eSonar is developing a marine mammal detection system intended to support underwater radiated noise management and reduce the impact of commercial shipping activity on marine mammals.
In partnership with the American Bureau of Shipping (ABS) and Memorial University, the company is working to develop technologies designed to improve marine mammal detection capabilities while helping vessel operators assess underwater radiated noise levels.
The collaboration is focused on reducing the impact of commercial shipping activity on endangered marine mammals through the development and deployment of monitoring and noise reduction technologies. eSonar’s efforts are aimed at supporting technologies that reduce the impact of underwater radiated noise on marine species while enabling vessels to detect marine mammals and take action to reduce the risk of acoustic and physical disturbances.
To support these objectives, eSonar is sponsoring targeted research programs to develop and evaluate emerging technologies related to underwater radiated noise reduction and marine mammal monitoring. The company is also contributing scientific and technical analysis to identify, model, predict, and validate noise reduction technologies, vessel designs, and marine mammal detection systems.
In parallel with its development activities, eSonar is working with industry stakeholders, academic organizations, and the International Maritime Organization to support the advancement of vessel standards intended to achieve meaningful long-term reductions in underwater radiated noise.
The eSonar marine mammal detection system uses acoustic monitoring technology to detect underwater radiated noise generated by passing vessels in accordance with ABS-recommended measurement guidance. When deployed in a fixed location near a shipping channel, the system is capable of measuring the acoustic signature of individual vessels while also detecting and recording whale presence at ranges greater than eight kilometers.
Integrated communications functionality enables the platform to notify vessels of their measured noise signatures and provide alerts when whales are detected within the surrounding area. The system also provides calibrated ship-noise-only measurements that vessel owners may use as ABS-qualified data in support of low-noise vessel designation programs. These designations may contribute to reduced fees at an increasing number of ports.
The system is portable, cost-effective, and designed for straightforward installation and operation. Learn more about Marine Mammal Detection on the eSonar website >>
