Identifying oceanographic drivers of humpback whale (Megaptera novaeangliae) habitat use and hotspots of large vessel ship-strike risk in the Salish Sea

Led by Jennifer Tennessen, University of Washington; Amy Van Cise, University of Washington School of Aquatic and Fishery Sciences; Christie McMillan, Fisheries and Oceans Canada; Tasli Shaw, Humpback Whales of the Salish Sea; and John Calambokidis, Cascadia Research Collective 

The Salish Sea is a Biologically Important Feeding Area for Endangered humpback whales who face a rapidly increasing risk of large vessel ship strike. This project will conduct humpback whale surveys and combine data from sightings, surveys, and biologging tags to identify the oceanographic factors that influence where whales spend their time. The team will then compare those patterns with vessel traffic data to identify ship-strike hotspots where management measures, such as vessel slowdowns, could directly reduce risk. The project will also help build capacity for real-time, public-facing ship-strike risk forecasting.