Improving satellites offer new tool for Canada’s whale scientists

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, 2022-12-06 02:04:39,

The rapid advance of very-high-resolution satellite imagery are providing conservationists with opportunities to locate, count and monitor wildlife from space

Local Journalism Initiative

Rochelle Baker

Publishing date:

Dec 05, 2022 • 2 hours ago • 5 minute read

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Pacific Coast researchers are keen to use satellites to study endangered ocean species such as the basking shark, says Rebecca Martone, of the NE Pacific Ocean Decade Collaborative Centre. Photo by Ocean Decade Collaborative Centre /Local Journalism Initiative

Scientists on Canada’s coasts are exploring the use of satellites to monitor whales and other ocean “megafauna” to better protect at-risk ocean species.

The rapid advance of very-high-resolution satellite imagery and dropping costs are providing conservationists with opportunities to locate, count and monitor wildlife and their critical habitat from space. The technique is especially helpful in remote areas or expanses of ocean that are difficult for scientists to access.