This week marks the first public appearance of the Whale and Vessel Safety Taskforce’s 24-foot research vessel — a test platform to advance whale protection through on-water innovation. Built by Contender and powered with a Yamaha 300-hp outboard, the center console integrates technologies from leading marine manufacturers in partnership with WAVS.
A Viking Marine Group initiative, WAVS is a coalition of industry leaders, technology developers and conservation partners working to reduce the risk of vessel strikes and support coexistence between boats and marine mammals.
The WAVS boat is equipped with advanced whale detection and alert systems. Outfitted with AI-based systems, thermal imaging and real-time AIS alerting, the Contender helps detect marine mammals, improve situational awareness and deliver whale location data directly to the boat operator. The system was installed and integrated by Atlantic Marine Electronics, a Viking Marine Group company.
“This vessel gives us a platform to evaluate the technologies that will define the next generation of conservation and safety,” said Todd Tally, general manager of Atlantic Marine Electronics and a WAVS board member. “We’re not just testing tech — we’re building a foundation for real-world use.”
Among the most impactful tools is Garmin’s new AIS messaging feature, which can send alerts directly to chart plotters already installed on thousands of boats. “The WAVS boat and Garmin’s new technology are exactly what we need to modernize whale protection,” said taskforce chair John DePersenaire. “It’s conservation through innovation.”
DePersenaire emphasized that the project reflects a broad industry commitment. “This project came together because companies across the marine sector stepped up, providing the hull, power, trailer and the electronics and equipment,” he said. “It shows what we can accomplish when we collaborate to address critical environmental issues.”
The WAVS boat is being tested along the East Coast in sync with the North Atlantic right whale’s migratory path. The center console marks a milestone for the recreational boating sector: the first unified, multimanufacturer initiative to deploy scalable whale protection technology in the field.
The boat was shown this week during the American Boating Congress in Washington, D.C., the boating industry’s annual advocacy event.
“The boat proves we’re not just talking about solutions — we’re evaluating them on the water,” DePersenaire said. “And showcasing this at ABC is critical. It’s where industry and lawmakers align on policies that support both ocean access and marine-life protection.”
Supported by Yamaha, Garmin, Brunswick, Viam, AmeraTrail Trailers and other partners, WAVS reinforces the marine industry’s leadership in balancing innovation with environmental responsibility. Learn more at wavstaskforce.com.
