ThayerMahan uses state-of-the-art passive acoustic monitoring to detect whales near offshore wind construction zones

The Real Story of Offshore Wind and Whales

With roughly 95% of the world’s oceans still unexplored, scientists and researchers are hungry for the data offshore wind-related companies are now collecting in the U.S. at a higher rate — and with greater precision — than ever before.

08/16/2024 | Oceantic Network

Photo: ThayerMahan's SeaPicket system has allowed it to record thousands of whale vocalizations, helping scientist to better understand the animals.

Connecticut-based ThayerMahan is one example of how businesses are investing in new technologies to observe, identify, and track marine mammals in relation to offshore wind project development, siting, and construction.

The company uses state-of-the-art technology to listen, record, and analyze ocean noises to improve the detection of marine mammals near offshore wind construction zones. It also provides a variety of maritime services, including Passive Acoustic Monitoring (PAM) through its SeaPicket system, which uses advanced sensors and software to detect whales at distances beyond 30 miles.

Since deploying SeaPickets last summer, ThayerMahan has detected and recorded thousands of whale vocalizations, data that was previously not attainable, yet is invaluable to scientists working to understand whale presence, population sizes, and behavior patterns. It can also be applied to other industries already on the water, such as cargo and shipping, to ensure vessels can avoid marine activity more easily.

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The Real Story of Offshore Wind and Whales

With roughly 95% of the world’s oceans still unexplored, scientists and researchers are hungry for the data offshore wind-related companies are now collecting in the U.S. at a higher rate — and with greater precision — than ever before.