Ocean Sounds
We see Marine Mammals through sounds and give them a voice
OUR MISSION
Ocean Sounds gives a voice to whales and dolphins by studying their vocal and social behaviour and monitoring the impacts of human activities, particularly ocean noise. Through research, conservation, and interactive science and art projects, we connect people to the whales and the underwater world to inspire a deeper understanding of marine ecosystems and our role in protecting them. Based in northern Norway since 2005, with projects in Germany, Chile, and Raja Ampat, Indonesia, we work to motivate more sustainable actions for the future of our whales and oceans.
Listen · Understand · Act · Protect
Did you see a whale?
What’s New
OUR PROJECTS
Norway
In 2005, founder Dr Heike Vester laid the foundations for Ocean Sounds in Henningsvær, a small fishing village in the Lofoten Islands in northern Norway.
The aim was to promote independent whale research and marine conservation through environmentally sustainable tourism, art and education.
In 2017, we established our base in Bodø, where we analyse data, organise art and education projects, and conduct research on whales and dolphins in the Vestfjord and the Lofoten Islands.
Germany
In Germany, we are making the most of the opportunity to reach a wide audience, far away from the whales.
To this end, we share the knowledge and discoveries we have gained from our fieldwork in Norway and Indonesia. Our aim is to bring people closer to life in the sea.
We want to bring the whales to the people, rather than the other way round.
Art & Science dissemination
Ocean Sounds is a place where science and art, and art and people, come together.
Through art, we aim to build a bridge between often difficult to access research findings and the public, thereby sparking interest and raising environmental awareness.
Learn more about our Art & Science Dissemination…
Indonesia
Since 2015 we have also been active in Raja Ampat (Indonesia). There, we have researched more than 18 different species of marine mammals and documented the impact of human activity. Together with the Polytechnic University in Sorong, we are actively working to protect the whales in the area.
Learn more about our work in Indonesia…