SeaTrac Systems and JASCO Applied Sciences partnered to redefine marine mammal monitoring with groundbreaking technology. Supported by the Innovative Solutions Canada (ISC) program, their collaborative effort utilized SeaTrac’s SP-48 Uncrewed Surface Vehicle (USV) and JASCO’s cutting-edge acoustic systems. Conducted off the coasts of Massachusetts and Rhode Island, these trials demonstrated the potential of real-time Passive Acoustic Monitoring (PAM) to revolutionize oceanic research and environmental conservation efforts.

Base Platform and Equipment
At the heart of the mission was SeaTrac’s SP-48 USV, a solar- and battery-powered platform capable of operating in both offshore and shallow waters. Enhanced with JASCO’s heave-compensating winch and collapsible acoustic array, the SP-48 became a robust tool for capturing marine acoustic data in dynamic ocean conditions.

Innovative Acoustic Technology
JASCO’s collapsible array, featuring four adjustable arms, minimized motion interference and delivered high-quality acoustic recordings. Combined with advanced onboard software like OceanObserver™ and StreamRepeater, the system enabled seamless transmission of marine mammal detections, ambient sound, and operational updates. This information was sent in real time via Iridium Certus and Starlink satellite communication, ensuring ground teams could monitor activity continuously.

Sprint and Drift Operations
Unlike traditional towed-array systems dependent on constant vehicle movement, JASCO’s design leveraged a dipping acoustic system. This enabled efficient “sprint and drift” operations, reducing energy consumption and significantly extending deployment durations.

The mission successfully validated a revolutionary framework for real-time marine mammal monitoring. During the trials, the system detected several endangered North Atlantic Right Whales, proving its ability to contribute to critical conservation efforts. Operating through challenging winter conditions in New England, the SP-48 performed reliably, adapting to unpredictable sea states and low solar availability. 

Key operational achievements included streamlined data transmission to shore-based systems and the ability to remotely adjust configurations and diagnose issues throughout the deployment. This innovation demonstrated effective solutions for real-time research in a variety of environments.