The Santa Barbara Channel is a busy gateway-- for tourists heading to island parks, fishermen chasing the day's catch, and massive cargo ships ferrying goods along the coast. It's also home to some of California's oldest marine protected areas and a critical migratory path for endangered whales. But with as many as 20 ships passing through daily, those whales are at constant risk. Scientists estimate more than 80 are fatally struck by vessels off the West Coast each year. So what's being done to protect whales?

Reporter: Danielle Venton, KQED

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