WHALE LIGHTHOUSE
Using AI to monitor and protect marine mammals
With many whale populations in extreme danger, events such as strandings and fishing bycatch are tragedies. There is so much more to understand about these creatures. Still, NAI is helping to create a marine mammal monitoring system. We use AI to detect, classify and track the calls of different marine mammals.
The challenge
Every year there are thousands of whale and dolphin strandings. These events put further pressure on already vulnerable populations. However, a lack of insight into when and why marine mammals strand means that responders start on the backfoot. If we understood whale behaviour better, humans could do much more to prevent or lessen the impact of these tragic events.
Our solution
NAI has researched a ‘Whale Lighthouse’ to monitor marine mammals in partnership with Canterbury University.
The ‘Whale Lighthouse” could consist of a network of custom-built hydrophones that detect, classify and monitor marine mammal calls using artificial intelligence.
AI in action
Ultimately, the network could provide deep insight into marine mammal location, population structure, calling behaviour and movements. The monitoring system has the potential to make a big difference in the conservation of marine mammals around the world:
Whale strandings can be predicted and/or prevented
Fishing vessels can monitor marine mammal movements to prevent bycatch
Data on individual marine mammals or distinct populations could be provided to conservation organisations
