Thermal Imaging for Whale Detection and Mariner Safety
New Technology for Detecting Whales
Thermal Imaging System Enhances Safety for Commercial Mariners & Whales
Quiet Sound is leading a thermal camera initiative to address a gap in real-time whale detection in the dark and in poor weather. This innovative system uses advanced thermal imaging to detect whales by their heat signatures, enabling 24/7 monitoring and enhancing our ability to protect endangered Southern Resident killer whales. This project is made possible through funding from the Puget Sound Partnership, and collaboration with partners like WhaleSpotter, the technology provider, and the U.S. Coast Guard, who facilitated the camera installation at Point Wilson, Washington.
The Technology Explained
WhaleSpotter’s thermal cameras allow us to “see” whales in a way that’s different from how our own eyes work. Instead of detecting visible light, these cameras detect heat.
Here’s how it works:
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- Everything emits heat: Whales, like all warm-blooded animals, give off heat.
- Cameras see heat: The thermal cameras are designed to pick up these heat signatures, even in situations where we can’t see clearly, such as in darkness or fog.
- Whales stand out: Because whales and their blows are warmer than the surrounding water, they appear as bright spots in the camera’s view.
- Software identifies whales: WhaleSpotter’s software then analyzes these images to automatically identify whales, helping us track their location and movement.
Follow the links below to explore the science behind this technology:
Why This Matters:
The Quiet Sound thermal camera project enhances SRKW conservation within Puget Sound by improving the effectiveness of the Whale Report Alert System (WRAS).
- Why is this important:
- Vessels generate noise: Commercial shipping increases underwater noise, which can negatively affect the SRKW population if it becomes excessive.
- Mariners care: When mariners know where whales are, they can reduce speed, alter course, or take other measures to operate more quietly and safely.
- Effective actions: These steps decrease acoustic disturbance, which interferes with orcas hunting and communications, and lower the chance of vessel strikes that can injure or kill whales.
- Alerts: Our goal is to improve safety for both mariners and whales by delivering more accurate and timely alerts about whale presence to vessels. We do this via WRAS.
- Continuous detections: Thermal cameras provide consistent whale detection, regardless of weather conditions or time of day.
- Extra benefits: The detailed data from thermal cameras will also support better-informed decisions for managing and conserving the SRKW population.
Orca thermal detection at 500 meters
Orca thermal detection at 3000 meters
Location of Deployment
The thermal imaging camera was installed on April 17th, 2025 at Point Wilson, Washington.
Watch more amazing footage and stay updated on our progress.
This thermal camera project represents an exciting step forward in our efforts to understand and protect the endangered Southern Resident killer whales. We invite you to explore the rest of the Quiet Sound website to learn more about our initiatives, our dedicated team, and other ways we are working to ensure a healthy future for the Puget Sound.
Inspired by this innovative work and would like to support our ongoing research and conservation efforts? Invest with us! Your contribution, no matter the size, will directly help us continue projects like this and make a real difference for the Southern Resident killer whales and other Washington whales.
Our Partners
