New research provides detailed information about the feeding duration and behavior of two of the ocean’s largest animals: the blue whale and the fin whale. Both species are known to feed by lunging at dense aggregations of prey near the ocean surface.

During the austral summer of 2018, researchers attached satellite-linked tags to 20 blue whales and 15 fin whales near Antarctica. The tags provide information about the whales’ location, dive depth, and other behaviors.

The researchers compared whale feeding behavior between day and night. They also compared feeding behavior in different sea ice conditions, as sea ice can affect the distribution and abundance of whale prey.

The researchers found that both blue whales and fin whales feed for shorter durations during the day compared to the night. This is likely because the whales’ prey, krill and small fish, are more abundant and easier to find at night.

The researchers also found that the whales spent less time feeding in areas with more sea ice. This is likely because sea ice can make it difficult for the whales to find their prey.

This new information about the feeding behavior of blue whales and fin whales will help researchers better understand the ecology and conservation of these important species.

Key Findings:

* Blue whales and fin whales feed for shorter durations during the day compared to the night.

* The whales spend less time feeding in areas with more sea ice.

* This information will help researchers better understand the ecology and conservation of these important species.