Protecting Whales from Deadly Ship Strikes: Sea.AI’s Collaboration with European Partners

In the ongoing battle to safeguard whales from the perils of ship collisions, Sea.AI has joined forces with the Irish Whale and Dolphin Group (IWDG) and the University of La Laguna (ULL) to lend support to the European Union’s ATLANTIC WHALE DEAL project.

Whales are increasingly vulnerable to ship strikes in busy maritime corridors, prompting the formation of the ATLANTIC WHALE DEAL initiative. This collaborative effort brings together a diverse group of experts, including scientists, conservationists, and technology specialists from various European countries, all united in their mission to address this pressing issue.

Sea.AI is set to contribute its cutting-edge AI-powered machine vision technology to the project. This innovative system is designed to detect and classify objects on the water’s surface, with a specific focus on identifying surfacing whales. By leveraging this advanced technology, scientists from IWDG and ULL will be able to closely monitor whale activity, collect valuable data, and devise real-time strategies to mitigate the risk of ship strikes.

The machine vision system developed by Sea.AI serves as an invaluable tool in enhancing whale protection efforts. By promptly detecting surfacing whales and alerting navigators to their presence, this technology plays a crucial role in preventing potentially catastrophic ship collisions. Additionally, the system aids in the mapping of whale habitats and the identification of high-risk zones for ship strikes, further reinforcing the project’s conservation objectives.

Already, two successful scientific campaigns have been carried out as part of the ATLANTIC WHALE DEAL project, showcasing the tangible impact of this collaborative endeavor in safeguarding marine life.