Hypotheses regarding exploitation of bubble acoustics by cetaceans

Bubbles are the most acoustically active naturally occurring entities in the ocean, and cetaceans are the most intelligent. Having evolved over tens of millions of years to cope with the underwater acoustic environment, cetaceans may have developed extraordinary techniques from which we could learn. This paper outlines some of the possible interactions, ranging from the exploitation of acoustics by humpback whales (Megaptera novaeangliae) in bubble nets to trap prey, to techniques by which coastal dolphins (e.g. of the genus Cephalorhynchus) could successfully echolocate in bubbly water (a hypothesis which has led to the development of a man-made sonar which can penetrate bubble clouds, and a range of possibilities for homeland security). ©2008 Acoustical Society of America