My team of middle schoolers need input on an innovation project. They want to use hydrophones to sense whales approaching ships or fishing gear. They then want to emit pings or release artificial bioluminescence in a direction away from the ship to redirect the whales. In theory, would this work?
Posted by washmyhairforme@reddit | marinebiology | View on Reddit | 5 comments
They want to help reduce vessel strikes and fishing gear entanglements. Are there any experts, knowledgeable hobbyists on here that my team can interview for their project? Any help/input would be greatly appreciated. We can also expand on the idea. Thank you!!!
Eco_Blurb@reddit
No this won’t work and it’s illegal to interact with whales, so the artificial bioluminescence would not be allowed in my country.
I would encourage them to focus on the listening and studying aspect, rather than trying to impact the whales behavior.
Fish_Beholder@reddit
I agree that using bioluminescence or acoustic deterrents are not ideal. You might direct your students to look into pop-up or 'ropeless' fishing gear. The idea is good, but it's still costly and has some major kinks to work out. We need some innovative thinking! I'm a fisheries biologist with a lifelong whale obsession. If you don't get someone more qualified volunteering to talk with your students I'd be happy to.
washmyhairforme@reddit (OP)
Yes, that would be amazing. May I private message you?
Fish_Beholder@reddit
Sure thing!
fouldspasta@reddit
Pingers are being tested and used to deter wildlife from fishing gear!
The only drawback (which I wonder if your students might have solutions to!) is that man made noise is generally bad for the environment. It stresses out wildlife, which alters their behavior, and the volume can make it harder for animals to hear each other among other things.