A trip to Lisbon to board the RV Celtic Explorer for a dedicated cetacean research cruise is a unique opportunity to enhance our understanding of marine ecosystems.
On the 20th of October, we set sail southwards towards the Strait of Gibraltar, equipped with advanced technologies, including the SEA.AI thermal imaging camera. This device will continuously record thermal images along the route. Thermal capabilities are especially useful in detecting whales, as the warm water vapour in their blows in contract sharply with the surrounding cooler air and water. In addition to observing their physical behaviours – such as foraging, tail-slapping and breaching – this thermal data will also be used to train AIsoftware to detect whales automatically. Our long-term goal, together with our partners from the ATLANTIC WHALE DEAL, is to develop an early warning system to mitigate ship strikes by enabling vessels to avoid collisions.
Thermal imaging camera
Our dedicated team includes marine mammal observers and bird watchers who will be working tirelessly during daylight hours to spot and identify all marine mammals and seabirds encountered on our ship. Inside the ship an acoustics team will monitor the hydrophone array, which will be towed behind the ship, capturing the vocalisations of cetaceans in real-time. This hydrophone will record 24/7, and the acoustic data will provide insight into communication throughout the survey.
Common dolphin
Pilot Whale
In addition, we have oceanographers onboard who will deploy CTDs (conductivity, temperature and depth sensors),collecting water samples for analyses, including plankton identification, chlorophyll concentrations, and dissolved oxygen levels, contributing to a broader understanding of oceanographic conditions influencing cetacean distributions. This multi-disciplinary survey named AMIGOS (Acoustic Monitoring from Ireland to Gibraltar Oceanic Waters Survey), provides collaboration across multiple scientific fields, promising a wealth of data and valuable insight into the marine environment.
Wish us good luck with the weather, and to plenty of sightings to enjoy!
Emilie De Loose, Project Leader and Data Scientist of the Atlantic Whale Deal