Why microbes could prove critical to understanding whales’ future as Arctic sea ice recedes

Scientists are just beginning to learn about the microbiomes of whales. What they find could tell us a lot about whale's resilience in a changing Arctic.

As we drew closer to the massive humpback whale, I became painfully aware how small our inflatable motorboat actually was. I also realized I’d been unconsciously holding my breath and that conversation in the boat, aside from commands from our spotter, had long since faded. The whale scientist next to me raised a crossbow and I heard a soft click as the dart released and crossed the final 20 yards of open water between us and the whale.