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A new study reveals how the hidden distribution of deep-sea prey influences the hunting strategies of whales and dolphins. Using environmental DNA (eDNA) and underwater acoustics, scientists mapped fish and squid communities hunted by three cetacean species: 𝗥𝗶𝘀𝘀𝗼’𝘀 𝗱𝗼𝗹𝗽𝗵𝗶𝗻𝘀, 𝗦𝗼𝘄𝗲𝗿𝗯𝘆’𝘀 𝗯𝗲𝗮𝗸𝗲𝗱 𝘄𝗵𝗮𝗹𝗲𝘀,, and 𝗚𝗼𝗼𝘀𝗲-𝗯𝗲𝗮𝗸𝗲𝗱 𝘄𝗵𝗮𝗹𝗲𝘀.

Researchers found that offshore waters contained far denser prey layers than coastal areas, while prey diversity remained high across all zones. Goose-beaked whales were often found in offshore deep-water habitats with low prey density but high species richness, suggesting they may target fewer but larger, energy-rich prey such as squid.

These findings reveal how ocean depth and habitat complexity help whales share the same ecosystem.

Read more here: Merten, V., M. Guilpin, J. M. Parker, et al. 2026. “ The Deep-Sea Preyscapes of Mammalian Top Predators.” Environmental DNA 8, no. 3: e70296. https://doi.org/10.1002/edn3.70296.