215 The lab maintains the publicly available model repository and GIS mapping tool for marine mammal density. Scientists and researchers can access this information to understand which areas are important to each species for feeding, giving birth, or another critical purpose. They can also use the tools to determine critical areas for multiple species by layering the data on combined density maps. These stacked maps show species diversity and help identify essential habitat areas for ocean conservation. Roberts is eager to take the next step in advancing the lab’s density models. “We’re moving to a system where all the data will flow continuously, and the model will update continuously. This is what we’re calling the ‘near real-time’ modeling system.” As visual, acoustic, and oceanographic data is recorded, a near real-time model will update predictions automatically. If the current model is like a yearly almanac, the near real-time models are like a 10-day weather forecast. “You can look at a radar map of where there are storms in your area,” said Roberts. “We want to do the same thing with right whales.” Each North Atlantic right whale has distinct facial markings that help identify them and track their movements. Safeguarding Habitats and Wildlife
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