Marine scientists in British Columbia are exploring a novel approach to whale monitoring inspired by a successful initiative in California. They believe that implementing a similar strategy could help mitigate whale strikes in their region.
In San Francisco Bay, a collaborative effort involving scientists, ferry operators, and the public is underway to track whale movements using an innovative app and specialized cameras. These WhaleSpotter cameras, compact units utilizing thermal imaging technology, are strategically positioned to observe whale activities around the clock. The data collected from these cameras, along with human sightings, is accessible through a public app.
Daniel Zitterbart, the lead scientist at WhaleSpotter, emphasized the significance of increasing surveillance to safeguard whales. Currently, these cameras are stationed on Angel Island and San Francisco Bay Ferry vessels. Conversely, in British Columbia, WhaleSpotter cameras are situated solely on land, limiting their range to about two nautical miles.
The monitoring of marine mammals is crucial for understanding their migration paths and preventing collisions with vessels, a growing concern in British Columbia. Recent incidents, such as documented whale strikes including a humpback whale in Wright Sound, a humpback calf hit by a Hullo Ferry, and the death of an endangered J pod orca in 2016, highlight the urgency of this issue.
In San Francisco Bay, the WhaleSpotter cameras are integrated with the Whale Safe app, enabling scientists, mariners, researchers, and the public to track whale sightings collaboratively. This collective effort aims to create a comprehensive public service resource, as stated by Douglas McCauley, Director of the Benioff Ocean Science Laboratory.
While in British Columbia, only authorized commercial mariners have access to the camera data through the Ocean Wise whale report alert system for safety reasons. Thomas Hall from San Francisco Bay Ferry expressed optimism that ferry-mounted cameras would provide insights into whale behavior patterns over time. Zitterbart advocated for the installation of similar cameras on all B.C. Ferries routes, particularly those traversing known humpback whale habitats.
The installation of detection devices on B.C. Ferries’ northern route, following a fatal humpback whale collision last fall, signifies a step towards enhanced whale protection measures. Calls for collaborative conservation efforts have intensified due to rising ship traffic and climate-induced changes affecting whale behavior.
In San Francisco Bay, researchers have observed an increased presence of grey whales seeking new food sources during their northward migration. Tragically, ship strikes have claimed the lives of 21 whales in the bay last year, with 40% showing signs of such collisions. Sean Brillant, a conservation biologist at the Canadian Wildlife Federation, stressed the urgency of addressing vessel strikes as a global issue requiring collective action and data sharing across borders.
Overall, the innovative whale monitoring approach in California serves as a valuable model for British Columbia, highlighting the importance of community engagement and technological solutions in safeguarding marine life.