A new global map of whale migrations is giving boaters, scientists and policymakers a look at the underwater “superhighways” whales use to migrate across the globe. The map draws from more than 30 years of satellite-tag data from some 1,400 animals, and highlights where human activity intersects with these routes. The information could prove vital for protecting whales.
According to reporting by Anna Fitzgerald Guth for sfgate.com, the digital tool, hosted at BlueCorridors.org, displays the travels of major species—including blues, bowheads, fins, grays, humpbacks, sperms and rights—and overlays potential threats, such as vessel strikes, overfishing, oil and gas extraction and rising sea-surface temperatures. Users can also see existing protections and gaps where more action is needed
Whale advocates underscore the urgency for this type of tool. In California’s waters, for instance, at least 25 whales have died in Bay Area waters alone in the past year—the highest local toll in a quarter-century. Blunt-force trauma from ship strikes, malnutrition and entanglements remain the leading causes of death for whales examined along the California coast and Hawaii. With shipping lanes and feeding areas converging, San Francisco Bay is a dangerous stopover
Ari Friedlaender, a UC Santa Cruz ecologist who tagged many of the whales featured on the new map, says he hopes the new platform “demystifies” the data for anyone concerned about ocean wildlife. “It’s great if it also brings people closer to the animals, helping foster empathy and responsibility,” he said
California lawmakers are now considering expanding the voluntary Blue Whales and Blue Skies ship-speed reduction program statewide. That initiative, combined with the map data, could guide smarter routing and speed management to reduce collisions with whales.
“Whales don’t know borders,” said Kathi George of the Marine Mammal Center. “Blue Corridors is an exciting step forward in how we understand and protect them throughout their entire migratory pathway.”
