Revolutionizing Behavioral Sampling of Cetaceans with Unoccupied Aerial Systems: A Literature Review and Case Study

Abstract

Unoccupied aircraft systems (UAS, aka drones) have revolutionized how researchers sample cetacean behavior by improving the accuracy and detection of cetacean behaviors. Despite this advancement, only 16 published studies to date utilize drones to study cetacean behavior. A review of 1,657 behavioral studies published from 1980 to 2020 reveal that 39 species lack any behavioral research, and the majority of studies do not leverage key methodical and technological advances within the field, which can reduce observational biases. Ninety-six percent (96%) of studies lacked critical information about observations, protocols, and observed behaviors, and it was uncommon for studies to explicitly address biases and limitations within their research. The most favored sampling methods used were ad libitum (29%) and continuous sampling (22%) methods, which are often non-systematic and arduous for observers. The case study demonstrated that UAS can be used to accurately capture bubble-net foraging observations of humpback whales (Megaptera novaeangliae) while reducing disturbance and observational bias arising from traditional observational methods. Recommendations to improve accuracy and reduce bias in behavioral studies are provided to help address shortcomings revealed by the present study.