New Zealand - PMM2020-07 Novel technologies to monitor Mauī and Hector's dolphin abundance, spatial distribution, behaviour, and/or reproductive success

Description

Overall Objective:
Test and demonstrate the utility of novel detection technologies (including flown or underwater drones, deploying camera or acoustic sensors) and novel analytical tools (including artificial intelligence) to monitor important aspects of Mauī and Hector’s dolphin biology or behaviour in key locations.
Specific Objectives:
1. Design a trial to demonstrate the capability of a novel research platform or technology to collect important data for Mauī or Hector’s dolphins, as part of a regular monitoring programme. The trial description should include the means by which trial data will be processed and the criteria by which the success or failure of the trialled technology or platform will be evaluated. Priority data for collection are identified in the Objective rationale below.
2. Implement the trial described in Objective 1 in one or more identified priority locations. Locations of particular interest for different types of data collection are identified in the Objective rationale below.
3. With the results of Objective 2 and, in consultation with Fisheries New Zealand and DOC, design and present options for a regular monitoring programme to collect priority data at specified intervals over a 3‒5 year timeframe.

Opportunity closing date

29 January 2021

Value of contract

to be confirmed