Defra and IMarEST Highlight Innovations in the Field of Marine Mammal Surveillance
In August 2025, the Institute of Marine Engineering, Science & Technology (IMarEST) and the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) published a groundbreaking report titled "Marine Mammal Monitoring: Methods, Technologies, and Opportunities for Innovation." This report, endorsed by the Ocean Decade, a decade-long initiative to accelerate scientific progress for the ocean, is transforming the way we monitor and protect marine mammal populations.
The report highlights several key innovations that are revolutionizing marine mammal research and conservation. One of these innovations is the use of environmental DNA (eDNA) analysis. By detecting marine mammal presence and biodiversity through genetic material found in water samples, eDNA analysis enables non-invasive monitoring, providing valuable insights into the health and distribution of marine mammal populations.
Another significant innovation is AI-powered acoustic monitoring systems. These systems analyze underwater sounds to identify and track marine mammals such as whales and dolphins with high precision. This technology vastly improves the capacity to monitor and protect vulnerable marine mammal populations, ensuring their survival in the face of human activities.
Satellite sensing technologies also play a crucial role in marine mammal monitoring. These technologies provide large-scale spatial and temporal data on marine mammal movements and habitats, offering a comprehensive view of marine mammal behaviour and distribution.
Drone surveillance is another key innovation, offering flexible, high-resolution observations of marine mammal behaviour and health without disturbing them. This non-invasive approach allows researchers to gather valuable data on marine mammal populations without causing stress or harm.
The report also emphasizes the integration of cutting-edge genetic science and physiological data capture. This integration is driving a new era in our understanding of marine mammal health and the impacts of human activities, unlocking physiological data that was once thought unattainable.
Defra Chief Scientific Adviser Anjali Goswami expressed her satisfaction with the collaborative work and its positive outcomes, stating that it will help shape the future of marine mammal monitoring and support science-based policy on both national and global scales.
The report calls for sustained investment in marine research and data science, in line with the UK Marine Strategy and international frameworks such as the UN Sustainable Development Goals. This investment is crucial for the continued success of marine mammal monitoring and conservation efforts.
In conclusion, the innovations outlined in the IMarEST and Defra report are ushering in a new era of understanding marine mammal populations and health. These advancements are enabling improved assessment of anthropogenic impacts and more effective policymaking for marine conservation at national and global levels.
[1] Marine Mammal Monitoring: Methods, Technologies, and Opportunities for Innovation. (2025). IMarEST and Defra. [3] Dorrian, N. (Project Lead, IMarEST). (2025). Interview on the Marine Mammal Monitoring report. IMarEST website. [4] Goswami, A. (Defra Chief Scientific Adviser). (2025). Statement on the Marine Mammal Monitoring report. Defra website.
Scientific advancements, as listed in the "Marine Mammal Monitoring: Methods, Technologies, and Opportunities for Innovation" report by IMarEST and Defra in 2025, are revolutionizing marine mammal research and conservation. These include the utilization of artificial intelligence (AI) in acoustic monitoring systems, environmental DNA (eDNA) analysis, satellite sensing technologies, drone surveillance, and the integration of genetic science and physiological data capture.
