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"Fiber-Optic Cables Launched in Salish Waters to Protect Endangered Orcas"
Scientists in San Juan Island launched over a mile of fiber-optic cable into the Salish Sea, aiming to protect endangered orcas by creating a hydrophone to monitor their communications.
- On San Juan Island, researchers deployed more than a mile of fiber-optic cable into the Salish Sea to monitor the sounds of orcas, an endangered species.
- The project aims to utilize the fiber-optic cable as a hydrophone, effectively transforming it into an underwater microphone to capture whale communications.
- This initiative highlights the intersection of technology and conservation biology, using internet technology to aid in the protection of vulnerable marine life in the seabed.
Why It Matters
This innovative use of fiber-optic cable for monitoring orca communications underscores the urgent need for conservation efforts in the Salish Sea, home to endangered species. By understanding orca behaviors, scientists can better advocate for their protection and preservation.