OCEANSENTINEL: Watching whales, guarding waters – Real-time monitoring of cetaceans and recreational boats to support science and governmental surveillance

The Teno-Rasca Marine Strip SAC (ES7020017) hosts one of the most important resident populations of short-finned pilot whales (Globicephala macrorhynchus) in Europe. However, this SAC is also one of the busiest whale-watching destinations in the world, with around 162 recreational vessels operating, only 58 of which are legally authorized. Continuous exposure of resident pilot whales to boats has been associated with changes in resting and nursing behaviour, and long-term monitoring has shown signs of reduced calving success and high juvenile mortality, potentially linked to the intense and sustained pressure from maritime traffic and whale-watching activities.

The main cause of this imbalance is not only the popularity of the area, but the lack of effective surveillance and enforcement. Despite legal protections for the species, insufficient resources and technological infrastructure mean that illegal or unregulated operators continue to act freely, increasing pressure on cetaceans and undermining conservation goals. This project proposes the deployment of high-resolution coastal optical cameras at key locations around the Teno-Rasca SAC. These will provide continuous live feed to support vessel surveillance, environmental monitoring, and citizen engagement. A core innovation is the use of AI-based algorithms to identify cetaceans and boats from video streams, offering valuable data to managers and enforcement officers. A public web portal will offer live views, increasing transparency and awareness. The project aligns with LIFE IP INTEMARES and supports the SAC’s official conservation plan, promoting evidence-based management, compliance, and long-term monitoring.