Whale Detection

Whale detection technology is a growing field that combines marine biology, acoustics, artificial intelligence, and sometimes satellite imagery to locate and track whales in order to protect them from human threats — especially ship strikes, fishing gear entanglement, and noise pollution.

Here’s an overview of the main approaches and tools being used today:

—

1. Acoustic Monitoring (Listening for Whales)

Whales produce distinctive sounds — from low-frequency moans of blue whales to complex songs of humpbacks. Acoustic detection systems use underwater microphones (hydrophones) to pick up these calls.

• Passive Acoustic Monitoring (PAM):

  Just listens — doesn’t emit any sound. Data can be recorded for later analysis or processed in real time.

  Example: The U.S. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) uses fixed hydrophone arrays to detect right whale calls.

• Towed Hydrophones:

  Arrays dragged behind ships to detect whales along a route. Often used in research or by the Navy.

• Autonomous Systems:

  Underwater drones or buoy-mounted hydrophones can relay real-time whale call detections to ships via satellite.

2. AI-Driven Real-Time Detection

Machine learning models can identify specific whale species by their unique acoustic “fingerprints” or by analyzing surface imagery.

• Examples:
  • Whale Safe (used off the California coast) combines AI, real-time acoustics, and ship tracking data to alert vessels of nearby whales.
  • Glider-based detection — autonomous underwater vehicles with onboard AI process whale calls and send alerts.

3. Aerial and Satellite Monitoring

Some whales are easier to detect visually from above.

• Drones:

  Unmanned aerial vehicles can scan shipping lanes for whales, especially in areas where acoustic detection is difficult.

• Satellite Imaging:

  High-resolution satellites can spot whales near the surface.

  Pros: Covers vast areas.

  Cons: Works only when whales are at or near the surface and in clear weather.

4. Ship-Mounted Detection Systems

Ships themselves can be equipped with:

• Forward-Looking Infrared (FLIR) Cameras: Detect whale blows or bodies at the surface based on temperature differences.
• Radar Adaptations: While whales are poor radar targets, some systems can detect splashes or the vertical spout.
• Real-Time Acoustic Listening Systems: Microphones attached to the hull feed detections to the bridge.

5. Tagging & Telemetry

Though less about “detecting unknown whales” and more about monitoring known individuals:

• Tags (suction-cup or temporary implants) record depth, movement, and location.
• Data helps calibrate detection models and better understand whale behavior.

6. Integrated Whale Alert Systems

The most effective modern systems merge multiple technologies:

• Acoustic detection for whales underwater.
• Visual spotting via drones or satellites.
• Ship AIS (Automatic Identification System) integration so vessels can be automatically alerted to whales in their path.

Challenges:

• Whales may remain silent for long periods (especially when feeding or resting).
• Large ocean areas make continuous monitoring expensive.
• Surface detection can be hindered by rough seas or fog.
• Acoustic detection may be less effective in noisy shipping lanes.

Why it Matters:

Ship strikes are one of the leading causes of death for endangered whales like the North Atlantic right whale. Whale detection tech is essentially a conservation tool aimed at giving ships enough warning to slow down or reroute — and giving scientists better population and migration data.