PredictWind, a leading provider of marine weather forecasting solutions, has announced a new feature for its DataHub platform: Whale Watch. This innovative tool, a version of Over the Horizon AIS, helps sailors identify and avoid whales, reducing the risk of ship strikes and contributing to marine conservation efforts.
Whale Watch uses data from Conserve.io’s Whale Alert database to display whale positions as diamond-shaped icons on compatible chartplotters and navigation apps. The DataHub downloads whale sightings reported in the last three days, by default, within a 100-mile radius of the boat, updating this information hourly. Sailors can also report whale sightings through DataHub to contribute to the database and help protect these magnificent creatures.
“We are committed to providing mariners with tools that enhance navigation and safety while promoting responsible ocean stewardship,” said Jon Bilger, PredictWind Founder. “Whale Watch is a significant step in supporting efforts to protect vulnerable marine species, including the critically endangered North Atlantic Right Whales.”
Key Features of Whale Watch:
- Continuously updated whale positions
- Configurable range and update frequency
- Integration with popular chartplotters and navigation apps
- Ability to report whale sightings
- Powered by the Whale Alert database, developed for NOAA and the IFAW
- Near-real time reports from NOAA’s automated drones
Requirements:
- DataHub with Firmware 4.24 or later
- A GPS connected to DataHub via NMEA2000 or built-in GPS in active status
- Compatible chartplotter/app
- High-speed internet connection (Starlink, 4/5G LTE, or GO exec)
Whether sailing along the Northeast Atlantic or traversing other waters worldwide, Whale Watch underscores PredictWind’s shared responsibility to protect marine ecosystems for generations to come.
Whale Watch is available now for all DataHub users. For more information, please visit https://help.predictwind.com/en/articles/10409145-datahub-whale-watch
