The Whale and Vessel Safety Taskforce last week announced that founding member Garmin is including an Automated Identification System messaging feature that allows targeted safety alerts to be delivered directly to boaters through onboard Garmin systems. The alerts can include real-time information about the presence of North Atlantic right whales or other marine mammals in vessel transit areas.
“This is exactly the type of advancement needed to move pertinent data and information to vessel operators,” WAVS Chairman John DePersenaire said in a statement. “Garmin’s solution uses infrastructure that already exists on thousands of boats — it’s a game-changer.”
Garmin’s AIS messaging capability allows for future integration of whale sighting data,
dynamic management zones and predictive risk forecasts into navigation systems. It can be helpful in efforts to protect the endangered North Atlantic right whale.
“We’re proud to play a role in advancing both maritime safety and conservation,” Garmin’s
Shaun Ruge, a taskforce member, said in the statement. “This new AIS messaging capability reflects Garmin’s commitment to supporting the boating community and environmental stewardship. By enabling targeted alerts to reach mariners directly through their Garmin devices, we’re helping to support safer waterways for both people and marine life.”
