Majestic creatures: Scientists are using drones to take breath samples from the blowholes of humpback whales in Cape Cod to assess their health. Photo: Reuters
BOSTON: Researchers at the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institute in Cape Cod have begun using a helicopter-style drone to monitor humpback whales off the coast, collecting breath samples from their blowholes and taking aerial pictures.
The scientists first deployed the 32in "hexacopter" drone in July to help assess the health of whales living in the Stellwagen Bank National Marine Sanctuary, about 45 miles (72km) east of Boston, where there is significant ship traffic and pollution, Woods Hole said in a press release.
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