This article explores how OceanAlpha’s M40P Unmanned Surface Vessels (usvs), equipped with passive acoustic monitoring technology, have been deployed in China for the first time to study the population of White Dolphins.
The Chinese White Dolphin is classified as vulnerable on the IUCN Red List.
In April 2022, China marked a important milestone by utilizing Unmanned Surface Vessels (usvs) alongside passive acoustic monitoring technologies to assess the population of Chinese White Dolphins residing in the Pearl River Estuary National Nature Reserve in Guangdong.
Known scientifically as Sousa Chinensis, the Chinese White Dolphin is frequently enough referred to as the “panda of the ocean” and is listed as “vulnerable” on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species.The Pearl River Delta boasts the largest population of these dolphins globally.
An OceanAlpha M40P Autonomous Survey Vessel is outfitted with sonar technology to investigate the Chinese White Dolphin population.
The OceanAlpha M40P autonomous survey vessel navigated a predetermined route within the reserve, utilizing acoustic equipment to quietly capture the sounds of the dolphins. This data is crucial for ongoing scientific research.
“Each sound track we capture corresponds to a Chinese White Dolphin. our triumphant integration of sonar and acoustic technologies has greatly enhanced our research on their population and distribution,” stated Chen Yuwei, an engineer at the Institute of hydrobiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences.
recorded dolphin sounds provide vital data for scientific studies.
Previously, fishing boats were the primary means for studying chinese White Dolphins. To mitigate noise interference from these traditional vessels, researchers often towed sonar devices using ropes that extended up to 80 meters, a method that posed operational challenges and risks to the equipment.
In contrast, the OceanAlpha M40P USV operates quietly, minimizing disturbances to the dolphins and creating an ideal environment for acoustic monitoring. This advancement allows for a reduction in the towing rope length to just 10 meters, enhancing the safety of the instruments.
The use of USVs shortens the towing rope for acoustic equipment, ensuring greater safety.
“Our observations indicate that the population of Chinese White Dolphins in this reserve is predominantly young. The presence of juvenile dolphins is encouraging, suggesting a positive trend in population growth,” remarked Chen Xi, head of the technology department at the Pearl River Estuary Chinese White Dolphin National Nature Reserve.
Beyond population studies, USV technology considerably enhances the protection of the natural reserve.An autonomous surveillance and rescue vessel is employed for routine patrols along designated routes. equipped with radar and the Automatic Identification System (AIS), it enables real-time monitoring, automatically logging the paths of vessels and alerting authorities to any suspicious activity. The integration of advanced USV technologies has made conservation efforts more bright and efficient.
