We are here with two of Whale Seeker’s top minds who just returned from a week in Gaspésie, Québec. They have been blending high-tech expertise with hands-on experience, and we’re excited to hear how that experience is shaping our real-time marine mammal detection tools. Let’s dive in!
You spend a lot of time in front of screens? How did it feel to swap the office for the open ocean?
Justine, Lead AI researcher: As much as I enjoy working with algorithms, being out in the field brings everything in perspective. I have seen countless photos of whales, but actually being out there - feeling the breeze and watching the waves - reminds why staying connected to the field is so important. Without that connection, we risk developing tools that may look good on paper but fall short in real-world conditions. That’s why being out there with our biologists, learning from them and observing marine mammals firsthand and doing a data collection is crucial. It ensures our solutions are not just technically sound but truly effective.
That sounds like an essential experience! Any moments that stood out for you?
Justine, Lead AI researcher: Definitely! We were driving along the coast and came across this stretch of rough waves, rocks, floating seaweed, and birds resting on the water. No marine mammals in sight, but plenty of things that could confuse our models. So, we stopped the car, launched the drone, and collected a set of ‘negative’ examples; data points that our system needs to learn aren’t marine mammals.This was a perfect example of how fieldwork directly informs and improves our tools. On a personal level, these moments in the field are the most inspiring for my work. Seeing those animals in their natural environment, fuels my passion for developing sustainable, ethical solutions that truly have an impact.
That’s a great example of why fieldwork is so important. What about you, how did it impact you?
Arnaud, Data Engineer - MLops: Gaspésie was a refreshing change for me. I am usually deep in code, ensuring our systems run smoothly, but being near the ocean reminded me of why I got into this field in the first place. I used to be an oceanographer and being near the sea again, to feel the wind, to smell the scent of the salt air, to hear the sound of the waves, brought back memories and reconnected me with my roots. We met with clients, spotted seals, and even saw a few pods of belugas. It wasn’t just a work trip, it was a chance to re-engage with what drives my work.
That sounds like a meaningful experience. What lessons are you bringing back?
Arnaud, Data Engineer - MLops: We spent time with Transport Canada, who were testing our real-time drone solution for North Atlantic right whale detection. Seeing their operations up close, provided me with a deeper understanding of the challenges our clients face including unpredictable weather, the need for reliable systems, and the importance of a user-friendly and intuitive interface. This trip gave me fresh ideas on how we can further refine our systems to better meet these real-world challenges.
It is clear this trip was valuable, both professionally and personally. Any final thoughts?
Justine, Lead AI researcher: Having both tech and marine mammal experts under one roof is what makes Whale Seeker unique. It’s how we ensure our solutions are not just innovative but also grounded in the realities they need to address.
Arnaud, Data Engineer - MLops: I completely agree. This trip was a reminder of the real impact our work has. We are not just creating technology but developing solutions that help marine life and humans coexist in a more sustainable way. And that’s something we are deeply passionate about.
Thank you both for sharing your insights. Whale Seeker’s unique approach by combining field expertise with cutting-edge technology, is what gives our client’s projects a unique advantage. We are excited to continue this journey and invite partners, in particular in offshore energy, to join us in piloting these innovative solutions. Let’s connect and make a positive impact together.
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