Advanced Remote Sensing Techniques for Underwater Fin Whale Detection in the Indian Ocean

Accurate detection and tracking of cetaceans in the Indian Ocean remain some of the salient issues for marine conservation despite the abundant challenges that accompany the environment underwater. Such realistic avenues can go a long way in bridging the said challenges with advanced remote sensing technologies. In this study, hyperspectral imaging, satellite imagery, and thermal imaging combine to form an integrated system in whale detection. The hyperspectral imaging of whale skin provides spectral reflectance characteristics for detection under different oceanic conditions. Along with these, satellite imaging helps determine subsurface features while thermal imaging determines the thermal characteristics of whales. Machine learning algorithms analyze the data set amalgamation to enhance detection accuracy as well as reliability. The overall system effectively detected whales at the various depths and environmental conditions associated with the Indian Ocean. Hyperspectral imaging was sensitive to the turbidity levels of water and target reflectance, while the coastal blue band showed subsurface features of a whale. Thermal imaging also increased detection abilities in dim light as well. This three-in-one platform approached better than other methods with an accuracy of 0.96 and reliability by real-time whale monitoring.