Scientists have launched an AI-powered detection system called WhaleSpotter in San Francisco Bay to prevent ship strikes on gray whales. The system uses thermal cameras to detect whale heat signatures up to 4 nautical miles away, alerting mariners to reroute or slow down when whales are nearby.
Key Takeaways
Scientists have launched an AI-powered system to track gray whales in San Francisco Bay and prevent ship strikes. The WhaleSpotter system uses thermal cameras to detect whale heat signatures up to 4 nautical miles away and alerts mariners to reroute or slow down.
- Gray whales are increasingly entering the bay due to climate change disrupting their food sources
- Ship strikes account for at least 40% of gray whale deaths in the bay, with 21 dead last year and seven so far this year
- The system integrates land-based and vessel-mounted detections with official mariner alerts, allowing near-real-time tracking
- Scientists hope to expand the network across the entire bay to protect whales and mariners
The initiative comes amid a rise in gray whale deaths due to collisions with ships. Last year, 21 dead gray whales were found in the Bay Area, with at least 40% killed by ship strikes, according to multiple reports. So far this year, seven gray whales have died during whale season, which peaks this month.
The increase in deaths is linked to climate change disrupting the food web gray whales rely on in the Arctic. As a result, more whales are entering San Francisco Bay in search of food, putting them at risk of collisions with ships and ferries. The WhaleSpotter system aims to address this issue by providing near-real-time tracking and alerts.
The first part of the whale-detection network was installed on Angel Island, with plans to expand it across the entire bay, including the Golden Gate Bridge and Alcatraz. Scientists hope that the system will not only save whales' lives but also help mariners avoid costly collisions.
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