Produced by: Manoj Kumar
In the Antarctic depths, a sound like a giant duck’s quack echoed, baffling humans since the 1960s. Dubbed the Bio-Duck, its origin sparked decades of mystery, hinting at something otherworldly beneath the waves.
Ocean scientist Ross Chapman revealed an intriguing discovery: Bio-Duck sounds were conversations. Speakers across vast distances took turns, suggesting a form of communication unseen in the ocean’s depths.
Chapman and his team, presenting at the 187th Meeting of the Acoustical Society of America, used early soundscape studies to map this mysterious noise, revolutionizing our understanding of underwater acoustics.
With less known about Earth’s oceans than Mars, mysteries like Bio-Duck endure. Recorded from Antarctic waters to Australia, this sound defies simple explanation, evoking the enigma of unexplored ocean life.
A breakthrough came in 2014: Antarctic minke whales were identified as Bio-Duck’s likely source. Yet, similar sounds across Australia and New Zealand raise questions—are they the sole origin?
Chapman recalls initial disbelief: the Bio-Duck’s mechanical precision made it hard to believe an animal was responsible. Yet, consistent recordings hinted at a living source communicating in rhythmic harmony.
What do these minke whale-like calls mean? Chapman theorizes it could be about dinner, parenting, or even curious observations of human ships—a mystery that persists.
The Bio-Duck’s cousin, the Bio-Goose, further mystifies researchers. Recorded since the 1980s, its high-frequency calls suggest an array of cetacean communication yet to be decoded.
Chapman’s work leaves us on the edge of discovery. With each call, the southern ocean whispers secrets of its inhabitants, waiting for future research to unravel their tales.