Australian companies demonstrate acoustic marine mammal monitoring with use of unmanned technologies
? Ocius Technology, JASCO Applied Sciences Australia, and Blue Ocean Marine Tech Systems (BO-MTS) combined to demonstrate the near real-time detection, classification, and tracking of marine mammals using Bluebottle USVs and autonomous underwater vehicles (AUVs) off the coast of Perth, Western Australia. The five-day demonstration focused on detecting humpback whales during their southern migration.
Ocius provided their 100% renewable energy USV, the Bluebottle, which was equipped with a JASCO OceanObserver™ and a low-frequency 9 channel towed array. This 16 metre array was integrated into the Bluebottle’s keel winch with 60 metres of tow cable. The keel winch provided the ability to stow the array during adverse weather conditions and transit. The array and JASCO payload were installed and tested into the Bluebottle in three days. The system processed data from the array and reported whale detections in real time. During the mission, while operating in a region with high currents, the Bluebottle operated at minimal throttle (less than 25% throttle) for over 66% of the mission and 55% of time with no propeller at all.
? “Minimal throttle makes our quiet platform even quieter. Towing an array, quietly and sustainably, is what the Bluebottle is designed to do” said Robert Dane, Founder and CEO of Ocius, acknowledging the anti-submarine warfare applications of the Bluebottle system.
BO-MTS deployed three Slocum glider AUVs, one equipped with a JASCO OceanObserver™ and four hydrophones, and the others with a JASCO AMAR G4 and a single hydrophone each. The battery powered gliders were tuned by BO-MTS to minimise self-noise.
This collaborative effort holds particular significance for the offshore oil/gas and wind industry. Traditionally, monitoring marine mammals potentially affected by activities like seismic surveys, vessel operations, and piling has relied on certified Marine Mammal Observers (PSOs) onboard ships or aircraft. JASCO’s experience in the field, combined with Bluebottle USVs and BO-MTS AUVs offers a more efficient, cost-effective, zero-carbon, and environmentally friendly alternative to traditional visual monitoring. Acoustic monitoring can now conduct monitoring from shore-based locations, reducing health and safety risks significantly.
⚙ Bluebottle type USV specifications:
? Builder and developer: Ocius Technology
? Designer: One2three Naval Architects
? LOA – 6.8 m
? Payload – 300 kg
? Payload power – up to 50 W
? Power system – solar, wind & wave powered
? Specifics – foldable solar sail
?? Source: Ocius Technology