Abstract
Cetaceans are protected species all over the world, most of them are vulnerable, endangered, or data deficient (according to International Union for Conservation of Nature - IUCN red list). X-band radars detect the echo of the electromagnetic signal reflected by an obstacle or a ship (target). The application of X-band radar to the detection of cetaceans is a new and innovative field of research that could improve the automation of marine mammal data collection, and this is the first time in the Mediterranean Sea. The aim of this work was to test the capability of X-band radar installed along the coast (ground-based) to detect and track cetaceans in a range of approximately 2.5 nautical miles from the radar antenna. Data collection included a part of field work, implemented through the acquisition of photographic images and target’s radar detection (by the panoramic terrace Santa Maria in Corniglia), and a part, performed in the laboratory, of data analysis. The work was undertaken between May and November 2018. During this period, 30 days of monitoring were carried out (about 300 h) and about 10,000 radar images were recorded. The first results showed that we were able to recognize the target “cetacean” from the other common targets (boats, buoys, etc.) detected by the radar. In particular 70 dolphins were sighted by visual census; 12 of them were recognized on radar images. Radar images allowed extraction of dolphin dive time (between 2 and 15 s). The next step will be to allow the radar to identify the presence of marine mammals itself since it also works at night and with low visibility. This technique could complement the protection measures of cetaceans, highlighting their presence at sea even if it is impossible with waves higher than 0.8 m and over distances greater than 2.5 km.
Highlights
The days chosen for monitoring were planned in weather and sea conditions corresponding to Beaufort 3 or lower and with good visibility; good weather and smooth sea are important to optimize the quality of both the photographic images collected and the radar images recorded
The observation of the radar images already shows clear differences between a cetacean target and a common target such as a boat or a fixed obstacle confirmed by the calculation of the standard deviation (STDEV) and peak frequency
A single instrument capable of collecting interdisciplinary data would allow working simultaneously on multiple scientific fronts, reducing costs. This experiment represents a new field of study through which monitoring the presence of marine mammals in the Mediterranean sea is possible, supporting the direct collection of data and cost reduction too
Summary
That is why specifical monitoring campaigns are needed at sea to study cetaceans using several types of platforms (planes, boats) that require a lot of funds and time too. Research on these animals is essential, especially to learn about the impact of humans on the biology and behavior of these species, so the automation of data collection on the presence of cetaceans is becoming increasingly significant in a context of strong marine and coastal anthropization. VTashiveearecmtiovtietsyencsaorsrifeordthoeuirthianbittaht.eTshteucodnytinauroeuas wmoonuitlodrinbgeofconsidered a pilot study wcehtaocseeanapnraelsyenscies amndetphaossdagsecwanithbinetehxepCoinrqtueedTteorroe tMhaerrinaerPeraosteoctfetdhAeraearcchouipldeblaegeoxtr(efmroemly land and/or relevant for protection and conservation measurements on these animals This boats basis).teTchhneolPogeylacgouolsd Sbeanucsetduatorypr(eFveingtucroelli1si)oniss cwoitnhtbinoautso, usisnlcye tchreoasrseeadisbayffelcaterdgebyshhiigphssehiqpuipped with radars, that ctroafufilcd. This prelimipTnaearsrrseyagMee xaorpfinmeeraiPrmirnoeetemncttae,mdgmAivarleesani.nTtthhhiees spaerbaelspimeonritnicoaenryooeffxtppheerrePimceeleadngtoe,sngSitvasneincntuthtaehryaebinMscelnuecddeeiodtfewprirrteahcniendeteahnnetsC, irinneqptuhreeesents a new field of studyMetdoitmerroanneiaton,rrtehpreespenretssaennecwe ofiefldmoafrsitnudeymtoammomnitaolrsthine ptrheseensceeao. fAmlatrhinoeumgahmtmhaelsdinattahecollected are comseap. lAetltehloyugphrethliemdaintaacroyl,letchteedyaareretheernecfoorue rcaomgipnlegtealynpdrewlimoiunladry,setheemy atroe ernecporuerasgeinngt aanvdalid basis on which to testwtohueldesffeeemcttiovreepnreessesnot af vthaleidrbaadsias roninwshtircuhmto etenstt.the effectiveness of the radar instrument
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