Frequently Asked Questions
DETECTION
Why should I use visual detection for marine mammals if I already have a hydrophone deployed? Different technologies exist for marine mammal monitoring, and all have their limitations. Some baleen whales remain silent when protecting their young or sleeping, while others are naturally less vocal, making acoustic monitoring insufficient to pinpoint their exact location. Visual detection complements passive acoustic monitoring by identifying silent individuals, confirming species visually for future auditability, and providing additional insights such as surface behavior and environmental conditions. Whale Seeker’s tools add this critical layer of insight, ensuring more comprehensive monitoring.
Is AI better than humans at detecting marine mammals? AI and human expertise complement each other. Whale Seeker’s AI-powered tools process vast amounts of data quickly, consistently, and without fatigue—something humans simply can’t do at scale. AI excels in detecting patterns and subtle features, especially in real-time or challenging conditions. However, human expertise brings context, judgment, and adaptability. That’s why Whale Seeker’s solutions integrate AI with human oversight, ensuring the best of both worlds.
I need to detect really small species. Can you detect porpoises, turtles or birds? Our tools have already successfully detected small to large cetaceans, including porpoises, as well as pinnipeds and sharks. We even have projects detecting penguins or polar bear tracks. You want to detect turtles? We would love to learn more and work with you to further increase the range of species our model can detect as well as optimize detections based on your species and environment of interest.
TECHNOLOGY
I want to develop an AI detection tool in-house. Why should I work with Whale Seeker instead? An AI model is just one piece of the puzzle. Whale Seeker’s tools are built upon a robust data pipeline and proprietary AI models, developed with input from leading experts. Our solutions integrate years of research in artificial intelligence and marine mammal biology, saving you time and resources. By working with us, you get a proven system ready for insights and decision-making without the burden of developing, training, and maintaining an in-house solution.
What makes AI-based solutions so effective? AI solutions offer speed, scalability, and accuracy that manual detection simply can’t match. At Whale Seeker, we leverage AI to analyze vast datasets efficiently, reducing expert workload while improving detection accuracy. Our models continuously improve through retraining, ensuring they stay effective in dynamic marine environments.
Can you just provide an AI solution, or is ongoing support necessary? Working with Whale Seeker means gaining access to a continuously evolving AI tool. Our algorithms improve over time, thanks to an expanding dataset and constant model optimization. While turnkey solutions may seem cost-effective initially, maintaining and updating AI models requires ongoing support. We ensure your tool remains accurate, flexible, and aligned with the latest advancements in AI and marine mammal monitoring.
AI isn’t perfect. What are its limitations? AI models require high-quality training data and computational resources. While AI enhances detection, its accuracy depends on the diversity and quality of labeled data. That’s why Whale Seeker relies on expert biologists for dataset curation and continuously retrains models to adapt to changing conditions, such as new data acquisition techniques or environmental variations.
What happens if my data changes over time? Won’t the AI stop working? Marine mammal monitoring is dynamic, and data changes frequently due to evolving detection strategies, environmental shifts, and new technologies. Whale Seeker actively retrains its models to ensure they stay relevant and accurate, adapting to new datasets and detection contexts.
What happens if my data changes over time? Won’t the AI stop working? Marine mammal monitoring is dynamic, and data changes frequently due to evolving detection strategies, environmental shifts, and new technologies. Whale Seeker actively retrains its models to ensure they stay relevant and accurate, adapting to new datasets and detection contexts.
CAPABILITIES & CUSTOMIZATION
I need a turnkey solution for data collection and analysis, how can you help? At Whale Seeker, we provide end-to-end solutions that simplify your workflow and that adjust to your reality. Our solutions include easy-to-use software, training and support through our partner network to ensure you can collect, analyse and act on high-quality data. We handle the complexity, so you can focus on the results.
We have no space for extra personnel on board. How does your solution work? Whale Seeker is currently working with innovation partners to test Möbius Observer in various environments and for different species. During this phase, our team provides direct support onboard. In the future, your Marine Mammal Observer or drone pilot will be able to operate the tool independently, eliminating the need for additional personnel.
DATA & SECURITY
I want to make sure my data isn’t used by competitors. What guarantees do you offer? We take data security and confidentiality seriously. Your data remains your asset and is protected under strict data-sharing agreements. We implement robust encryption and storage protocols to ensure your information remains secure and inaccessible to third parties.
I have historical data I’d like to analyze. What is the minimum resolution required? The minimum resolution depends on the species and environment you are monitoring. Generally, higher resolutions yield better results. We’re happy to review your data to determine its suitability. For satellite imagery, a resolution of at least 30 cm is required.
Is my data safe when processed via AI? Yes. When you send us your data, it is securely stored in our cloud infrastructure, with strict user access policies in place. Only authorized personnel have access, and we adhere to Canadian Cyber Security Guidelines, regularly reviewing our internal policies to maintain high security standards.
Where is my data stored? Whale Seeker stores your data securely in the cloud. Our servers are based in Canada, but we can adjust storage locations to comply with your specific regulatory and data residency requirements.
Isn’t storing large volumes of data expensive? We use cloud storage solutions that are cost-effective, secure, and scalable. This ensures that your data remains accessible without unnecessary costs.