Offshore thermal imaging whale detection test in Canadian waters
Abstract
This proposal addresses the immediate concern that ship-strikes can bring whale populations closer to extinction. This became particularly clear in 2017, when 17 of the ~470 remaining North Atlantic right whales died. At least 6 of these deaths are believed to be due to vessel collisions. This high death rate was declared as an unusual mortality event by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA, 2018). This event clearly shows the need for technologies that can help to mitigate ship-strikes. Currently, marine mammal detection is mainly achieved by human marine mammal observers which is not feasible for autonomous vessels. Furthermore, visual observations are only possible during daylight hours and require numerous observers to guarantee continuous observation; therefore, visual observers for mitigation purposes are only implemented on seismic and naval vessels. Autonomous vessels will soon become larger and more numerous, increasing the need for technologies that allow for the detection and avoidance of large whales. Thermal imaging systems have been increasingly tested during the last decade for their capability to detect and localize whales in real time. For thermal imaging systems to be effective, automatic detection of the whale signatures in the video feed is crucial. To achieve reliable detection during high seas and for fast vessels, a stabilized video feed is necessary. We are currently developing a stabilized, low-cost thermal imaging camera system for marine mammal detection. Here we propose to test and refine our latest system development, especially the stabilization performance, during two field experiments in 2020 and 2021.
Document Details
- Document Type
- DoD Grant Award
- Publication Date
- Aug 31, 2020
- Source ID
- N000142014001
Entities
People
- Daniel Paranhos Zitterbart
Organizations
- Office of Naval Research
- United States Navy
- Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution