SPACEWHALE (www.spacewhales.de) uses very high-resolution satellite imagery (0.30 m per pixel) and artificial intelligence to detect large whale species in remote marine regions.
This technology makes it possible to monitor areas that are difficult or impossible to survey using traditional ship- or aircraft-based methods. The project helps to reduce knowledge gaps on the distribution of marine mammals and to improve understanding of ocean health – an important contribution to the UN Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development and global marine conservation.
“We are truly overwhelmed and very grateful for this award,” says Caroline Höschle, project manager at BioConsult SH. “With this funding, we can further develop SPACEWHALE, apply the method in new regions and actively contribute to the protection of marine biodiversity.”
The award is endowed with up to € 100,000 and will be accompanied by a member of the Zurich Executive Board over a period of three years. The jury consisted of experts such as Prof. Dr Antje Boetius, Dr Carsten Schildknecht, Boris Herrmann and other representatives from science and nature conservation.
Please see our website for further information on SPACEWHALE.