca plan – perhaps to destroy humanity by giving us a catastrophic inter-species ick? I can't become one, but I remain, as ever, ready to accept my orca overladies. Emma Beddington is a Guardian columnist
The Guardian
30-06-2025
- Entertainment
- The Guardian
I was a big orca fan – but their skincare regime is giving me the ick
I've thought for a while that it would be nice to be an orca. Not because I hate boats and they sink them (though I get it – the briny depths are none of our human business). What actually appeals is the idea of being charismatic megafauna – I love that phrase – and also important as a post-menopausal female. Orcas are one of very few species that go through menopause, living for decades after their reproductive years. These older matriarchs remain an integral part of the community, improving pod survival rates thanks to being 'repositories of ecological knowledge', caring for young and even, research suggests, keeping their giant adult sons safe from being attacked. The fact that they're fashion-conscious is a bonus: the 80s orca trend for wearing jaunty salmon fascinators was revived, intriguingly, in some pods last December; other orcas have been observed draping themselves artistically in kelp. But new research is giving me pause. Now orcas in the Salish Sea off the coast of Washington state have been filmed picking kelp stalks and 'massaging' each other with them. In sightings of this behaviour, reported and dubbed 'allokelping' by the Center for Whale Research, 'the two whales then manoeuvre to keep the kelp between them while rolling it across their bodies … During contact, whales roll and twist their bodies, often adopting an exaggerated S-shaped posture.' Whether this weirdly acrobatic seaweed exfoliation is more about skincare or social bonding is unclear, but it's fascinating. It's also, however, off-putting. There's a nauseating 'mud-daubed couples' cute spa selfie' or 'wearing matching thong swimwear to give each other a scrub at the mixed hammam session' vibe to this kelp massage business. It seems out of character for my orca heroines: this is the kind of performative sensuality I can imagine dolphins indulging in (don't get me started on dolphins). I'm choosing, however, to have faith. Hopefully 'allokelping' will be revealed to be a creative part of a greater orca plan – perhaps to destroy humanity by giving us a catastrophic inter-species ick? I can't become one, but I remain, as ever, ready to accept my orca overladies. Emma Beddington is a Guardian columnist
Yahoo
26-06-2025
- Science
- Yahoo
Orcas use kelp to groom each other, US researchers discover
The Brief Southern resident killer whales have been observed using detached seaweed as tools to rub against each other, a first for marine mammals. This unique behavior, called "allokelping," is thought to strengthen social bonds and maintain skin health among the whales. The survival of these critically endangered whales and their distinctive culture is threatened by declining food sources and warming oceans impacting kelp forests. Southern resident killer whales in the Salish Sea have been observed using detached pieces of seaweed to rub against each other, the first recorded instance of tool-making by marine mammals. This behavior, called "allokelping," may strengthen social bonds and contribute to skin health among the whales. Researchers from the Center for Whale Research (CWR) and the University of Exeter documented the behavior using drone footage. Whales were seen biting off kelp stalks, positioning them between themselves and a partner, and rolling the kelp between their bodies for extended periods. What they're saying "We were amazed when we first noticed this behavior," said Dr. Michael Weiss, CWR research director. He noted that bull kelp is "firm but flexible, like a filled garden hose, with a slippery outer surface," making it an ideal grooming tool. Unlike general "kelping," moving kelp for play or to remove parasites, allokelping involves the deliberate creation and cooperative manipulation of a tool by two whales. Dr. Weiss highlighted that the behavior is widespread among all ages and pods of southern resident killer whales, suggesting it's an important part of their social lives. Professor Darren Croft, of the University of Exeter and CWR's executive director, explained the significance of touch in animals, including humans, for moderating stress and building relationships. He suggested that using kelp could enhance this tactile experience and also benefit skin health. Brown algaes like bull kelp also have antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties that may offer additional benefits. By the numbers As of CWR's last census in July 2024, only 73 southern resident killer whales remain. Their numbers are critically low due to declining Chinook salmon populations (their primary food source), pollution, and noise from human activities. Bull kelp forests, where the whales source their tools, are also declining due to rising ocean temperatures. Big picture view Dr. Weiss expressed concern for the population's future. "Under the status quo, all of our projections indicate the population will continue to decline," Dr. Weiss said. He emphasized that losing these whales means losing "a complex society and a deep, unique set of cultural traditions." Professor Croft added that protecting kelp forests may be crucial for preserving this unique culture. The study, titled "Wild killer whales manufacture and use allogrooming tools," was published in the journal Current Biology. The Source Information in this story came from the Center for Whale Research. New US Marshals photos show high-stakes WA manhunt for Travis Decker $79M Seattle-area home is now most expensive listing in Pacific Northwest Seattle's Duwamish River Festival canceled over concerns of ICE agents Seattle to consider issuing $1k fines for illegal graffiti Report states half a million WA drivers have expired tabs To get the best local news, weather and sports in Seattle for free, sign up for the daily FOX Seattle Newsletter. Download the free FOX LOCAL app for mobile in the Apple App Store or Google Play Store for live Seattle news, top stories, weather updates and more local and national news.
CTV News
24-06-2025
- Science
- CTV News
Killer whales use seaweed as tools to groom each other
A baby orca named L125, swims with its mother, L86, in this undated handout photo. THE CANADIAN PRESS/HO, Dave Ellifrit, Center for Whale Research Killer whales are known for exceptional intelligence, displaying complex social structures and sophisticated communication. New research provides fresh evidence for this, documenting how these marine mammals use stalks of seaweed as tools to groom each other - as in, 'You scratch my back and I'll scratch yours.' Using drones to observe a population of killer whales in the Salish Sea, part of the Pacific Ocean between Washington state and British Columbia, researchers noticed that these predators engaged in a behaviour they named 'allokelping,' one of the few known examples of tool use by marine mammals. The killer whales find large stalks of a type of seaweed called bull kelp, either attached to the seabed or floating at the surface. They then bite off the end of the stalk, position it between themselves and another killer whale and roll the kelp between their bodies. The researchers hypothesize that the behavior promotes skin health while strengthening social bonds. Other populations of killer whales have been observed rubbing their bodies on smooth stone beaches, possibly to remove dead skin. 'Most examples of tool use in animals involve solving ecological problems, such as gaining access to food. For example, chimpanzees use sticks to fish for termites. What's remarkable about this discovery is that the tool - the kelp - is used not to obtain food but to facilitate social interaction,' said marine biologist Darren Croft of the University of Exeter in England, co-author of the study published this week in the journal Current Biology. 'This kind of socially motivated tool use is extremely rare in non-human animals and has previously only been observed in a small number of primates, usually in captivity,' added Croft, executive director of the Center for Whale Research, a scientific organization based in Washington state that has studied this population of killer whales since the 1970s. The researchers documented the behavior among both male and female killer whales of all ages. It likely plays an important role in their social lives, Croft said. There are some other examples of tool use among marine mammals. Sea otters use rocks and other hard objects to crack open shells to get at the meat inside. And certain dolphins use marine sponges to protect their snouts and stir up the seabed while foraging. The researchers said the behaviour by the killer whales goes one step further because they modify an object for use as a tool. 'While this is not the first documented case of cetacean or marine mammal tool use, it is - as far as we know - the first case of cetacean tool manufacturing with tool use. The whales are not just finding perfect lengths of kelp in the environment, but rather actively modifying larger intact stalks of kelp to create the pieces they are using for allokelping,' said study co-author Rachel John, a University of Exeter graduate student studying killer whale behaviour. 'Another key part of what makes this behaviour so unique is the fact that they are manipulating the kelp cooperatively with a partner without the use of hands or any hand-like appendages. They use their mouth to position the kelp initially, but after that they only use the momentum and pressure of the core of their bodies to maintain contact with each other and the kelp between them,' John added. The behaviour is known only among this killer whale population. 'We found that individuals with more visible peeling skin were more likely to engage in allokelping, suggesting that the behavior may serve a skin-care function. Brown seaweeds like kelp are known to have antibacterial properties, so it's plausible that rubbing with kelp helps improve skin health,' Croft said. 'Second, we think this behavior likely plays a role in maintaining social bonds. Physical contact is known to be important for social cohesion in many species, including humans. Just as we might hug a friend we haven't seen in a while, it's possible that allokelping serves to reinforce social relationships among whales,' Croft added. This kelp grows in cold and nutrient-rich coastal and intertidal waters and thrives off the western coast of North America, which includes the home range of these killer whales. This population is at grave risk of extinction, Croft said, with only 73 individuals counted in the latest census. They are highly specialized salmon hunters, particularly reliant on Chinook salmon. As salmon populations have declined, in part due to dam-building on spawning rivers, the whales have struggled to find enough food. 'In short, they are starving,' Croft said. By Will Dunham (Reporting by Will Dunham in Washington, Editing by Rosalba O'Brien)
