A new thermal AI camera mounted on Cape Leeuwin lighthouse is set to improve our understanding of spatial and temporal patterns in whale migration, including inter-annual shifts in migration behaviours. This knowledge will allow the fishing industry to better mitigate potential interactions with migrating whales.
Funded through the Western Rock Lobster IPAs whale entanglement mitigation program (FRDC 2021-091), a new thermal AI camera, installed on Cape Leeuwin Lighthouse on 19 March has begun collecting data on humpback whale migration along our coastline.
The camera is capable of detecting whales during the day and night up to 11 kilometres offshore.
Data from these surveys is being combined to understand where and when gear modifications are needed to reduce entanglement risks and where they could potentially be relaxed.
You can download the new Marine Fauna Sightings app at the App Storeand on Google Play.
With whales now migrating through the fishery, it is a great opportunity to remind fishers to undertake whale surveys using the updated Marine Fauna Sightings (MFS) App.
Check out the website here.
https://www.dpird.wa.gov.au/online-tools/marine-fauna-sightings
