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Could humpback whales be attempting to communicate with us? A recent study published in Marine Mammal Science suggests exactly that. Researchers from the SETI Institute and the University of California have recorded humpback whales producing bubble rings during voluntary and friendly encounters with humans. These actions of Whales appear intentional and communicative. These findings challenge our current understanding of animal intelligence and hint at an extraordinary form of interspecies interaction. The research provides convincing evidence that humpbacks are highly social and tool-using creatures but possibly eager to start contact with humans on their own terms.
How humpback whales are sending signals to humans
Scientists observed 12 different episodes where humpback whales produced a total of 39 bubble rings. Unlike their usual use of bubbles during coordinated hunting, used to trap fish, these rings were formed during non-aggressive, curious interactions with boats and swimmers. Researchers interpreting this as an intentional behaviour which is possibly akin to human gestures meant to initiate contact or play. The repeated use of this behaviour across different whale populations hints at a possible cultural or communicative significance rather than random coincidence.
Collaboration between SETI and University of California
This research was part of a wider effort by the SETI Institute that is known for the search for extraterrestrial intelligence, and the University of California to study non-human communication. SETI scientists are interested in the origins of intelligence, and believe understanding whale behaviour can offer insight into decoding unknown languages or signals from beyond Earth. They refer to these bubble ring events as “candidate signals,” a term also used to describe mysterious radio waves from space. This framing suggests a new frontier where terrestrial animal behaviour may guide inter behavioural exploration.
From random sounds to specific messages
Previous studies considered whale calls made during bubble feeding were mostly random, possibly just a way to keep the pod coordinated. But, the newer research shows certain vocalisations appear targeted and structured, resembling commands or responses. These specific calls are now believed to be more than instinct, they could be intentional signals. The parallels drawn between these whale behaviours and human attempts at speech offer fascinating insights into the cognitive worlds of marine mammals and their potential to share complex thoughts.
A new lens on intelligence
Humpback whales are already known for complex songs, acoustic variety, and cooperative social structures. But the idea that they may initiate communication with humans voluntarily opens up a new avenue in animal intelligence studies. According to marine biologist Dr. Fred Sharpe, these behaviors may reflect playful interaction, curiosity, or even an attempt to observe our responses, similar to how we study them. If true, these exchanges could represent a form of mutual curiosity between species separated by millions of years of evolution.
What does this means for science and beyond
The Whale SETI team hopes this research will pave the way for advanced AI tools to interpret both animal and cosmic communications. Understanding non-verbal signals from whales could enhance humanity’s ability to decipher potential extraterrestrial messages. As co-lead author Jodi Frediani says, this study blurs the line between earthly science and cosmic inquiry. If we can learn to understand whales then perhaps one day we’ll be ready to communicate with beings not of this world.
