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 Bodø but also internationally.
Our Goals & Projects
- 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. - 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.
- 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
- 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.
- Ocean Sounds Field work:
From May to September we conduct research trips in the Vestfjord, collecting data on marine mammals and other species. These are pure research trips and we do not take tourists on board. Our research focuses on monitoring, Photo-ID and bio-acoustics, with new investigations into genetics. We work closely with Nord University in Bodø and FAU in Erlangen. - Art happenings: in 2025 we continue our work on the Sea of Sounds project with Seanergy and Wevr. In collaboration with PartArt4OW, we will further develop our VR-experience, allowing users to fully immerse themselves in the underwater world from a whale’s perspective. The project also includes public workshops and a whale exhibition including bones, photographs and interpretive panels. There will be showcase events in Bodø and Barcelona in February 2026. Stay tuned for more info!
- Teaching of Marine Mammal Biology Courses at Nord University in Bodø are ongoing since spring 2025.
Marine Mammal Biology I – Introduction to the biology of whales seals and otters
Marine Mammal Biology II – Field course
Donations
for OSN
bank account: SWIFT/BIC for SpareBank 1 Nord-Norge SNOWNO22
IBAN-nummer NO1545093476364
or Vipps (Norge): 515623