SnotBot®
Home of SnotBot®
Ocean Alliance specializes in applications of drone technology in marine mammal science. SnotBot is the umbrella name for these various drone-based applications, which include the original SnotBot, SnotBot goes Tagging, and SnotBot for Large Whale Disentanglement.
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SnotBot: our original drone program
SnotBot is a modified consumer drone that flies through a whale’s spout, or blow, collecting the biological data within. By studying this biological sample, Ocean Alliance can get insight into the genetics/DNA, hormones and microbiomes of whales.
SnotBot Goes Tagging
Minimally invasive suction-cup-based data tags have transformed humanity’s understanding of whales over the last two decades, yet deploying these tags can be very challenging.
In 2022, Ocean Alliance became the first group in the world to deploy tags on whales using drones successfully. This method makes it easier to deploy more tags on more species of whales. It is a game-changer and is one of Ocean Alliance’s most significant contributions to whale science in our 50+ year history.
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SnotBot for
Large Whale Disentanglement
Entanglement in fishing gear is one of the greatest threats facing whales today. In response to whale entanglements, disentanglement response teams attempt to free whales from the lines. In this program, we are using drones to assist with these whale disentanglement responses.
SnotBot for Whale
Body Condition
Body condition is a remarkably accurate indicator of whale health. Generally speaking, a fat whale is a healthy whale. By coupling drone technology with photogrammetry equipment, we can measure a whale’s body condition and length, allowing us to more effectively monitor whale health.
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SnotBot future
Ocean Alliance is a global leader in the development of new applications for drone technology in whale science. We are continually looking for new, innovative solutions to the challenges associated with whale research and conservation.
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