Actual distance travelled by migrating whales drastically underestimated

by Carley Rosengreen, Griffith University
August 1, 2025

Whales are swimming further than previously estimated – up to 20 per cent more – according to a new study published in Ecology.  

Co-authored by Griffith University’s Dr Olaf Meynecke, the study reveals traditional methods for calculating animal movement may be drastically underestimating the actual distance travelled, particularly for marine species such as whales. 

“For years, we’ve tracked whales using satellite tags, plotting their movements across oceans,” Dr Meynecke said.  

“But this research shows we’ve been looking at only part of the picture.” 

Keep reading: https://news.griffith.edu.au/2025/08/01/actual-distance-travelled-by-migrating-whales-drastically-underestimated/

Read the Ecology paper: https://esajournals.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1002/ecy.70167