AI Detection Network Launched in San Francisco Bay to Protect Whales
SAN FRANCISCO (AP) – Amidst the bustling activity of ferries and cargo ships navigating the choppy waters of San Francisco Bay, a whale surfaced recently, just visible against the frothy waves. Until now, mariners may not have noticed whales nearby, but a new AI-driven detection network introduced this week aims to change that. It’s built to monitor whale activity around the clock.
Named WhaleSpotter, this system scans the bay continuously, identifying signs of whale strikes or thermal activity up to two nautical miles away. It promptly informs mariners to reduce speed or alter their pathways if a whale is detected in the vicinity.
“This allows them to adjust their approach well ahead of any potential danger,” explained Thomas Hall, who oversees operations for San Francisco Bay Ferry.
The initiative seeks to address the alarming rise in gray whale fatalities in the bay. Last year, 21 gray whale carcasses were found in the greater Bay Area, the highest count in a quarter-century, with at least 40% resulting from collisions with ships.
So far this year, 10 additional gray whales have been reported dead in the Bay Area. Researchers suggest that the actual numbers might be even higher, as many carcasses either sink or drift away before being reported.
Gray whales traditionally migrate along California’s coast, embarking on a long journey of around 12,000 miles between their breeding grounds in Mexico and feeding spots in the Arctic. Recently, however, a growing number of them seem to be veering into San Francisco Bay and lingering there for extended periods. Scientists suspect that climate change is influencing this behavior.
With warming ocean temperatures affecting Arctic sea ice, gray whales may find their food supply dwindling, leading to insufficient nutrition during migration. “It seems they’re starting their long journey at a disadvantage,” noted Rachel Rose from the Benioff Institute for Marine Science.
Real-Time Alerts for Navigators
This AI system provides near-instant alerts of potential whale sightings, confirmed by trained observers before being relayed to ferry operators and vessel traffic controllers. WhaleSpotter is already operational on various vessels and coastal facilities across the U.S., Canada, and Australia, but San Francisco Bay represents a unique integration of both land and ship-based detection systems.
Douglas McCauley, the director of the Benioff Institute, expressed relief and concern during the early testing phase: “I was honestly a little nervous because we suddenly became acutely aware of the whale activity in the area.” The system promises valuable data to enhance safety for both marine life and vessels.
One notable advantage of this technology is its ability to function continuously, even in low visibility or nighttime conditions—unlike human observers. Plans are underway to install additional cameras to expand monitoring throughout the bay.
Humpback Whales Threatened by Ocean Changes
Offshore, humpback whales are facing challenges due to a marine heatwave. Warmer waters are destroying the nutrient-rich environments crucial for animals like krill and anchovies, causing humpback whales to follow their prey nearer to the shores.
This overlap brings risks, especially with fishing gear that can entangle the migrating whales. As temperatures continue to rise, regulators have increasingly prohibited traditional fishing methods to minimize these interactions.
Gray whales face similar, but heightened, risks. Humpbacks are notoriously curious creatures, sometimes leading them into perilous encounters with fishing gear. If entangled, these whales can struggle with mobility, potentially resulting in starvation or infection.
In 2024, the West Coast recorded its highest number of confirmed entanglements in years, showcasing an urgent concern for marine life. Recent innovations, like ropeless crab traps, aim to reduce the threat posed to whales while allowing fishermen to continue their work.
As climate change reshapes marine environments, the interplay between whale migration, shipping routes, and fishing gear is expected to grow more complex. Caitlin Birch, a marine scientist from Oceana, emphasized the need for adaptive management strategies to safeguard both wildlife and fishing interests. “California is setting a precedent for whale-safe fishing techniques,” she added, hopeful that this model could inspire similar practices nationwide.
