In the vast waters of Southeast Alaska, a remarkable discovery has reignited hope for marine scientists. Old Timer, a humpback whale first spotted in 1972, has been sighted again at the impressive age of at least 53 years old.
Dr. Adam A. Pack, a researcher from the University of Hawai’i at Hilo, recently photographed Old Timer in Alaska’s Frederick Sound. He recognized the whale by its unique tail pattern – a feature as distinctive as a human fingerprint.
This sighting is particularly significant given recent challenges faced by humpback whales. A severe marine heat wave from 2014 to 2016 drastically reduced their food supply, causing a sharp decline in whale populations. The Hawaii humpback population, to which Old Timer belongs, saw a 34% drop between 2013 and 2021.
Old Timer’s survival through these harsh conditions has puzzled scientists. Dr. Pack speculates that the whale’s age and experience might have played a role in its resilience. “It’s possible that Old Timer’s been around enough to be adaptable when certain food resources are limited,” he suggests.
To aid in future research, scientists are now turning to artificial intelligence. A platform called Happywhale uses AI to match whale photos, allowing researchers to track individual whales more efficiently. With over 1.1 million images in its database, Happywhale is revolutionizing whale research.
As climate change continues to threaten marine ecosystems, the story of Old Timer offers a glimmer of hope. Scientists hope that by studying resilient whales like Old Timer, they can better understand how to protect these magnificent creatures in an uncertain future.