Significance of whales?

Northern Atlantic humpback whales are Dr. Oliver Jones' first love. He built his career on the discovery that male humpback whales pass along songs from generation to generation. In San Diego, he studies Hawaiian and West Indian humpback whales. Because of Oliver's devotion to whales he neglects his family. In the end of the story he rescues a female humpback whale named Mable to gain media attention so he can plead for his wife to call. Just as the humpbacks sound to attract their family together, Oliver sounds out his cry over the airwaves for his family.