Researchers hope tracking zooplankton from space will help endangered whales
Scientists at the Bigelow Laboratory for Ocean Sciences in Maine are utilizing NASA satellite data in hopes of identifying Calanus finmarchicus, the primary food source of critically endangered North Atlantic right whales. These tiny zooplankton, smaller than a grain of rice, contain a reddish pigment that alters the spectrum of sunlight absorbed and reflected when congregated at the water’s surface. By detecting this color shift, researchers aim to track the movement of these zooplankton and, subsequently, predict the movement of North Atlantic right whales in the Gulf of Maine.
Catherine Mitchell, a senior research scientist at the Bigelow Laboratory and co-author of a recent study, emphasizes the importance of understanding the changing conditions in the Gulf of Maine. As the environment warms, the main food source for North Atlantic right whales may shift to a different location. By knowing the whales’ whereabouts, conservation efforts can be more effectively targeted.
With only about 370 North Atlantic right whales remaining, and a mere 70 breeding females, the urgency to protect them from vessel strikes and fishing gear entanglements is apparent. In response to 17 whale deaths in 2017, Canada has implemented fishing restrictions and vessel speed limits in certain areas to prevent further fatalities. Satellite data tracking zooplankton could aid in strategically implementing these protective measures.
The research team at the Bigelow Laboratory was inspired by a previous study in Norway to explore using satellite data to identify Calanus finmarchicus. By analyzing data dating back to 2003, they discovered patterns that extended beyond the expected zooplankton season, indicating the presence of other red-pigmented zooplankton. Rebekah Shunmugapandi, lead author of the study, is working to refine the method to pinpoint the specific species preferred by North Atlantic right whales.
The launch of NASA’s PACE satellite, equipped with an Ocean Color Instrument capable of detecting 280 wavelengths of light, presents new opportunities for researchers. This advanced technology could revolutionize the analysis of ocean color and enhance scientists’ ability to differentiate between various zooplankton species.
Catherine Johnson, a zooplankton ecology specialist at Fisheries and Oceans Canada, highlights the potential of remote sensing in studying zooplankton. While traditional sampling techniques are limited by space and time, remote sensing offers broader coverage and the potential to track dense aggregations near the surface. Mitchell and Shunmugapandi acknowledge that their work is just one piece of the puzzle in understanding the movement and behavior of North Atlantic right whales.
In conclusion, the integration of satellite data and advanced technology holds promise for conservation efforts aimed at protecting North Atlantic right whales. By accurately tracking zooplankton movements, researchers can better predict whale migration patterns and implement targeted conservation measures to safeguard this critically endangered species.
