Dolphin-seeking drones may hold key to marine mammal safety

A workboat-based drone could look out for marine mammals or other warm-blooded species in high-risk locations around windfarms, port developments or even seismic survey areas.

A DJI Phantom 4 with a long-range, 32,136 pixel thermal camera, mounted on a base that can provide a 180 degree vertical view and a full 360 degrees in the horizontal plane. Image: Ocean Life Survey

A workboat-based drone could look out for marine mammals or other warm-blooded species in high-risk locations around windfarms, port developments or even seismic survey areas.