Vessel strikes are a significant cause of injury and death for marine animals, particularly whales. To address this growing issue, WHOI researchers have developed a cutting-edge Whale Detection Camera (WDC) system.
Using a highly stabilized thermal imaging camera and AI to filter out non-whale objects such as boats and birds, the system can detect whales and dolphins up to several kilometers away, sending an alert within 15 seconds to the ship’s crew, who can then maneuver the vessel to avoid a collision. (Image credit: Natalie Renier, ©Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution / courtesy of WHOI via email)
These ship-mounted thermal imaging cameras identify whale exhalations and bodies, providing real-time alerts to vessel crews. This system enables captains to adjust course or reduce speed, significantly reducing the likelihood of collisions.
WHOI, in collaboration with Hawaii-based Matson Navigation Company, has tested the technology aboard three of Matson’s commercial vessels. Matson contributed $1 million to support the research and development of this innovative system.
How the system works
The WDC system uses highly stabilized thermal infrared cameras to monitor the ocean surface for thermal signatures of whale blows. Artificial intelligence processes these signals, filtering out non-whale objects such as boats and birds. When a probable whale detection occurs, an alert is sent to a human operator for verification within 15 seconds and then transmitted to the ship's captain. This human-in-the-loop process avoids false alarms, ensuring trust in the technology.
“A highly stabilized thermal imaging camera is mounted on a ship and monitors the surface of the water for whale surfacings and exhalations, or blows,” said Daniel Zitterbart, WHOI Associate Scientist in Applied Ocean Physics and Engineering, who was part of the team of WHOI staff that developed this system. “If a whale blows, its thermal signature is recognized by the integrated AI, and also alerts vessel crews within seconds to the presence of whales up to several kilometers away, which is enough time for most vessels to slow down or change course.”
Effective results
Unlike traditional human observation, which depends on daylight, the WDC system operates around the clock, enhancing its effectiveness. Within three months of deployment aboard the Matson ship Manulani, the system recorded 1,169 verified detections of whales and dolphins, with ranges extending up to 6,500m (3.5 nautical miles).
“This initial data is very exciting for our team, as it gives us real-world feedback on how well the thermal infrared system is performing on a large container vessel platform,” said Zitterbart. “Thermal imaging systems are a powerful tool in real-time whale detection. Used alone or in conjunction with other proven protections like passive acoustic monitoring, this technology can significantly reduce the risk of vessel strikes and be a positive force in the protection of marine animals.”
Protecting whales in critical habitats
Around 20,000 whales are killed annually by shipping, cruise and fishing vessels worldwide, according to the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution (WHOI). Off the US West Coast, ship collisions account for around 80 whale deaths every year, while over a third of North Atlantic right whale fatalities on the US Eastern seaboard result from such incidents. Crowded waterways, shifting prey distributions and warming oceans exacerbate the risks.
The waters around Hawaii and the US West Coast host up to 16 whale species, including humpback, blue, gray and killer whales. Humpbacks, for instance, migrate annually from Alaska to Hawaii for mating and birthing. A significant advancement in marine conservation technology, the WDC system is designed to help protect these vital populations while supporting safer navigation in these biologically rich regions.
“We are committed to operating in an environmentally responsible manner, and that includes finding ways to reduce the risk of whale collisions,” said Matt Cox, the chairman and CEO of Matson. “Having made significant adjustments to our operating schedule and vessel routing along the West Coast to avoid whale conservation areas, we are excited to be adding this new technology and plan to expand its use across our fleet in hopes of helping make a positive difference in the protection of these animals.”
About WHOI
Based in Cape Cod, Massachusetts, USA, WHOI is a leading independent, nonprofit organization focused on advancing ocean science, engineering and education. With pioneering discoveries resulting from the integration of science and engineering, WHOI states that its mission is “to understand the ocean and its interactions with the Earth as a whole, and to communicate an understanding of the ocean’s role in the changing global environment.”
