Researchers detected a drop in blue whale songs off the coast of California following a marine heat wave.

A six-year study by the Monterey Bay Aquarium Research Institute (MBARI) showed songs detected were the lowest in 2015, following the climate event known as the "Blob."

Detection of whale songs has since increased, but blue whale songs remain notably lower than humpback whale songs detected, which the researchers believe indicate the species may be more vulnerable to ocean condition changes.

Newsweek has contacted the MBARI research team outside of regular working hours via email for comment.

Why It Matters

Whale songs provide key insight into ocean ecology and the health of whales, allowing scientists to make estimations on the prevalence of the species in certain areas, as well

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