Marine scientists in British Columbia are exploring a new strategy for monitoring whale movements inspired by a successful initiative in California. In San Francisco Bay, a collaboration between researchers, ferry operators, and the public is utilizing innovative technology, including an app and specialized cameras known as WhaleSpotter cameras.
These cameras, equipped with thermal imaging capabilities, are placed in compact white boxes and operate day and night to monitor whale activity. The data collected is shared on a public app, enhancing the overall surveillance effort. According to Daniel Zitterbart, the lead scientist at WhaleSpotter, increasing the number of surveillance points on the water can significantly contribute to whale protection.
While WhaleSpotter cameras are also present in British Columbia, they are currently limited to land installations, unlike in California where they are mounted on ferries. This limits the range of whale detection in B.C. waters to approximately two nautical miles. Tracking whales is crucial for understanding their migration routes and reducing the risk of vessel strikes, a growing concern in British Columbia.
In San Francisco Bay, Whale Safe, an app connected to the cameras, enables real-time tracking of whale sightings by scientists, mariners, researchers, and the public. Douglas McCauley, the director of Benioff Ocean Science Laboratory, emphasized the community-driven nature of this initiative, underscoring its significance as a shared public resource.
In British Columbia, only approved commercial mariners have access to the WhaleSpotter camera data through the Ocean Wise whale report alert system to ensure whale presence awareness. Thomas Hall from San Francisco Bay Ferry highlighted the potential benefits of ferry-mounted cameras in monitoring whale behavior and establishing patterns over time to adjust ferry routes accordingly.
Zitterbart expressed a desire for B.C. Ferries to adopt a similar approach, emphasizing the importance of installing cameras on all ferry routes to protect whales effectively. B.C. Ferries is considering deploying detection devices on its northern route following a fatal humpback whale strike last fall.
As concerns over whale safety grow due to increased ship traffic and climate change impacts, collaborative efforts are essential. In San Francisco Bay, researchers have observed more grey whales passing through the area in search of new food sources. Efforts to mitigate vessel strikes are crucial, as evidenced by the high mortality rate attributed to ship strikes in the bay.
Canadian Wildlife Federation biologist Sean Brillant emphasized the urgency of addressing vessel strikes as a significant threat to whales in Canada and globally. He stressed the importance of data-sharing and collaborative conservation initiatives across agencies and borders to safeguard whale populations.