About Search, Identify, Respond, Free (S.I.R.F) Whales
Our Mission
At S.I.R.F Whales, our mission is to develop better technology to free entangled whales, doing this quickly, safely, and repeatedly with limited human interaction. We are developing new methods and capabilities that increase the detection of entangled marine animals, improve response time to remove entanglement, and increase safety for human operators.
what can you do to help?
every day waste
There are many small impactful things you can do to help prevent marine animal entanglements for a greener future. Reducing plastic use like straws, bags, and packaging that can end up in the ocean along with the proper disposal of waste. you can join beach and river cleanups and support sustainable seafood. Always cut plastic rings, loops, or string before disposing them to prevent animals from getting trapped. In some areas, there are hotlines or organizations that will recover lost or abandoned fishing gear. Make sure to educate others about the issue-it multiples the impact.
sightings
If you spot an entangled whale, do not try to help it yourself-it can be extremely dangerous. Instead you can follow three simple steps that can insure the safety of the animal and yourself.
- Keep a safe distance ( 100 feet)
- Note important details
- Call proper authorities immediately.
- NOAA Marine Mammal Stranding Hotline: 1-877-SOS-WHALE. If unable to call, contact the U.S. Coast Guard on VHF channel 16.
Who are we?
Artificial inteligece
Artificial inteligece
Artificial inteligece
At S.I.R.F whales we have developed a AI model that is able to be connected to a drone. Once connected it will survey predetermined corridors and search for a entangled whales/ marine animal. Once identified our program will automatically send a notification to a operator that will determine if the program correctly identified a entangled whale.
claw cutter
Artificial inteligece
Artificial inteligece
The first device is in the shape of a claw. This device is for entanglements that are hanging off of the body of the whale. The claw has three main parts the three arms, rollers on each arm, and blades tucked away to cut the rope. This device is extremely accurate, quick, and most importantly inherently safe for the animal and humans.
hook cutter
Artificial inteligece
retrival process
The second device is in the shape of a hook and it is for entanglements tight around the body. With this device it can easily slip underneath the skin and cut the rope almost immediately.
retrival process
Artificial inteligece
retrival process
It is very important to retrieve the devices along with the debris recently cut. To retrieve this device a parachute will deploy which will bring the cutter to the surface along with a GPS attached. This will allow for a operator to retrieve the device at a later date. there will also be a capturing device for the rope too.
The Colors of Nature: Search, Identify, Respond, Free (S.I.R.F) Whales Photo Gallery of Environmental Diversity
