TL;DR:
- Marine researchers are using artificial intelligence (AI) to address the issue of underwater noise pollution and its impact on marine life, particularly whales.
- Clear Seas, a non-profit organization, is exploring how machine learning can reduce ship noise emissions and develop an adaptive vessel that caters to the needs of marine mammals.
- The goal is to create a ship that “thinks” like a whale, considering not only the sound level but also its frequency to avoid disrupting its acoustic environment.
- While the concept is still in the early stages, interim solutions are being considered, such as ships with eco and quiet modes to minimize noise in the presence of whales.
- Keiran D. Cox’s research highlights the need to expand the focus beyond marine mammals and consider the impact of noise pollution on fish and invertebrates.
- Cox’s initiatives include an online database cataloging fish sounds and exploring the potential of kelp forests as sanctuaries from noise pollution.
- The convergence of AI and marine research shows promise in preserving ocean soundscapes and addressing the challenges of noise pollution.
Main AI News:
The issue of underwater noise pollution and its impact on marine life, particularly whales, has prompted marine researchers to explore innovative solutions. In this pursuit, artificial intelligence (AI) has emerged as a potential tool to mitigate the harmful effects of noise pollution on these majestic creatures. Clear Seas, a non-profit organization, is at the forefront of this research, harnessing machine learning to reduce noise emissions from ships and create a revolutionary underwater vessel. The ultimate aim is to develop a ship that can adapt its noise levels to cater to the needs of marine mammals, with a particular focus on whales.
Traditionally, ships have been designed based on regulatory requirements and legal standards. However, Clear Seas proposes a paradigm shift by envisioning ships that align with the preferences of whales. Paul Blomerus, the executive director of Clear Seas, explains, “Let’s try and get them to design the ships in a way that the whales would want them to. Where the whale is the customer.” This customer-centric approach necessitates ships that can “think” like marine mammals, incorporating their perspectives into the design process.
To explore the feasibility of this futuristic endeavor, Blomerus and a team of marine biologists and engineers from Clear Seas recently gathered with experts nationwide at a workshop. They discussed the potential of AI-powered ships and the requirements for translating this concept into reality. However, creating such a vessel is a complex undertaking. It involves not only considering the sound level but also accounting for its frequency, which can vary depending on the circumstances. Sound waves in the ocean can be affected by temperature changes, leading to distorted perceptions for whales. Hence, a sophisticated approach is essential, requiring the ship’s noise emissions to be precisely tuned to avoid frequencies that may disrupt the whales’ acoustic environment.
Although the concept is still in its infancy, Blomerus acknowledges that developing an AI-driven ship capable of adapting noise levels to each unique situation will likely take a minimum of 10 years. Nonetheless, there are interim solutions being considered. One such solution involves designing ships with two modes of operation. The first is an eco mode that minimizes fuel consumption, while the second is a quiet mode that can be activated when encountering whales. This immediate approach addresses the urgent need to mitigate the impact of noise pollution on marine life.
Blomerus finds hope in the growing awareness surrounding the challenges faced by marine life. Recognizing that underwater noise can disrupt marine mammals’ vital activities, such as communication, finding food, navigation, and avoiding danger, he expresses optimism about the collective efforts to rectify these issues. As he says, “When engineers and scientists put their mind to it, there’s a lot that can be done here.”
While efforts have been primarily focused on marine mammals, Keiran D. Cox, a Liber Ero and NSERC Postdoctoral Fellow at Simon Fraser University, advocates for expanding the dialogue on noise pollution to include fish and invertebrates. Cox’s extensive research on fish sounds led to the creation of an online database called Fish Sounds, which documents the various sounds made by hundreds of fish species. This initiative aims to enhance our understanding of how fish interact with their acoustic environment and how human activities in marine ecosystems affect their well-being.
Cox emphasizes that noise pollution is not limited to marine mammals and urges for broader recognition of its impact on fish and invertebrates. Noise plays a crucial role in fish behavior, movement, and social interactions, making it vital to provide them with undisturbed acoustic spaces for effective communication. Cox is actively involved in projects focused on exploring the potential of kelp forests as sanctuaries from noise pollution. He is also mapping vessel traffic along coastlines to assess the extent of noise emissions in local waters. The resulting data will be made publicly available, facilitating open discussions on noise pollution and encouraging collective efforts to reduce its harmful effects.
Both Blomerus and Cox share a sense of optimism regarding the preservation of ocean soundscapes. The increased awareness and engagement from the public, as well as the willingness of industries to collaborate, have created a positive shift in the dialogue surrounding noise pollution. The future holds immense potential for leveraging AI and other innovative approaches to safeguard marine life and their acoustic environments.
Conclusion:
The utilization of artificial intelligence to combat underwater noise pollution and protect whales represents an emerging market opportunity. As the awareness of environmental issues grows, there is an increasing demand for innovative solutions that prioritize marine life. Companies specializing in AI-driven ship design and noise reduction technologies can seize this opportunity by developing eco-friendly vessels that minimize noise emissions and adapt to the needs of marine mammals. Additionally, there is potential for market growth in areas such as database creation, mapping vessel traffic, and implementing measures to reduce noise pollution in marine environments. By aligning their products and services with the goal of preserving ocean soundscapes, businesses can contribute to both environmental sustainability and their own commercial success.
