AI Tool Predicts Whale Movements to Reduce Ship Strikes and Enhance Ocean Conservation

AI-Powered Whale Protection Tool Developed at Rutgers University

Researchers at Rutgers University-New Brunswick have created an innovative artificial intelligence (AI) tool designed to predict the habitat of endangered whales, with the primary goal of reducing deadly ship strikes and promoting responsible ocean development 1

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. This groundbreaking project, led by Ahmed Aziz Ezzat, an assistant professor in the Department of Industrial and Systems Engineering, in collaboration with Josh Kohut, a professor of marine sciences, and doctoral student Jiaxiang Ji, has the potential to revolutionize marine conservation efforts 1

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The Plight of North Atlantic Right Whales

The AI tool focuses on the critically endangered North Atlantic right whale, a species that has been listed under the Endangered Species Act since 1970 1

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. With an estimated population of only 370 individuals, including approximately 70 reproductively active females, these whales face significant threats from human activities in their habitat 1

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How the AI Tool Works

The machine-learning model analyzes vast datasets to detect patterns and refine its predictions over time 1

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. It correlates the position of whales in the ocean with environmental conditions, creating what Ezzat describes as a "probability map" 1

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. This approach allows for more informed decision-making about potential whale locations and enables the implementation of various mitigation strategies to protect them 1

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Data Sources and Collection Methods

The AI model integrates data from two primary sources:

1. Underwater gliders: These autonomous, torpedo-shaped vessels collect real-time information on seawater temperature, salinity, currents, and chlorophyll levels. They also use sonar to assess fish populations and record whale vocalizations 1

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2. Satellite-based measurements: These provide broader environmental context, including sea surface temperature, water color, and oceanic fronts 1

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The model incorporates data from the Rutgers University Center for Ocean Observing Leadership, dating back to 1992, as well as satellite data products from the University of Delaware 1

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Broader Implications and Applications

While initially developed to support responsible offshore wind farm development, the researchers recognize that their findings have far-reaching implications 1

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. The tool has potential benefits for various sectors of the "blue economy," including fishing, shipping, and sustainable energy development 1

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Future of Ocean Conservation and Planning

This AI-driven approach represents a significant step forward in protecting North Atlantic right whales and ensuring responsible management of ocean resources 1

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. As human activities increasingly intersect with marine ecosystems, the tool provides a critical means of balancing economic objectives with environmental conservation 1

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By harnessing AI to integrate decades of environmental and whale tracking data, the Rutgers team has developed a powerful resource that could transform conservation efforts, mitigate ship collisions, and support sustainable ocean development for years to come 1

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