A new technique for analysing satellite images may help scientists detect and count stranded whales from space. Researchers tested a new detection method using Very High Resolution (VHR) satellite images from Maxar Technologies of the biggest mass stranding of baleen whales yet recorded. It is hoped that in the future the technique will lead to real-time information as stranding events happen.
The study, published this week in the journal PLoS ONE by scientists from British Antarctic Survey and four Chilean research institutes, could revolutionise how stranded whales, that are dead in the water or beached, are detected in remote places.
In 2015, over 340 whales, most of them sei whales, were involved in a mass-stranding in a remote region of Chilean Patagonia. The stranding was not discovered for several weeks owing to the remoteness of the region. Aerial and boat surveys assessed the extent of the mortality several months after discovery.
The researchers studied satellite images covering thousands of kilometres of coastline, which provided an early insight into the extent of the mortality. They could identify the shape, size and colour of the whales, especially after several weeks when the animals turned pink and orange as they decomposed. A greater number of whales were counted in the images captured soon after the stranding event than from the local surveys.
Many coastal nations have mammal stranding networks recognising that this is a crucial means to monitor the health of the local environment, especially for providing first notice of potential marine contamination and harmful algal blooms.
Author and whale biologist Dr Jennifer Jackson at British Antarctic Survey says:
“The causes of marine mammal strandings are poorly understood and therefore information gathered helps understand how these events may be influenced by overall health, diet, environmental pollution, regional oceanography, social structures and climate change.
“As this new technology develops, we hope it will become a useful tool for obtaining real-time information. This will allow local authorities to intervene earlier and possibly help with conservation efforts.”
Lead author, remote sensing specialist Dr Peter Fretwell at British Antarctic Survey says:
“This is an exciting development in monitoring whales from space. Now we have a higher resolution ‘window’ on our planet, satellite imagery may be a fast and cost-effective alternative to aerial surveys allowing us to assess the extent of mass whale stranding events, especially in remote and inaccessible areas.”
Learn more: Stranded whales detected from space
The Latest on: Stranded whales
[google_news title=”” keyword=”stranded whales” num_posts=”10″ blurb_length=”0″ show_thumb=”left”]
via Google News
The Latest on: Stranded whales
- Saving Stranded Orcas with Whale Songson May 8, 2024 at 1:50 pm
How broadcasting the familiar calls of female killer whales saved two males from starvation in an isolated Alaska lagoon.
- Dead fin whale discovered across bow of cruise ship in New York Cityon May 8, 2024 at 2:35 am
Marine mammal experts are investigating the death of a fin whale after its carcass was found on the bow of a cruise ship in the Port of Brooklyn.
- Stranded whale dies after washing up on remote beach despite major rescue attempton May 8, 2024 at 2:01 am
The whale was discovered on Firemore Beach, north of Gairloch, on by a hillwalker who spotted the creature on the shore. A rescue attempt was launched but the whale sadly died ...
- Whale washes up along beach in Delaware near Indian River Inleton May 6, 2024 at 6:10 am
A whale washed up along the beach in Delaware near the Indian River Inlet on Sunday, the Marine Education, Research and Rehabilitation Institute said.
- Pilot whale dies after getting stranded on Highland beachon May 6, 2024 at 4:47 am
A PILOT whale which became stranded on a Scottish beach has reportedly died. A dog walker first spotted the whale stranded along the coast at Firemore Beach, north of Gairloch in Wester Ross, ...
- Five whales have died along NC’s coast this year. Here’s what researchers know so far.on April 30, 2024 at 11:01 pm
Whales found stranded along the North Carolina coast in recent years have died from parasites, infectious disease and – too many times, marine experts say – as a result of human interactions. At least ...
- More than 30 pilot whales die as huge rescue operation saves 200 whales stranded on WA beachon April 25, 2024 at 12:00 pm
Between 50 and 100 pilot whales have stranded themselves on a beach near Dunsborough in Western Australia’s southwest.
- 29 beached pilot whales dead after mass stranding on Australian coast; more than 100 rescuedon April 25, 2024 at 7:37 am
A mass stranding of long-finned pilot whales in Western Australia led to the deaths of 29 of the creatures that beached near a tourist town.
- More than 100 stranded whales return to the sea after rescue effort on Australian coaston April 25, 2024 at 3:49 am
More than 100 long-finned pilot whales were rescued after becoming stranded on the western Australian coast. Hundreds of volunteers participated in the rescue efforts to assist the stranded whales ...
- More than 100 stranded whales return to the sea after rescue effort on Australian coaston April 25, 2024 at 3:49 am
More than 100 long-finned pilot whales that beached on the western Australian coast have returned to sea while 31 died on the shore, according to a researcher.
via Bing News