Gray Whales in Peril: New Tech Aims to Prevent Ship Strikes in San Francisco Bay
Gray whales are appearing more frequently in San Francisco Bay, where they now stop to feed during their long migration from Mexico to Alaska.
Climate change has reduced their food supply in Arctic waters, prompting them to seek alternative feeding grounds.
However, the bay is a busy waterway, and ship strikes have become a deadly threat. Of 16 gray whales observed in the bay this year, seven died; evidence indicates some were killed by ships.
A New Alert System
A coalition of marine scientists and local officials has deployed a thermal camera on an island in the bay to detect whale exhalations. The camera identifies potential whale sightings, which are confirmed by artificial intelligence and human screeners. The U.S. Coast Guard then alerts vessels to whale locations. The system also includes a camera on a ferry.
A Troubling Decline
The gray whale population in the North Pacific has declined to about 13,000—half of its size a decade ago. Last year, 22 gray whales died in the larger San Francisco Bay Area, the highest number in 25 years. Researchers attribute some deaths to malnutrition, as shrinking Arctic sea ice reduces prey availability.
Voluntary, but Vital
The new alert system aims to reduce ship strikes and is currently voluntary for vessels.