Satellite-based remote sensing can enable cost-effective conservation of Eastern North Pacific blue whales: A value of information analysis

Abstract

We estimate the economic value of satellite-based remote sensing for prospective regulation of marine shipping to conserve Eastern North Pacific blue whales in the Exclusive Economic Zone of the United States. Outcomes are driven by application of two data products that can be used to inform the location and timing of vessel speed reductions to limit ship strikes. In the reference case, vessel speed limits are determined using species distribution data from shipboard surveys. In the counterfactual case, speed limits are determined using species distributions predicted by WhaleWatch, a data product incorporating information from several remote sensing technologies. We define the economic value of the remotely sensed information as the cost savings to vessel operators when ocean managers choose vessel speed reductions using the remotely sensed information rather than information based on shipboard surveys. We develop a decision model and an economic framework that allows for estimation of these vessel compliance costs under the two information cases. Using this model and framework, we estimate that the potential annual value of WhaleWatch information ranges between $11 and $636 million (in 2023 USD), depending on the conservation goal that ocean managers seek to achieve. The economic value of the remotely sensed information increases as ocean managers seek to conserve more blue whales and avert more ship strikes.