The rising prominence of offshore wind energy has raised concerns among experts regarding the potential noise pollution that could disrupt marine mammals' communication.

(Photo : OLE BERG-RUSTEN/NTB/AFP via Getty Images)
The Hywind Tampen floating offshore wind farm, situated between energy company Equinor's oil and gas fields Snorre and Gullfaks is inaugurated in the Norwegian North Sea off the coast of Bergen on August 23, 2023.

Addressing Rising Prominence of Offshore Wind Energy

Addressing this issue, Saildrone, a company specializing in underwater uncrewed surface vehicles (USVs), has joined forces with RPS, a provider of services related to protected species monitoring and mitigation compliance.

Together, they aim to establish a comprehensive surveillance network, harness advanced acoustic technologies, autonomous vehicles, and machine learning for the purpose of detecting, tracking, and categorizing marine wildlife.

Interesting Engineering reported that this collaborative initiative has initiated the deployment of two USVs along the Massachusetts coastline.

Their primary mission is to observe North Atlantic right whales and other marine mammals inhabiting the region.

Saildrone's Chief Technology Officer, Brian Hernacki, emphasized on its press release the importance of this significant milestone, stating, "This milestone achievement represents a significant step forward in our ability to study and protect whales and other marine mammals."

Hernacki highlighted the non-invasive and cost-effective nature of Saildrone's passive acoustic technology, which enables the collection of crucial data.

Offering Monitoring Capability

Coupled with the mobility and endurance of their uncrewed platforms, this technology offers an unparalleled monitoring capability, supporting various endeavors, including research, conservation efforts, and commercial ventures.

Saildrones, unmanned surface vehicles (USVs), predominantly rely on solar and wind energy to operate. Equipped with solar panels to power onboard systems and harnessing wind propulsion, they possess the capability for extended autonomous missions.

As per Hydro International, these versatile vessels are employed across a spectrum of data collection missions, encompassing fisheries management, weather prediction, oceanic and climatic monitoring, as well as research into marine ecosystems.

RPS's team of acoustic experts will be tasked with analyzing the data collected by Saildrones to determine the species responsible for the recorded calls.

To accomplish this, they will employ a machine learning system named Neptune, which offers a predictive algorithm for precise and traceable identification of marine animal vocalizations.

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Stephanie Milne, RPS team leader for US Offshore Renewables, emphasized the importance of sustainable offshore wind development as a transition away from conventional non-renewable energy sources, particularly fossil fuels.  

She noted that while offshore wind expansion is crucial, it must not have detrimental effects on marine mammals sharing the habitat.

Saildrone and RPS are collaborating to provide an innovative, adaptable solution for the comprehensive and extended monitoring of marine mammals across vast areas. 

This will utilize intelligent tools to reduce the need for on-site personnel without compromising the level of monitoring and mitigation necessary to safeguard our marine animal cohabitants.

The initiative receives backing from the National Offshore Wind Research and Development Consortium (NOWRDC), an organization dedicated to discovering effective strategies for mitigating the adverse impacts of offshore wind energy on its surrounding environment.

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