Ship strikes are the leading cause of death for gray whales in San Francisco Bay, with 40% of last year's deaths attributed to vessel collisions. Climate change is driving more whales into the bay, increasing the risk. A new system uses AI and thermal cameras to detect whales from up to four nautical miles away, relaying their locations to ships and the Coast Guard via the Whale Safe website.
Developed by WhaleSpotter and integrated by UC Santa Barbara's Benioff Ocean Science Laboratory, the technology aims to reduce whale fatalities. Initial camera installations are on Angel Island and will be on an SF Bay Ferry vessel, with plans to expand coverage throughout the bay. This initiative, supported by legislation for a "whale desk" in the Coast Guard, represents a critical step in conserving the critically endangered Eastern North Pacific gray whale population.
