Ocean Sounds

in Norway

Ocean Sounds Norway is operating in an northern Norwegian town called Bodo. It is located within the Arctic and embrasses the southern part of the Vestfjord, looking over to the Lofoten islands.

Ocean Sounds Norway


about

Head researcher Heike Vester has been studying whales in the Lofoten area since 2003 and founded Ocean Sounds in August 2005 with the purpose of combining research with education and art.

Since 2003 we have identified over 14 species of marine mammals. Some of them are local species that live here all year round, such as the harbour porpoise or the European otter, or species that come regularly throughout the year, such as the long-finned pilot whale or killer whales. We also have summer guest on their long migration route from the equator to the Arctic, such as minke whales, humpback- and fin whales or male sperm whales.

Our research, art and education projects range from simple year round monitoring field work (including Photo-ID) to seasonal more specific projects such as social and vocal behaviour of whales and dolphins. Educational programmes include school lectures and workshops. Art collaborations with local artists in Bodo but also internationally.

Our Goals & Projects in Norway:

  1. Conservation of Whales & Dolphins in the Vestfjord
    Monitoring Whales & Dolphins in the Vestfjord from Lofoten to Bodo, and educating people about the impacts of underwater noise and climate change.
  2. Long-term monitoring of all marine mammals in the Vesfjord since 2003; we create baseline data to monitor changes in whale abundance and behavior due man-made impacts.
  3. Study the vocal & social behavior of long-finned pilot whales, Atlantic white sided dolphins and killer whales since 2003 to present the nature of these highly developed and intelligent animals and help stop whaling, captivity and other disturbing human impacts such as harrassment from whale watchers
  4. Research on vocal communication of killer whales and long-finned pilot whales was compiled in the doctoral thesis of Heike Vester in 2017.
    Vocal behaviour of Atlantic white sided dolphins was studied by Ellyne Hamran and Felipe Matos created an overview of our monitoring field trips.
    This work builds the foundation of our future research.

Past Projects

  1. Information center 2006-2014 with exhibitions, lectures and discussions – closed!
  2. Marine wildlife tours, combining research and tourism 2006-2010 – ended!
  3. Art happenings: Whale festival 2011, many different smaller project with artists
  4. Teaching Marine Mammal Biology and supervising Master thesis at Nord University in Bodo, Norway
  5. Research project on long-finned pilot whales in cooperation with Charlotte Cure and Patrick Miller, SMRU, St. Andrews, UK.

Donations

for OSN

bank account: SWIFT/BIC for SpareBank 1 Nord-Norge SNOWNO22
IBAN-nummer NO1545093476364
or Vipps (Norge): 515623

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