SOLLAY MEDICAL CENTER
Terrance L. Baker, MD, MS
Hana Kelele, CRNP, PhD
Modesta Vesonder, CRNP, MS, PhD
3700 Koppers Street, Suite 100
Baltimore, MD 21227
Maui Dolphins off the west coast of New Zealand in the South Pacific is one of the rarest and most threatened dolphins in the ocean. Only 54 known Maui Dolphins are known to exist. Decades of fishing practices such as gillnetting have pushed this species of dolphin to near extinction.
Small in size with distinctive rounded dorsal fins, Maui Dolphins have become the rarest and most threatened dolphins in the ocean.
Scientists and wildlife conservationists are using drones with artificial intelligence capable of identifying these rare marine mammals with cloud technology. This new technology is being applied to study other species which are also fighting for survival in the world seas.
Artificial technology is being used worldwide to collect and analyze data for environmental conservation. For example, Microsoft artificial intelligence (A.I.) for earth’s partner and conservation metrics combines artificial intelligence machine learning with remote sensing and human scientific expertise to increase the accuracy and effectiveness of wildlife surveys.
Maui Dolphins play an important role of the ecological and spiritual fiber of New Zealand. They inhibit the waters off the west coast of the country’s north island also known as Te Ika A Maui which translates to “The Fish of Maui”.
Maui Dolphins are one of the smallest members of the marine dolphin family weighing only 50 kilograms and measuring up to 1.7 meters when fully grown. Maui dolphins typically have white, grey and black markings and black, rounded dorsal fins. The markings are very consistent and don’t vary between animals which makes identification by sight relatively easy. Conventional methods of monitoring and studying these fast-moving animals at sea have proven problematic and costly. Conservationists and researchers know relatively little about their behavior, particularly in winter when weather conditions deteriorate.
In 2008, a marine sanctuary was put in place around their known habitat. This marine sanctuary was expanded in 2020.
Maui Dolphins hold a special significance for many indigenous Maori as they are considered to
be Kaitiaki (guardians) that have for centuries help guide the Waka (canoes) of their ancestors when they first came to Aotearoa hundreds of years ago. Protecting Maui Dolphins is essential to increasing the life course of the seas and preserving the sea environment. The health of the environment affects the health and well-being of all humanity.
The future is optimistic as artificial intelligent drones, advanced recognition technology can be a game changer for conservationist and environmental researchers around the world. In fact, a potential project in Antarctica with the European Union Environmental Counsel looks to use such technology to monitor Antarctica and all of its unique environmental features and landscapes.
Sollay Medical Center is a proud contributor to the Global Goals of the World Health Organization (W.H.O.)