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Thermal Imaging Cameras
What are thermal imaging cameras?
The thermal imaging whale detection system is made up of several cameras linked to a computer that runs on robust detection algorithms. These cameras are able to use changes in temperature to differentiate between marine mammals, ships, and the surrounding water. These cameras run 24/7 and allow us to detect marine mammals along with vessel traffic and speed.
With the installation of these systems, our team is able to remotely monitor the marine mammals transiting through our traditional waters, including the endangered Southern Resident Killer Whales (SRKW), and alert vessels in real-time to the presence of whales so that they can adopt whale wise boating practices to reduce their impact on these whales.
We are also able to monitor the effectiveness of management measures for the protection of SRKW, including vessels entering Interim Sanctuary Zones (ISZ), fishing vessels in fishing closure areas, and vessel speed in relation to the ECHO Slowdown Program.
Our Cameras
TIU¸IL¸ES (Tumbo Channel) SDȺY¸ES (Pender Island)
In October 2024, the QENTOL,YEN team set up two thermal imaging whale detection systems, each one consisting of two cameras. This project is a collaboration between our QENTOL,YEN team and Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution. This project would also not be possible without the generosity of the homeowners that provided their properties to host our cameras. One system is located on Saturna Island, overlooking Tumbo Channel (a 2024 voluntary speed reduction zone through the government of Canada SRKW management measures) as well as the Saturna ISZ. The other two cameras are set up on Pender Island, overlooking the Pender ISZ.