Ft. Lauderdale, FL.
During a year-long competition, with more than 100 applications from around the globe, SeaTrac emerged as one of six finalists for Ocean Exchange’s 2019 Orcelle Award, given to a solution that advances our understanding of the ocean, minimizing human impact, and resulting in more resilient bodies of water, including healthy marine life and coastlines. SeaTrac proposed an autonomous method of listening for whales by towing a hydrophone from its solar powered USV, pairing it with best-in-class mammal identification software, and broadcasting the results in real time through the WhaleAlert communications channel.
“Our solution aims to lower the cost and improve effectiveness of detecting endangered whales. Ship strikes have put more than a dozen species of whales at risk of extinction. With a less expensive and more effective detection system, our aim is to enable broader deployment of detection systems which helps shipping companies operate more efficiently by lowering ship strikes rates,” explains SeaTrac co-founder Jigger Herman. “Along similar lines, a less expensive and more effective detection system can be deployed during construction and operation of wind farms. With lower cost and better performance, operators reduce their cost of operations, which thus helps the adoption of renewable energy.”
Adds SeaTrac Communications Director Alessandra Bianchi, “It was an honor to be included among such a dynamic gathering of maritime leaders, investors, technical experts, and entrepreneurs who come together to fund and support solutions needed for more sustainable shipping and healthy oceans. We learned a great deal from this process and are already excited for Ocean Exchange reunions.”
“Ocean Exchange™ accelerates the adoption of solutions that help economies, health and the environment while respecting cultures around the world, explains Millicent Pitts, CEO and Executive Director of The Ocean Exchange. Since its inception, Ocean Exchange has awarded over $1.5 million of non-dilutive awards to innovative startup companies. Learn more at oceanexchange.org.
