Antarctic minke whale acoustic data

Acoustic signaling is the predominant form of communication among cetaceans. Understanding the behavioral state of calling individuals can provide insights into the specific function of sound production; in turn, this information can aid the evaluation of passive monitoring data sets to estimate species presence, density, and behavior. Antarctic minke whales are the most numerous baleen whale species in the Southern Ocean. However, our knowledge of their vocal behavior is limited. Utilizing the first animal-borne audio-video documentation of underwater behavior in this species, we characterize Antarctic minke whale sound production and evaluate the association between acoustic behavior, foraging behavior, diel patterns, and the presence of conspecifics. In addition to the previously described downsweep call, we find evidence of three novel calls not previously described in their vocal repertoire. Overall, these signals displayed peak frequencies between 200 and 280 Hz and ranged from 0.2 to 0.9 s on average (90% duration). Additionally, each of the four call types were associated with measured behavioral and environmental parameters. Our results represent a significant advancement in understanding of the life history of this species and improve our capacity to acoustically monitor minke whales in a rapidly changing Antarctic region.