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Writer's pictureOverwatch Imaging

Leveraging AI to help protect endangered North Atlantic right whales

Cutting edge sensor-software-UAS solution detects if critically endangered species is in busy shipping zones

A user interface screenshot from Overwatch Imaging's TK-7 Smart Sensor, integrated on a Scheibel S-100 drone, detecting whales with an AI model custom developed by Whale Seeker.


September 30, 2024: For the second consecutive summer, a unique combination of state-of-the art technologies are being tested to help enhance efforts to detect and image the critically endangered North Atlantic right whale (NARW) in the Gulf of St. Lawrence and Gaspé region of northeastern Canada.


The initiative, led by Transport Canada, in partnership with Whale Seeker, and MDA Space, leverages Overwatch Imaging’s TK-7 multispectral smart sensor, combined with AI-driven automation software and detection algorithms, to monitor Transport Canada's regulated Dynamic Shipping Zones. Mounted on the Scheibel S-100 drone, the TK-7 sensor and a full motion video gimbal are well-suited for challenging maritime missions, enabling automated data collection, near real-time analysis, and fast transmission - essential for timely decision-making.

Detections are displayed in an interactive user interface (above), where analysts can review geolocated imagery and cross-queue the S-100's integrated FMV gimbal if they want to take a closer look (below).


When monitoring busy shipping zones for the NARW, georeferenced data is transmitted to marine authorities, allowing them to pinpoint the whale’s location. Exact locations help Transport Canada to initiate needed speed restrictions and quickly notify ships nearby, reducing the risk of vessel strikes on these endangered whales.

“The collaboration represents a new era in flexible AI integration for specialized detection applications and demonstrates Overwatch’s ability to adapt and enhance our systems to meet a diverse range of customer needs and mission requirements,” says Matt Lynaugh, Overwatch Imaging Business Development Director.

“One of the key elements to the success of this project is the effective and rapid integration of Whale Seeker’s AI model into our software stack. We’re pleased to contribute to this important mission and applaud the partners involved for their vision to leverage technological innovation to protect and preserve natural resources.”

A cross-sample of detection chips highlights the success of Whale Seeker's AI models in detecting objects if interest despite varying surface conditions and glint angles, which can pose significant challenge to human observers tasked with the same job.


Whale Seeker is a Montreal-based startup that leverages AI to simplify marine mammal monitoring. Founded in 2018 by Emily Charry Tissier, Antoine Gagné-Turcotte and Bertrand Charry, Whale Seeker is bridging the divide between profitability and sustainability by making marine mammal detection fast, accurate, and accessible.


 

About Overwatch Imaging: Overwatch Imaging develops advanced multispectral imaging solutions and AI-driven software for time-critical aerial intelligence missions. Headquartered in Hood River, Oregon, Overwatch is a venture-backed startup with a mission to deliver critical intelligence faster through automation.

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