Mapping ‘Whale Superhighways’ to Protect the Fertilizers of the Sea
Using satellite data, scientists plotted whales’ migratory routes to help the marine mammals avoid ship collisions and other threats.
Satellite tracking data shows that blue whales use the ocean off California like a Los Angeles freeway.
Source: Getty Images
Scientists for the first time have mapped the world’s “whale superhighways,” the migratory routes the giant marine mammals follow as they traverse the globe.
Analyzing data generated by satellite tags attached to more than 1,000 whales, researchers plotted the cetaceans’ movements through what they call “blue corridors.” That allows scientists to pinpoint where whales, many of them endangered, are likely to cross paths with ships, fishing gear, plastic pollution and other deadly threats, according to the report released on Feb. 17 by environmental group WWF.