Advanced Coherent Technologies, LLC (ACT) is using a multi-spectral, multi-channel imaging system to detect and monitor marine mammals. The system, designed with US Navy funding, is intended to monitor mammals on US Navy submarine training ranges prior to and during Navy active acoustic training activities. ACT has conducted system tests and data collection activities at the St. Lawrence Seaway (Quebec, Canada), at Ma'alaea Bay (Maui, Hawaii), and from the Coronado Bay Bridge (San Diego, California). A description of the imaging system and the results of the data collections are discussed and presented.

This work presents an electro-optical multispectral capability that detects and monitors marine mammals. It is a continuance of Whale Search Radar SBIR program funded by PMA-264 through NAVAIR. A lightweight, multispectral, turreted imaging system is designed for airborne and ship based platforms to detect and monitor marine mammals. The system tests were conducted over the Humpback whale breeding and calving area in Maui, Hawaii. The results of the tests and the system description are presented. The development of an automatic whale detection algorithm is discussed as well as methodology used to turn raw survey data into quantifiable data products.

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Advanced Coherent Technologies, LLC has demonstrated the use of multi-channel imaging systems in a variety of applications. These systems are composed of multiple cameras or 'channels', each of which can be coupled with spectral filters, polarization analyzers, or unique optics (e.g. for field of view (FOV) or aperture adjustments). The channel content is designed specifically for the extraction of information and/or the detection of targets. Airborne data collects have been made over forest and maritime environments for the detection of various targets. The results of these collects are discussed and analyzed. Of particular concern is how channel content is chosen in each environment and for each target.

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