Advanced remote sensing techniques for underwater Fin whale detection in the Indian Ocean

The accurate detection and monitoring of whales in the Indian Ocean are vital for marine conservation but face significant challenges due to the complexities of underwater environments. Advanced remote sensing technologies offer potential solutions to overcome these limitations. This study integrates hyperspectral imaging, satellite imagery, and thermal imaging to develop a comprehensive whale detection system. Hyperspectral imaging captures the spectral reflectance of whale skin, enabling detection under varying water conditions. Satellite imagery aids in identifying subsurface features, while thermal imaging detects whales' thermal signatures. Machine learning algorithms process the combined data to enhance detection accuracy and reliability. The integrated system demonstrated effective detection of whales at various depths and environmental conditions in the Indian Ocean. Hyperspectral imaging proved sensitive to water turbidity and target reflectance, while the coastal blue band successfully identified subsurface whale features. Thermal imaging further enhanced detection capabilities in low-light conditions. The combined use of these technologies outperformed traditional methods, offering an accuracy of 0.96 and reliability for real-time whale monitoring.