After one of the deadliest migration seasons on record for grey whales in San Francisco Bay, scientists have launched a new AI-powered monitoring system designed to help protect the animals from ship strikes. Researchers found that nearly one in five grey whales identified in the bay died there, with vessel collisions responsible for around 40% of recorded deaths. The new system uses thermal cameras and artificial intelligence to detect whales’ heat signatures and exhaled “blows” in near real time. Whale sightings are then verified by marine mammal specialists and shared through the Whale Safe website to help guide vessel traffic safely around the animals. Scientists say Eastern Pacific grey whale populations have declined by more than 50% since 2016, with many whales arriving emaciated after disruptions to Arctic feeding grounds. Increasing numbers are now detouring into San Francisco Bay during their 12,000-mile migration between Alaska and Mexico, placing them in one of the busiest shipping areas on the US Pacific coast. Researchers hope the new technology will reduce collisions and improve protection during this critical migration period.
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