The Cairns company develops and tests sonar and artificial intelligence (AI) crocodile detection technology in waterways in northern Queensland, providing real-time warnings of potential threats.
The Queensland Government has awarded a $100,000 grant for the development of the prototype buoy. It is located in known crocodile habitats.
The aim is to train alligators to recognize, combining sonar techniques that allow them to constantly scan surrounding areas as well as those used by fishermen.
The company, which was involved in the trial, said the 360-degree sonar-AI system would provide alerts to people nearby if the crocodile is within a 25 metre radius or was recently.
“It can provide that real-time alerting system to the public,” said Peter Jarvis, chief executive of Northwatch Technologies.
The images generated by this AI show how the crocodile detection system works. (Supply: Northwatch Technology))
“Or allow the public in the area… you can walk to the platform, press the system and be notified when you last see a CROC in that area.”
Jarvis said the project has been in development for 18 months and the final prototype has not yet been finalized after testing.
The trial was expected to take 10 months, but the start date has not been confirmed yet.
Jarvis said he is confident that the technology from the fishing sonar system will distinguish between fish, other parts of the environment, and target animals.
“We know that sonar is well developed to give you a clear image of these crocodiles.”
He said.
“What's not being done is that AI trains data, so it doesn't rely on human driving systems to monitor that system 24/7.”
Possible solutions
Baron River MP's Bree James said the technology could change the way Queenslanda uses polar regions.
“Public safety is our number one priority, and this innovative, world-first alligator detection buoy could be a game-changer for high-risk locations such as boat ramps and swimming areas,” James said.
“We love freshwater swimming, we love our beaches, we love water, but we all know that we have to be crocodiles in the country of Clocks.“
Bree James says the boat ramp is a high-risk area for alligator attacks. (ABC For North: Holly Richardson))
The Ministry of Environment and Science said that if the trial is successful, it will be best positioned in frequently used locations, such as boat ramps and fishing platforms, especially in remote areas.
Program Coordinator Simon Booth said the trial was built on previous research and sonar use and understood the limitations of technology.
He said he hopes it reduces self-satisfaction.
Alerts and locations determined
Northwatch has yet to determine exactly how the alert system works.
But Booth said light and hearing alerts and notifications sent to the phone and app are being considered.
Peter Jarvis says the prototype will be built using sonar and artificial intelligence technology. (ABC For North: Holly Richardson))
The Daintree or Mowbrey River, north of Port Douglas, is considered a test site.
“It's likely to be close to Cairns… but we want to choose somewhere with a pretty high crocodile presence so we can get good data.”
He said.
Booth said he is aware of stakeholders' concerns about possible information about the location of crocodiles to be intentionally harmed, a crime under the Conservation Act of 1992.
“But the intention of this is to improve crocodile safety, and I think that's the most important thing in Queensland,” he said.
