As the frequency of gray whale sightings increases in San Francisco Bay, a new system has begun testing to protect them. The goal is to prevent collisions between whales, which stay longer in the bay searching for food, and the heavy marine traffic.
Experts say gray whales are now visiting San Francisco Bay more often during their long migrations between Mexico and Alaska. This is attributed to changing ocean conditions in Arctic waters and the decline of their usual food sources.
This year, 16 gray whales were seen in the bay, seven of which died. Researchers found signs consistent with ship strikes on some of the deceased whales. It was also reported that several other whales were killed by ships during the year.
Heat-Sensing Cameras in Operation
In the new system, a thermal camera placed on an island in the bay detects the heat generated when whales exhale. Potential whale images are first processed by artificial intelligence and then verified by human teams.
The confirmed location data is then transmitted to the U.S. Coast Guard, which relays the information to ships and boats via radio, alerting them to the presence of whales in the area.
The system aims to detect whales even during nighttime. Previous alerts mostly relied on visual reports from boats during daylight hours.
The camera system, established by the company WhaleSpotter, is installed on a tower in the middle of San Francisco Bay. Another camera has been mounted on a local ferry.
Heavy Marine Traffic Increases Risk
San Francisco Bay is a busy waterway used continuously by ferries, container ships, and other vessels. The longer whales remain in the bay, the more they face the danger posed by this heavy traffic.
Ferry operators reportedly reduce speed in some areas or navigate around zones where whales are spotted. However, large container ships have much less room to maneuver, increasing the risk.
The system is currently voluntary. Still, some researchers believe that voluntary speed limits in maritime transport have been largely effective and that a similar approach could work here as well.
Decline in Whale Population Raises Concern
The gray whale population in the North Pacific is estimated at about 13,000, roughly half of what it was a decade ago. Last year, 22 gray whales died around San Francisco Bay, marking the highest number in 25 years.
Experts note that changing climate conditions are also affecting whale migration routes. The retreat of Arctic ice reduces the availability of small crustaceans that gray whales feed on.
Scientists remind that whales need to consume over a ton of food daily to complete their migration. As feeding conditions become more difficult, whales are stopping in different areas along their route to search for food, with San Francisco Bay becoming one such stop.
Examinations along Angel Island’s shore revealed remains of three gray whales that died in the bay this year. Experts emphasize that each whale now holds greater significance for the species’ future.
Gray whales undertake one of the longest migrations among marine mammals, traveling about 12,000 miles round trip annually. They feed in the Arctic during summer and migrate to Baja California, Mexico, to give birth in winter.
