Buoys Help Avert Whale-Ship Collisions

To help prevent deadly ship collisions with endangered North Atlantic right whales, scientists have deployed smart buoys off the coast of Boston. These buoys use underwater microphones to detect whale calls in real time and transmit the data to vessels and authorities, prompting voluntary slow-downs in high-risk areas. Developed by WHOI and partners, the system provides a non-invasive way to monitor whale presence and protect one of the world’s most endangered marine mammals while maintaining maritime traffic flow.

By Lonny Lippsett :: Originally published online July 22, 2009