San Francisco turns to AI to save whales from ship strikes as deaths soar (www.theguardian.com)

San Francisco has launched an AI-powered detection network called WhaleSpotter to protect gray whales from increasing ship strikes in the bay. This system constantly monitors whale blows and heat signatures up to two nautical miles away, providing real-time alerts to mariners, allowing them to adjust their speeds or routes in response to nearby whale sightings. The initiative comes as gray whale deaths have surged, with 21 reported in the Bay Area last year, largely due to collisions with vessels. This development is particularly critical as the gray whale population has halved in the last decade, now numbering around 13,000. The WhaleSpotter system integrates both terrestrial and vessel-mounted cameras, marking a significant advancement in marine monitoring technology. Unlike human observers, AI can operate continuously, even under challenging weather conditions, enhancing the detection and response capabilities in busy shipping lanes. This innovation not only aims to reduce whale fatalities but also supports marine conservation efforts by providing valuable data on whale activity in the region. As climate change alters migration patterns and increases overlap with shipping lanes, technologies like WhaleSpotter are essential for balancing marine wildlife protection with maritime operations.