Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) in Marine Mammal Research: A Review of Current Applications and Challenges

Author:

Álvarez-González Miguel1ORCID,Suarez-Bregua Paula1,Pierce Graham J.2,Saavedra Camilo1ORCID

Affiliation:

1. Centro Oceanográfico de Vigo, Instituto Español de Oceanografía (IEO-CSIC), Subida a Radio Faro 50, 36390 Vigo, Spain

2. Institute of Marine Research, Spanish National Research Council (IIM-CSIC), Eduardo Cabello 6, 36208 Vigo, Spain

Abstract

Research on the ecology and biology of marine mammal populations is necessary to understand ecosystem dynamics and to support conservation management. Emerging monitoring tools and instruments offer the opportunity to obtain such information in an affordable and effective way. In recent years, unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) have become an important tool in the study of marine mammals. Here, we reviewed 169 research articles using UAVs to study marine mammals, published up until December 2022. The goals of these studies included estimating the number of individuals in populations and groups via photo-identification, determining biometrics and body condition through photogrammetry, collecting blow samples, and studying behavioural patterns. UAVs can be a valuable, non-invasive, and useful tool for a wide range of applications in marine mammal research. However, it is important to consider some limitations of this technology, mainly associated with autonomy, resistance to the marine environment, and data processing time, which could probably be overcome in the near future.

Funder

Biodiversity Foundation

Spanish Ministry for the Ecological Transition and the Demographic Challenge

Publisher

MDPI AG

Subject

Artificial Intelligence,Computer Science Applications,Aerospace Engineering,Information Systems,Control and Systems Engineering

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