Marine scientists in British Columbia are optimistic about adopting a new cooperative strategy for whale surveillance inspired by a program in California. In San Francisco Bay, a joint effort involving scientists, ferry operators, and the public is underway to monitor whale activity using an innovative app and specialized cameras.
The WhaleSpotter cameras, concealed within small white boxes the size of microwaves, utilize thermal imaging to observe whale movements around the clock. These sightings are documented in a public app alongside human-reported sightings. Daniel Zitterbart, the chief scientist at WhaleSpotter, emphasized the importance of having more eyes on the water to enhance whale protection.
While some WhaleSpotter cameras have been deployed on Angel Island and San Francisco Bay Ferry vessels, British Columbia also has these cameras, but currently only on land. This limits their effectiveness in detecting whales, as the cameras have a range of approximately two nautical miles (3.7 kilometers).
Tracking marine mammals is crucial for understanding their migration routes and minimizing vessel strikes, a pressing issue in British Columbia. Recent years have witnessed several documented whale strikes in the region, including incidents involving humpback whales and an endangered orca from the J pod.
In San Francisco Bay, the cameras are linked to the Whale Safe app, allowing scientists, mariners, researchers, and the public to monitor whale sightings collaboratively. Douglas McCauley, the director of the Benioff Ocean Science Laboratory, highlighted the community-driven nature of this public service resource.
In British Columbia, only approved commercial mariners have access to the WhaleSpotter camera data through the Ocean Wise whale report alert system, which notifies them of nearby whales. Thomas Hall of the San Francisco Bay Ferry expressed optimism about using ferry-mounted cameras to study whale behavior and adapt routes accordingly over time.
Zitterbart advocated for expanding the use of such cameras on B.C. Ferries routes, particularly through humpback whale migration areas. B.C. Ferries is considering implementing detection devices on its northern route following a fatal humpback whale strike last fall.
Efforts for collaborative whale protection have gained momentum amid increased ship traffic and changing whale migration patterns due to climate change. In San Francisco Bay, researchers have observed more grey whales passing through in search of new food sources during their northward journey.
Vessel strikes pose a significant threat to whales in Canada, prompting calls for immediate action. Sean Brillant, a conservation biologist at the Canadian Wildlife Federation, stressed the need for global collaboration to safeguard whales from such risks.
Research by the Benioff Ocean Science Laboratory revealed that 21 whales died in the bay last year, with 40% showing signs of ship strikes. Brillant emphasized the importance of data sharing and cross-border cooperation in successful conservation efforts.
The initiative in San Francisco serves as a valuable learning experience for British Columbia as it explores ways to enhance whale detection and protection measures to mitigate the impact of vessel strikes on marine wildlife.