North Atlantic Right Whales Preservation: A New Challenge for Internet of Underwater Things and Smart Ocean-Based Systems

Abstract

North Atlantic Right Whales (NARWs) are at a dangerous risk of extinction. Nowadays, there are approximately 360 individuals. These animals have been listed in the Endangered Species Act since 1970. While whaling was the principal source of risk for the survival of right whales in the past centuries, their current threats are vessel strikes, entanglements, and degradation of their habitats. Hence, protection measurements have taken place in Canada and the United States, where they are encountered, aimed at reducing the mortality of these marine mammals and increasing their population. In this regard, instrumentation technologies have been used for detecting and tracking of NARWs, as well as for monitoring their environment. In this paper, we discuss some of the current methods and instruments used for the detection and monitoring of NARWs, and we shed light on the advantages and disadvantages of each method and employed sensing instruments. Furthermore, we highlight the potential of networked sensing instruments and envisioned Internet of Underwater Things (IoUTs) for improving the performance of NARW monitoring and data collection, with the objective of guiding and supporting efficient measures and policies for protecting the NARW population.