A new study, published in the Royal Society Open Science journal has used satellite tracking tags to study the novel migratory patterns of endangered South Pacific humpback whales (Megaptera novaeangliae). Among the unexpected findings is the fact that the whales spend time “hanging out” around seamounts during their migrations.

The paper hypothesises that the: “use of seamounts on migratory routes suggests that they play multiple roles as resting areas, navigational landmarks or even supplemental feeding areas for migrating humpback whales.” (Image from Shutterstock)