Insights into the use of an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) to investigate the behavior of humpback whales (Megaptera novaeangliae) in Vava'u, Kingdom of Tonga

Lorenzo Fiori; Emmanuelle Martinez; Martin K-F Bader; Mark Orams; Barbara Bollard

doi:10.1111/mms.12637

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Insights into the use of an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) to investigate the behavior of humpback whales (Megaptera novaeangliae) in Vava'u, Kingdom of Tonga

Lorenzo Fiori, Emmanuelle Martinez, Martin K-F Bader, Mark Orams and Barbara Bollard

Marine Mammal Science, Vol.36(1), pp.209-223

2020

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1111/mms.12637

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Abstract

animal behavior

baleen whales

cetaceans

impact assessment

methodology assessment

multi-rotor

remotely piloted helicopter

Vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) are becoming invaluable data collection platforms for cetacean research. In particular, multi-rotors can be used to measure whales and investigate their behavior. Moreover, VTOL UAVs are increasingly accessible for recreational and commercial pilots, and close encounters with whales are widely documented. Unfortunately, quantitative assessments of potential disturbance for the targeted animals are not yet published and guidelines for responsible use of UAVs around cetaceans are still under development. We conducted VTOL UAV surveys on humpback whales in Vava'u, Kingdom of Tonga. Interestingly, whale behaviors such as socializing and nurturing were not detected by trained observers on board the research vessel, but were evident from the UAV. Nevertheless, no significant differences were detected in diving and swim parameters between absence and presence of UAV flying at 30 m altitude. These results suggest that VTOL UAVs can be a noninvasive tool to gather morphometric and behavioral data on baleen whales. However, further research is necessary to establish whether applications that require flight altitudes lower than 30 m and targeting different species may elicit behavioral responses.

Details

Title: Insights into the use of an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) to investigate the behavior of humpback whales (Megaptera novaeangliae) in Vava'u, Kingdom of Tonga
Authors: Lorenzo Fiori (Corresponding Author) - Auckland University, New Zealand
Emmanuelle Martinez (Author) - NorthTec, New Zealand
Martin K-F Bader (Author) - Auckland University, New Zealand
Mark Orams (Author) - University of the Sunshine Coast
Barbara Bollard (Author) - Auckland University, New Zealand
Publication details: Marine Mammal Science, Vol.36(1), pp.209-223
Publisher: Wiley-Blackwell Publishing Inc.
Date published: 2020
DOI: 10.1111/mms.12637
ISSN: 0824-0469; 0824-0469
Organisation Unit: University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland; USC Business School - Legacy
Language: English
Record Identifier: 99451437702621
Output Type: Journal article

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Collaboration types: Domestic collaboration; International collaboration
Web Of Science research areas: Marine & Freshwater Biology; Zoology

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