Drones for Marine Wildlife Detection: TEKEVER Develops New Deep Learning Capability

TEKEVER Conducts First Drone-Based Marine Wildlife Detection

by DRONELIFE Staff Writer Ian M. Crosby

Advanced unmanned aerial systems leader TEKEVER has developed a new deep learning ability for its Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) to autonomously gather marine wildlife data.

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Presently used to facilitate marine conservation and research, the technology is also capable of supporting environmentally friendly business practices at sea through supplying intelligence on the presence of marine species at risk of being impacted by potentially disruptive activity.

Relying on its thorough research into the automatic detection of maritime vessels, TEKEVER was able to quickly alter its AI model and trained algorithms for the detection of various types of marine wildlife, such as  whales and dolphins.

TEKEVER’s extensive investment into deep learning has brought about the ability to detect whales through their thermal signature, along with direct visual target detection utilizing statistical image analysis techniques. A combination of deep learning and classic computer vision techniques allows for the detection of pods of dolphins. TEKEVER continues to improve its models using data gathered during live operations to guarantee advanced detection performance.

TEKEVER has also partnered with CLS Group (Collective Localisation Satellites) to support the Italian Coast Guard through the deployment of its AR5 unmanned fixed wing aircraft to monitor whale migration and merchant vessels in the 84,000 square kilometer Pelagos Sanctuary, a protected marine area located between Italy, Monaco and France. This is the first instance of a drone being deployed to monitor and gather marine wildlife data, and has already allowed for the detection of a wounded whale. TEKEVER has carried out several drone operations under its contract with the European Maritime Safety Agency since 2018.

“Our new smart detection capability will prove instrumental in advancing our understanding of marine life and ensuring the continued protection of important species in their habitats,” said TEKEVER CEO Ricardo Mendes. “With the conservation of our environment rising to the top of the agenda for governments and organisations, our unique technology also enables sustainable business practices at sea that minimises disruption to marine wildlife.”

“TEKEVER has extensive experience operating unmanned aerial systems to detect activity on the water and provide real-time intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance data,” added Principal Engineer Peter Saddington. “We are excited to now be applying this advanced technology to a new domain centred on marine life protection and conservation.”

Read more about TEKEVER and drones for marine conservation:

• TEKEVER Expands Drone Surveillance Missions
• Drones for the Environment: Tekever to Support EU Coastguard and Environmental Protection Activities
• World Oceans Day: Developing Drone Technology to Protect Marine Wildlife
• Alls Whale That Measures Well: Drones Help Researcher Measure Marine Mammals

Ian attended Dominican University of California, where he received a BA in English in 2019. With a lifelong passion for writing and storytelling and a keen interest in technology, he is now contributing to DroneLife as a staff writer.