Drones can be annoying.
Who wants to see a drone buzzing above your head at a community event or when you’re enjoying a nice day at the beach?
But those drones can also help save lives — human and our friends in the ocean.
Lifeguard organizations are using drones to locate people swept to sea and, now, others are using drones to find distressed whales, and that’s most definitely a good thing.
Oceans Unmanned Inc., in partnership with NOAA Hawaiian Islands Humpback Whale National Marine Sanctuary, with additional support from DJI and DARTdrones, unveiled a new initiative designed to provide aerial support using small drones for large whale entanglement response efforts off Maui — and we would love to see this used in Kauai waters.
The freeFLY program provides training, equipment and management oversight to a network of local, Maui-based drone operators that are available to support the Hawaiian Islands Entanglement Response Network, coordinated by HIHWNMS.
The network’s goals are to safely free endangered humpback whales and other marine animals from life-threatening entanglements, while also gathering valuable information that will reduce entanglement threats in the future. The network’s efforts are authorized under NOAA Fisheries’ Marine Mammal Health and Stranding Response Program, according to a press release.
The addition of aerial imagery from on-scene, vessel-launched drones will provide responders improved situational awareness and increased safety for both the animal and responder.
“Cutting free a 45-foot, 40-ton, free-swimming animal is not an easy task; it can be dangerous. Drones may likely play an important role as they are a valuable tool toward reducing the risks involved in this type of effort,” said Ed Lyman, NOAA large whale entanglement response coordinator. “As a public reminder, it is important to understand that response to entangled whales involving a close approach (less than 100 yards) may only be attempted by persons authorized under permit by NOAA Fisheries.”
“While these off-the-shelf systems can be relatively easy to fly while on land, operating off a small boat and providing the responders the imagery they need in a timely manner can be challenging,” said Matt Pickett, director of Oceans Unmanned. “The freeFLY program will ensure all operators are well trained and equipped, and operate at the highest level of safety and professionalism.”
DJI, the industry leader in easy-to-fly drones and aerial photography systems, is donating Phantom 4 Pro systems and accessories to the response program. In addition, DARTdrones, the nation’s leader in drone training and consulting services, has provided online Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate test preparation classes for experienced candidates to become FAA compliant as required.
We are fortunate to have organizations that donate time, equipment and money because they care about marine life, just as we are fortunate to have so many that bust their tails to keep beaches and the ocean clear of debris.
NOAA’s Hawaiian Islands Humpback Whale National Marine Sanctuary has long been a leader in this field. It was established in 1992 to protect humpback whales and their habitat in Hawaii. The sanctuary emphasizes research, education and community-based resource protection in a diverse set of conservation programs across the state.
It’s rare to see an entangled whale around Hawaii. We might not realize the extent of this problem. But it happens, likely more than we know. In fact, environment journalist Oliver Tickel wrote this in a report to the Royal Geographical Society: “Lost and discarded fishing equipment can entrap fish, turtles, cetaceans, sea birds and other marine animals, causing great suffering and high mortality.”
If drones can help save them, let’s use them.
