The Whale and Vessel Safety Task Force has announced a partnership with Viam, the software platform for smart machines, aimed at accelerating the establishment of an open data collection program crucial for North Atlantic Right Whale conservation efforts.
This partnership will drive the development of a robust, open-source database that will capture data from participating vessels across multiple sectors and use types. The data collected from this effort will serve as a much-needed accelerant and driving force to advance the agility and accuracy of AI in detecting large marine mammals. AI capabilities and accuracy requires continuous improvement, and WAVS and Viam are committed to building out this dataset to facilitate this.
One of the world’s most endangered large whale species, the North Atlantic Right Whale faces numerous threats, including the risk of vessel strikes. By leveraging advanced single-board computer technology developed by Viam, data from existing hardware such as navigation and communication systems, infrared and visual cameras can be efficiently captured from vessels. This data will be instrumental in developing the necessary tools to provide enhanced situational awareness and reducing the risk of vessel strikes, ultimately contributing to the long-term conservation strategy for the North Atlantic Right Whale.
“This partnership with Viam marks a significant step forward in our conservation efforts for the North Atlantic Right Whale,” said John DePersenaire, chair of the Whale and Vessel Safety Task Force. “Producing a robust, open-source dataset is key to advancing AI capabilities in detecting large marine mammals, and we are committed to leveraging this data to drive innovation and conservation outcomes.”
Additionally, the dataset will serve as a valuable resource for ground-truthing products in development and launching research projects aimed at further understanding and protecting marine ecosystems.
“Viam’s open-source architecture allows organisations to crowdsource public and open data sets to inform AI, enabling much more collaboration and transparency,” said Eliot Horowitz, CEO and founder of Viam. “Through an innovative, collaborative, and data-centric approach, Viam and WAVS are committed to finding transformative ways to reduce the risk of vessel strikes on endangered species, protect marine life, and stimulate unprecedented innovation in maritime safety.”
Viam’s innovative, open-source approach to data capture and analysis represents a paradigm shift in conservation strategies, showcasing the potential of AI-driven solutions and open data in wildlife protection. This is a disruptive approach much needed to spur innovation and further protections for the North Atlantic Right Whale and other marine mammals.
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