How scientists are using facial-recognition AI to track humpback whales

Humpback whales that spend their winters in Hawaii, like this mother and calf, have declined over the last decade. (Martin van Aswegen /Marine Mammal Research Program, University of Hawaii at Manoa, NMFS Permit No: 21476/21321)

After decades of whaling decimated their numbers, humpback whales have made a remarkable comeback. The 50-foot giants, known for their elaborate songs, have become common in parts of the Pacific Ocean they disappeared from.

Now, a new study finds that climate change could be slowing that recovery. Using artificial intelligence-powered image recognition, the survey finds the humpback population in the North Pacific Ocean declined 20% from 2012 to 2021.