High-frequency Near-field Physeter macrocephalus Monitoring by Stereo-Autoencoder and 3D Model of Sonar Organ

Ferrari, Maxence; Glotin, Hervé; Marxer, Ricard; Barchasz, Valentin; Sarano, Véronique; Giès, Valentin; Asch, Mark; Sarano, François

doi:10.1109/oceanse.2019.8867486

Cited by 3 publications

(2 citation statements)

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“…Moreover, this visual identification of each individual may allow to perform individual specific recording, which is the key for research on individual acoustic signature. Current work joins video and audio labels from fine acoustic localization using high velocity hydrophone array recording (Ferrari et al 2019).…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…This paper presents the results of a study based on an underwater photo-ID and video-identification (video-ID) protocol used to monitor sperm whales in Mauritius since 2015 by the French association Longitude 181, in the framework of the Maubydick program run by the Mauritian NGO Marine Megafauna Conservation Organization. In this long-term conservation program, the social organization and the dynamics of groups of sperm whales off west Mauritius are studied using video-recorded underwater observations, genetics analysis (Sarano et al 2021) and acoustics (Ferrari et al 2019, 2020). A unique catalogue of 38 sperm whales based on identity cards (ID-cards) displaying long-lasting and reliable morphological markers for each individual was created.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

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Underwater photo-identification of marine megafauna: an identity card catalogue of sperm whales (Physeter macrocephalus) off Mauritius Island

Sarano¹,

Sarano²,

Girardet

et al. 2021

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The long-term monitoring of long-lived animal populations often requires individual identification. For cetacean populations, this identification is mostly based on morphological characters observable from a boat such as shape, spots and cuts of the back, caudal and dorsal fins. This is well suited for species easily displaying their caudal fins, such as the humpback whales Megaptera novaeangliae, or those whose skin pigmentation patterns enable individual identification. However, for elusive or shier species such as the sperm whales Physeter macrocephalus, this approach may be more challenging as individuals display a rather uniform skin pigmentation. They also do not show very often their caudal fin that must be photographed perpendicularly to the water surface, vertically and fully emerged, uneasing the individual identification from a boat. Immature sperm whales that usually have a caudal fin without any distinctive marks may sometimes be excluded from photo-identification catalogues. Within the framework of the Maubydick project, focusing on the long-term monitoring of sperm whales in Mauritius, passive underwater observation and video recording were used to identify long-lasting body markers (e.g., sex, ventral white markings, cut outs of fins) to improve individual identification. A catalogue of individual identity cards was developed and 38 individuals were recorded (six adult males, 18 adult females and 14 immatures). This catalogue was used in the field and enabled observers to record some nearly-daily and yearly recaptures. Advantages and disadvantages of this method are presented here. Such catalogues represent a robust baseline for conducting behavioural, genetic and acoustic studies in marine megafauna social species. Benefits of such newly acquired knowledge are of first importance to implement relevant conservation plans in the marine realm.

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Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%