A team of scientists deployed fiber-optic cables in the Salish Sea to create an underwater microphone system for monitoring orcas. This technology, called Distributed Acoustic Sensing (DAS), could transform existing cables into a vast listening network to gather data on orca behavior and conservation efforts. The endangered Southern Resident orcas face threats from noise pollution and food scarcity, making this research crucial for their survival. If successful, the project could provide real-time data to help protect these whales and enhance understanding of their communication and hunting patterns. Teljes cikk (Euronews.com)