This year’s American Boating Congress (ABC) marked the first public appearance of the WAVS Taskforce’s 24-foot research vessel – a mobile test platform built to advance whale protection through on-the-water innovation. Built by Contender and powered by a Yamaha 300, the center console integrates technologies from leading marine manufacturers in partnership with WAVS (Whale and Vessel Safety).
The WAVS boat was featured during the National Marine Manufacturers Association’s (NMMA) Recreational Boating Technology Demonstration at Washington Marina in Washington DC , 1300 Maine Avenue SW, Washington, DC on May 14.
Outfitted with AI-based systems, thermal imaging and real-time AIS alerting, the WAVS vessel helps detect marine mammals, improve situational awareness and deliver whale location data directly to boat operators. 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 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 sends whale alerts directly to chartplotters already installed on thousands of recreational boats. “The WAVS boat and Garmin’s new technology are exactly what we need to modernize whale protection,” said WAVS 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.”
Currently being tested along the East Coast in sync with the North Atlantic right whale’s migratory path, the WAVS vessel marks a milestone for the recreational boating sector – the first unified, multi-manufacturer initiative to deploy scalable whale protection technology in the field.
“The boat proves we’re not just talking about solutions – we’re evaluating them on the water,” DePersenaire added. “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.
The Whale and Vessel Safety (WAVS) Taskforce 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. WAVS is a Viking Marine Group initiative working with other stakeholders in the recreational boating community.
