Today in our marine biology lecture, we'll discuss the migration patterns of the humpback whale. These whales travel up to 16,000 kilometers each year from cold feeding grounds to warm breeding waters. Interestingly, they navigate using the Earth's magnetic field, but recent studies show that ocean currents also play a key role. For example, a 2023 tracking project found that whales often take advantage of strong currents to save energy, reducing their travel time by up to 20%. However, this strategy can be risky if currents shift due to climate change, potentially leading them off course. So, while magnetic fields provide a general direction, currents refine their route.