Porpoise-ful AI: Google’s DolphinGemma aims to decode dolphin language using 40 years of recordings

Google‘s collaboration with the Wild Dolphin Project marks a significant step toward understanding dolphin communication using AI. Researchers believe decoding the complex vocalizations of dolphins—widely considered among Earth’s most intelligent animals—could determine whether these marine mammals possess language capabilities. This partnership leverages decades of underwater recordings and Google’s AI expertise to potentially bridge the communication gap between humans and dolphins.

The big picture: Google is applying its open AI technology to help decode dolphin communication patterns that scientists have been studying for nearly four decades.

• The Wild Dolphin Project (WDP) has been non-invasively studying a specific community of Atlantic spotted dolphins since 1985, creating extensive audio recordings and behavioral notes.
• Understanding dolphin vocalizations could answer fundamental questions about animal intelligence and communication capabilities.

Key details: The initiative centers around a new AI model called DolphinGemma, built specifically to analyze dolphin communication patterns.

• The model is based on Google’s Gemma open AI architecture and uses SoundStream audio technology to tokenize dolphin vocalizations.
• DolphinGemma consists of approximately 400 million parameters and will be released as an open access project this summer.

What researchers know: Scientists have already identified specific vocal patterns associated with particular dolphin behaviors.

• Atlantic spotted dolphins use “signature whistles” that function similarly to names, allowing specific individuals to locate each other.
• They consistently produce “squawk” sound patterns during confrontations or fights.

What they’re saying: WDP researchers emphasize the ambitious nature of their goal to determine if dolphin communication constitutes language.

• “We do not know if animals have words,” states WDP’s Denise Herzing, highlighting the fundamental question driving their research.
• The ultimate aspiration is to “speak dolphin,” if such a language system exists.

Behind the research: The DolphinGemma model was trained using the WDP’s extensive acoustic archive, representing a novel application of AI in animal communication studies.