WRITTEN BY: CHLOE WILLIMENT

HOW MICROSOFT’ S AI BIOACOUSTIC TECHNOLOGY SUPPORTS WHALE CONSERVATION

Microsoft and SMRU Consulting are using AI-powered bioacoustics to help protect endangered orcas from growing underwater noise caused by shipping. The Communication Acoustics Buoy combines hydrophones, edge computing and AI to detect and classify whale calls in real time, alerting nearby vessels to slow down and reduce collision risks. By automating acoustic monitoring at scale, the technology supports biodiversity research, strengthens marine conservation and could be deployed in oceans worldwide.