Portland, ME – A cutting-edge system initially designed for vessel collision avoidance is now being deployed along the U.S. East Coast to alert vessel operators in real-time when they enter NOAA-designated Seasonal Management Areas (SMAs) requiring reduced speeds to protect the endangered North Atlantic Right Whale (NARW). This innovative use of Automatic Identification System (AIS) messaging marks a major step forward in marine conservation and vessel strike prevention.
Discussions at recent meetings in Maine took a hard look at the state-of-the-art in whale tracking, vessel strike prevention, and the integration of real-time whale location data into navigation systems. One of the key questions raised: Once you can track a whale, how do you ensure that information reaches mariners in time to prevent collisions?
During a working session following a luncheon hosted by Phin Sprague and Steve DiMillo at DiMillo’s Floating Restaurant in Portland, Moses Calouro of Maritime Information Systems, Inc. outlined practical methods to distribute whale location data to mariners in transit.
The group concluded that no single method is best for tracking NARWs; rather, a combination of aerial and surface surveillance, passive acoustic monitoring, and satellite tracking of tagged whales is essential. However, the challenge remains: how to deliver the collected information to vessel operators in real-time.
Emerging research on whale foraging behavior is revealing critical insights into when and where NARWs are at the greatest risk of vessel strikes. By leveraging remote sensing technology, prey distribution modeling, and real-time AIS messaging, conservationists hope to provide mariners with timely information about high-risk areas.
A pilot study conducted earlier this year by Maritime Information Systems and Stellwagen Bank National Marine Sanctuary demonstrated the effectiveness of AIS-based alerts. From March 15 to April 24, 2024, vessels transiting Cape Cod Bay were automatically monitored for compliance with the 10-knot speed restriction. When non-compliant speeds were detected, automated AIS messages were sent, reminding operators of the speed limit. The study found that 83% of commercial vessels reduced speed after receiving AIS messages, illustrating that real-time alerts can significantly improve compliance and reduce vessel strike risks.
Building on this success, Maritime Information Systems has been expanding the AIS-based vessel strike prevention project across major U.S. East Coast ports, with the goal of achieving full coverage from Maine to Florida. By integrating real-time whale location data with AIS messaging, this system provides a direct line of communication to mariners, increasing compliance with NOAA regulations and enhancing safety for both vessels and whales.
This groundbreaking project was conceptualized and developed in Maine, a state known for its maritime heritage and innovative spirit. Now, as it scales up to protect whales along the entire East Coast, Maine’s leadership in marine conservation technology is making a tangible impact on one of the most pressing environmental challenges of our time.
For media inquiries or further information, please contact:
Moses Calouro
Maritime Information Systems, Inc. / MotionInfo
moses.calouro@motioninfo.com
https://ww.motioninfo.com
401-247-7780