The possibility of using high resolution satellite images for detection of marine mammals

The possibility of using modern systems of remote sensing in the optical range from high spatial resolution satellites for detection of marine mammals and traces of their activity is investigated. An image obtained by the GeoEye satellite within the FEAC project was used for the analysis. The image covers Herald Island and adjacent waters, which are a part of the Wrangel Island Reserve, during the seasonal thaw (June 2009). It is shown that marine mammals (polar bears, walruses, and whales) can be identified on such images. The absence of synchronous ground truth observations reduces the reliability of the results.