# @ucsantabarbara on Instagram

- **Type:** Image
- **Original URL:** https://www.instagram.com/p/DYibRj-DPQM
- **Gondola URL:** https://gondola.cc/posts/65808049-ucsantabarbara-instagram
- **Thumbnail:** https://img.gondola.cc/tr:w-,h-,fo-auto/postThumbnails/782e63d464.jpg
- **Posted:** 2026-05-19T23:00:59.000+00:00
- **Account Owner:** UC Santa Barbara (@ucsantabarbara) — https://gondola.cc/ucsantabarbara

## Caption

Researchers from #UCSB's benioffoceansciencelab have unveiled new technology in their ongoing efforts to prevent whales and oceangoing vessels from colliding in and near the busy San Francisco Bay 🐋

Designed by BOSL researchers in collaboration with the U.S. Coast Guard’s Vessel Traffic Service, and whale experts at The Marine Mammal Center, the system employs thermal cameras coupled with AI-powered detection technology developed by WhaleSpotter. Once whales are spotted, UCSB scientists map out the detections on the Whale Safe website.

“We’re relieved to have these cameras going live during this critical moment in the gray whale season,” said BOSL scientist Rachel Rhodes, who is leading the project. "Last year was one of the deadliest on record for gray whales in the bay, with 21 dead and seven more have already died this year."

“It is heartbreaking to see these starving whales stumbling around in the middle of the hustle and bustle of San Francisco Bay,” said BOSL director, Professor Douglas McCauley. “Every day is a nailbiter...This new system will save whales’ lives."

Full story at the link in bio 🗺️

#UCSantaBarbara #WhaleSafe #BenioffOceanScienceLaboratory

Image credits:
Photos 1 & 3: Darrin Allen © themarinemammalcenter, NOAA Permit #26532

Image descriptions: 
1. Gray whale spouting water in San Francisco Bay with city skyline in background, highlighting UCSB research efforts.
2. Weather monitoring equipment installed on a coastal platform with hills and blue sky in the background.
3. A gray whale's tail fin rises above the ocean surface with a city skyline in the background.
4. Technician in safety gear working atop a tall monitoring tower by the coast.

## Stats

- **Views:** 0
- **Likes:** 2,614
- **Shares:** 0
- **Comments:** 20

## Tags

ucsb, whalesafe, 26532, ucsantabarbara, benioffoceansciencelaboratory

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