Aerial surveys are a valuable tool for marine mammal monitoring, enabling efficient data collection over large areas on species presence, distribution, and abundance. Two approaches for aerial surveys exist: visual surveys, which rely on trained observers, and digital surveys, which use high-resolution cameras for later analysis. This explores the key differences between these two methods, highlighting considerations for their use in marine mammal monitoring.
Considering available literature, this presentation will examine the advantages and limitations of both visual and digital aerial surveys. It will explore how factors such as inter-observer variability, detection bias, and species identification influence data accuracy in visual surveys. Additionally, it will consider associated with low-altitude flying, particularly in the context of proposed offshore windfarm development around Australia.
The presentation will also assess how digital aerial surveys address these challenges using high-resolution cameras; reducing observer bias and providing a permanent, verifiable data record. It will discuss how the ability to reanalyse, validate, and independently review footage enhances data reliability and transparency, and how Artificial Intelligence can support this process.
As human pressure on the marine environment continues to increase, selecting appropriate monitoring techniques will be essential for effective assessment, management, and protection of marine mammals.