Montreal, July 24 2024 – Whale Seeker, in partnership with Transport Canada, MDA Ltd., and Overwatch Imaging, is pleased to announce the continuation of their collaborative efforts to improve the detection of whales, particularly the endangered North Atlantic right whales (NARW), and provide actionable data for the government to more dynamically manage marine traffic and enhance conservation efforts in the Gulf of St. Lawrence, Gaspé region. This work, while taking place in Gaspé, will ultimately serve all of Canada.
Innovations in This Year’s Collaboration Building on the success of last year's initiative, which saw significant advancements in real-time monitoring and data analysis for the protection of endangered North Atlantic right whales, this year’s collaboration introduces new innovations. Whale Seeker's AI will be integrated onboard the payload on the Remotely Piloted Aircraft System (RPAS) to achieve real-time detection and transmission to decision-makers on the ground. This integration represents a significant step forward in real-time marine mammal monitoring.
Significant Outcomes and Benefits In addition to the enhanced detection capabilities, the collaboration aims to support Transport Canada's management of the Dynamic Shipping Zones. These zones implement speed restrictions when NARWs are present, and effective surveillance can reduce the number of precautionary slowdowns, maintaining the flow of goods. The collaboration has also resulted in other breakthroughs, such as the improvement in the precision and comprehensiveness of whale detections compared to previous years. This improvement not only aids in conservation efforts but also has positive impacts on the maritime sector, including tourism and fishing routes.
Statements from Leaders Antoine Gagné, Chief Technology Officer of Whale Seeker, stated: "Our partnership with Transport Canada is a testament to Canadian innovation and efficiency in marine conservation. By deploying our cutting-edge AI technology onboard RPAS for real-time detection, we are not only enhancing the protection of endangered species like the North Atlantic right whale but also ensuring the seamless flow of maritime commerce. This initiative reflects our commitment to safeguarding both the environment and economic interests, showcasing the potential for sustainable, tech-driven solutions to address critical global challenges." Mark McKeeman, Director of Transport Canada’s RPAS Project, commented: "We are pleased to be working with Whale Seeker again this year to advance Canadian technologies for marine mammal detection that contribute substantially to delivering our surveillance mandate."
Utilization of Collected Data The data collected by Whale Seeker’s AI can be utilized by Transport Canada in multiple ways, including enhancing marine safety and strengthening surveillance capabilities in the Dynamic Shipping Zones. This differentiation from other tools, such as Whale Safe, underscores the unique capabilities of Whale Seeker’s technology.
Partnership Impact Whale Seeker's AI-driven technology, in conjunction with Transport Canada's commitment to sustainability, represents a significant step forward in marine conservation. This ongoing partnership underscores the Canadian government’s dedication to preserving marine biodiversity, particularly for the North Atlantic right whales, while promoting the growth of homegrown technological solutions.
Transport Canada is responsible for developing and overseeing the Government of Canada’s transportation policies and programs, so that air, marine, road and rail transportation are safe, secure, efficient and environmentally responsible.
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About Whale Seeker:
Whale Seeker is a Canadian company that leverages ethical AI to simplify whale monitoring. We build fast, automated, accurate and user-friendly visual whale detection tools that empower all decision-makers in maritime industries to develop more sustainable business practices.