Marine scientists in British Columbia are optimistic that adopting a new cooperative strategy for tracking whale sightings, similar to one implemented in California, could help mitigate the risk of whale collisions in their region. In the San Francisco Bay area, researchers, ferry operators, and the public have joined forces to monitor whale movements using a specialized camera system and a dedicated app.
The innovative WhaleSpotter cameras, contained within compact white boxes resembling microwaves, utilize thermal imaging technology to observe whale activities both day and night. These sightings are logged on a public app alongside observations made by individuals. According to Daniel Zitterbart, the lead scientist at WhaleSpotter, increasing surveillance on the water can enhance whale protection efforts.
While WhaleSpotter cameras have been deployed on Angel Island and San Francisco Bay Ferry vessels, in British Columbia, these cameras are stationed on land only, limiting their whale detection range to approximately two nautical miles. Tracking these marine mammals is crucial for understanding their migration routes and reducing the risk of vessel strikes, an issue that has gained significant attention in British Columbia due to several documented incidents in recent years.
In San Francisco Bay, the WhaleSpotter cameras are integrated with the Whale Safe app, enabling scientists, mariners, researchers, and the public to monitor whale sightings collectively. Douglas McCauley, the director of the Benioff Ocean Science Laboratory, emphasized the collaborative nature of this initiative, describing it as a community-driven public service resource.
While in British Columbia, only authorized commercial mariners have access to the WhaleSpotter camera data through the Ocean Wise whale report alert system, providing them with real-time information on whale presence. Thomas Hall from the San Francisco Bay Ferry expressed optimism that ferry-mounted cameras would allow for longitudinal tracking of whale behavior patterns. Zitterbart advocated for the implementation of similar camera systems on all B.C. Ferries routes to protect whales, particularly in humpback whale hotspots.
Efforts to enhance collaborative protection measures have intensified as maritime traffic has surged, and environmental changes have disrupted whale migration patterns. McCauley noted an increase in grey whale sightings in the San Francisco Bay, attributed to their search for new food sources during their northward journey. However, the Benioff Ocean Science Laboratory reported that 21 whales perished in the bay last year, with 40% of them showing signs of ship collisions.
Sean Brillant, a conservation biologist with the Canadian Wildlife Federation, emphasized the urgency of addressing vessel strikes as a significant threat to whales in Canada, calling for immediate action. He stressed the importance of cross-border cooperation and data sharing among various agencies to ensure the safety of these majestic marine creatures.