Transport Canada and Whale Seeker partner to test drones and AI to monitor endangered right whales

For the second summer in a row, Transport Canada has partnered with Whale Seeker, alongside MDA Space and Overwatch Imaging, to test cutting-edge drone technologies to improve detection of critically endangered North Atlantic right whales (NARW) in the Gulf of St. Lawrence and Gaspé region. This initiative is particularly focused on Transport Canada’s Dynamic Shipping Zones, where speed restrictions are implemented when NARWs are present.

Building on last years success, Whale Seekers AI has been integrated with Overwatch Imaging’s TK7 camera technology and the Schiebel S100 drone for near real-time whale detection testing. The S-100 is a versatile drone with helicopter-like design which can take off and land vertically. This allows the drone to operate from confined spaces, such as ship decks, and making it ideal for marine mammal monitoring in dynamic shipping zones.

The S-100 also features advanced engineering, including automated, pre-programmed flight paths (which are also adjustable), extended endurance of up to 6 hours, and ability to carry up to high payload (weight carrying) capacity of up to 50 kg. All of which make it perfectly suited for long-duration missions with specialized monitoring equipment. Equipped with both live video and still image cameras, the S-100 enables near real-time data collection and transmission, a capability that is essential for timely decision-making. The drone’s camera sensors, paired with AI algorithms, work to quickly and accurately process large amounts of aerial imagery to identify the presence of NARW.

When a NARW is detected, this data is transmitted to marine authorities, allowing them to pinpoint the whale’s location. If the testing is successful, Transport Canada could use this near real- time location information to quickly notify ships nearby, reducing the risk of vessel strikes on endangered whales. This immediate action could be crucial for protecting the NARW, whose numbers are critically low. This data could also help reduce unnecessary slowdowns for ships ensuring an efficient flow of goods. “We are pleased to be working with Whale Seeker again this year to advance Canadian technologies for marine mammal detection which contribute substantially to delivering our surveillance mandate,” said Mark McKeeman, Transport Canada’s Director responsible for this project.

This partnership is another example of Transport Canada applying science and promoting Canadian technological solutions to preserve and protect our coasts and waterways. Together, were taking significant steps forward in marine conservation.

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