June 1, 2026 — Researchers at the Santa Barbara, California, U.S.A.-based Benioff Ocean Science Lab helped develop an AI-powered thermal camera that can detect grey whales, and scientists are using the technology to reduce the risk of vessel strikes in San Francisco Bay.
The forward-looking infrared (FLIR) cameras use AI-powered technology developed by WhaleSpotter that detects the heat signature of warm-blooded whale blows at all hours of the day up to 4 nautical miles out, according to a release. The project was a collaboration between the Benioff Ocean Science Lab, the U.S. Coast Guard’s Vessel Traffic Service, and whale experts at the Marine Mammal Center.