Automating the Detection of Whales at Sea
A collaboration between Earth Ocean and Space, ArborCarbon and University of Sydney scientists and the NSW Smart Sensing Network, the project assessed the feasibility of an innovative system to automate real-time detection of whales onboard seismic survey ships. The team received $94,654 in the latest round of the federal government’s Business Research and Innovation Initiative (BRII) grants.
The Challenge
Currently the detection of whales at sea is reliant on highly trained onboard observers who are only able to survey during daylight hours.
Accurate detection of whales at night and under poor visibility is a key issue that is lacking a viable solution. Improving round-the-clock detection rates will minimise potential harm to whales from vessel sound and potential collision.
Evaluating the potential for scaling up of these integrated sensor systems places the group in a unique position to commercialise existing research and develop marine smart sensors for pre-emptive response.
The Solution
The BRII grant funding will be used to demonstrate the feasibility of translating leading edge research on thermal sensing, whale behaviour, machine learning and robotic engineering into tangible solutions for improving whale detection at sea and advancing Australian expertise and industry capabilities in these technologies. The project aims to develop a new and innovative technology that can be deployed on a vessel to provide automated and real-time detection of whales. This is of particular interest for use on seismic vessels which emit potentially harmful sounds into the ocean.
Learn more about the project, here.
Industry Partners
ArborCarbon, Earth Ocean and Space.
University Partners
