Researchers Develop Robotic Buoys to Protect Whales From Colliding With Ships

Researchers from the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution have created a unique technology that will prevent Atlantic whales from colliding with the ships.

The newly-developed robotic buoys could detect the sound of these aquatic mammals in real-time. They would also address the issue concerning ship strikes, which remain a major threat for the animals.

Robotic Buoy For Atlantic Whales

Whales have been freely swimming in the vast oceans on Earth, but that does not mean that they are already free from further harm. In reality, their numbers are slowly declining because of accidents that could have been avoided, like ship collisions.

To protect the whales from being struck by the ships, CMA CGM has collaborated with Woods Hole to develop a robotic buoy that can protect the animals on their journey, per Phys.org.

The shipping firm spearheaded the development of the buoys, which will be sent to the East Coast. According to Woods Hole marine ecologist Mark Baumgartner, the testing for the technology will soon take place.

"We have to change our industrial practices when whales are around. That's what this tech enables. Having the industry tell us what works and what doesn't is the best way to have solutions that will actually be implemented," Baumgartner said.

Decrease in Whale Population Are Alarming

As we know, commercial whaling is legal in other countries. For many years, this practice has been proven to be a driving factor for the declining number of these sea animals.

At some point, these creatures were abundant on the East Coast, CTV News reports. However, commercial whaling is not the only thing that is alarming scientists. Even the accidental ship collisions are contributing to the plunging population of whales.

The poor reproduction of the animals, even more, accentuates the decreasing number. Somehow, they search for food outside the usual hunting areas because of the temperature changes.

This instance has exposed them to high mortality. Since they tend to unravel outside the safe areas, they become more vulnerable.

Deploying the robotic buoys can be a huge help for the whales. Using them will protect endangered species. This is a good way to preserve marine life in the wild.

Per CMGA CGM America director of sustainability Heather Wood, the buoy operation is an investment not just for the seas but for the future of the "right" whale.

The data that will be gathered during the operation will not be limited to the researchers. Even scholars and other conservation organizations will be able to use them for studies.

Diminishing the risk of vessel strikes is what needs to be done to stop the threats to the whales, per a joint statement by Genevieve Davis and Diane Borrgaard of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.

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Written by Joseph Henry