In this episode of Digitel Talk, Ian Ginn speaks with Ted Cheesman, Co-Founder and Director of Happywhale, about how artificial intelligence, whale conservation, citizen science and ocean research are coming together to help protect some of the world's most iconic marine species.
Happywhale uses AI-powered whale identification technology to recognise individual whales from photographs submitted by researchers, tourists and wildlife enthusiasts worldwide. By tracking whale migrations and monitoring whale populations across the globe, the platform is helping scientists gain deeper insights into marine conservation, ocean health and the impact of climate change on whales.
The conversation explores how computer vision, cloud technologies and global digital connectivity are transforming conservation science, enabling researchers to identify whales in seconds rather than hours. Ted also discusses the remarkable recovery of humpback whales following commercial whaling, the growing challenges facing marine ecosystems, and the important role citizen scientists play in protecting the world's oceans.
Whether you're interested in AI for Good, environmental sustainability, whale research, ocean conservation, marine science or digital innovation, this episode provides fascinating insights into how technology is helping unlock the mysteries of the ocean.
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Episode sponsored by IFG Consulting Europe. Supporting telecom operators with technology strategy, digital transformation and business growth.
Guest Bio:
Ted Cheesman is the Co-Founder and Director of Happywhale, a research platform dedicated to understanding and protecting ocean ecosystems through the identification and tracking of individual whales and dolphins.
With more than three decades of experience in wildlife expeditions and eco-tourism, Ted has worked across all seven continents and spent many years leading polar expeditions in Antarctica. He also served on the executive committee of the International Association of Antarctic Tour Operators (IAATO), helping to reduce the environmental impact of Antarctic tourism.
A conservation biologist with an MSc from Duke University and a PhD focused on North Pacific humpback whales, Ted founded Happywhale to combine artificial intelligence, marine science and citizen science to better understand and protect whales and the oceans they inhabit.
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