upbeatBytes
NPR Science

Whales are showing up in San Francisco Bay. New ship alerts could help protect them

Gray whales are increasingly appearing in San Francisco Bay due to changing ocean conditions that reduce their food supply in Arctic waters. A new thermal camera system, combined with artificial intelligence and human verification, is being used to detect whales and alert ships to avoid collisions. This initiative aims to reduce the risk of ship strikes, which have caused several gray whale deaths this year. The effort reflects a growing response to the challenges posed by climate change and human activity on marine life.

What happened

Gray whales are increasingly appearing in San Francisco Bay, where they are at risk of being struck by ships.

Why it matters

A new camera and alert system is being used to help ships avoid whales, reducing the risk of deadly collisions.

Why it belongs here

This effort shows how technology and cooperation can help protect wildlife in busy human environments.

animalsenvironmentinnovationscience

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