New study explores threat to whales from ferry noise

What is it like for whales visiting San Francisco Bay? For one thing, scientists say, it’s very noisy.

Researchers have long known that ocean-going container ships cause underwater noise that can threaten marine mammals like whales. But researchers at San Francisco State University’s Estuary & Ocean Science Center in Tiburon have found that high-speed ferries and other smaller water craft that cross San Francisco Bay can be almost as noisy, creating a challenging environment for whales visiting the bay.

“We have to ask, what kind of an environment are we creating for these animals?” said Ellen Hines, a professor of geology and environment at San Francisco State who supervised the research. “It’s got to be both confusing and dangerous for them.”

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