The Wazoku Challenge of Marine Mammals Detection

The U.S. Navy, in collaboration with conservation organisations 401 Tech Bridge, Maritime Blue, and Quiet Sound, launched an international Wazoku challenge to develop technological solutions for the automatic detection of Southern Resident killer whales (SRKW) and North Atlantic right whales (NARW) in the northwestern Pacific Ocean and the northeastern United States.

Southern Resident killer whales (SRKW) are the smallest of the four distinct communities of fish-eating orca ecotypes in the North Pacific Ocean. As of July 2022, the annual census conducted by the Center for Whale Research reported only 74 individuals remaining.

North Atlantic right whales (NARW) are one of the three most endangered whale species. They are protected under the U.S. Endangered Species Act, the Marine Mammal Protection Act, and Canada’s Species at Risk Act. As of October 2020, fewer than 370 individuals were estimated to remain in the western North Atlantic Ocean. Their migration routes pass through areas with heavy shipping traffic, resulting in high mortality rates due to vessel strikes and entanglement in fixed fishing gear.

We, Sea to Shore Systems, and Open Ocean Robotics were awarded a significant portion of the challenge prize, sharing $20,500 in recognition of their proposed solution. Our submission was declared one of the winning proposals, and our proposal was selected to be developed and implemented, contributing to the protection and recovery of these critically endangered whale populations.

THE PROBLEM

The designated areas of the northwestern Pacific Ocean and the northeastern United States face the challenge of balancing the protection of two critically endangered whale populations with increasing marine traffic density. Historically, visual observations have been used to mitigate this trade-off. However, these optical methods are no longer effective due to the operational needs of uncrewed vessels, particularly during inclement weather and nighttime activity.

The challenge sought innovative solutions beyond visual monitoring to track marine mammal populations in these regions. Specifically, it called for a hardware and communication system capable of detecting Southern Resident killer whales (SRKW) and North Atlantic right whales (NARW), addressing both environmental and logistical constraints.

THE SOLUTION

In collaboration with Sea to Shore Systems and Open Ocean Robotics, we submitted a detailed proposal to the challenge. Our solution integrated hydrophones and above-water cameras for the automated detection of whales.

What set our approach apart was the novel integration of proven technologies from the three organisations (Sea to Shore Systems, Open Ocean Robotics, and Deep Voice). This collaboration resulted in a flexible vessel strike warning system that provides extensive area coverage 24/7. The system significantly reduces labour and operational costs while offering an effective means of protecting endangered whale populations.

THE PROJECT’S TEAM

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