Lighthouses safeguarding both above and below the sea through cutting-edge technology
We all know that lighthouses are still important in various ways, including aids to navigation, culturally and as historic resources. Now there is an opportunity to enhance the time-honored purpose of lighthouses, which is to protect, by incorporating cutting-edge technology inside their lanterns and watchrooms.
Lighthouses have always been outfitted with the latest advancements – be it optics, sound signals or fixed-position radio transmitters. This commitment is what has enabled these venerable guardians of America’s coastlines, rivers and lakes to remain relevant in our ever-changing world.
In light of this, the American Lighthouse Foundation is proud to be collaborating with MotionInfo, an innovative leader in AIS-based solutions, by helping establish a network of StationKeeper units inside historic lighthouses. This StationKeeper network aids in the protection of the endangered North Atlantic right whale, as well as enhances maritime safety.
How does StationKeeper work?
By utilizing Automatic Identification System (AIS) messaging capabilities, StationKeeper is able to transmit urgent safety and navigation information through text messages sent directly to vessels in the vicinity of North Atlantic right whales, with the aim of reducing collisions with these threatened marine mammals. These messages are also able to enhance the safety of mariners, their vessels, sensitive marine environments and underwater assets.
Presently, StationKeeper is installed at eight (8) American Lighthouse Foundation lights: Cape Elizabeth (ME), Little River (ME), Owls Head (ME), Pemaquid Point (ME) Portsmouth Harbor (NH), Race Point (MA), Sandy Neck (MA) and Wood Island (ME). In addition, StationKeeper is installed at two (2) ALF Affiliate lights: Halfway Rock (ME) and Nauset (MA).
American Lighthouse Foundation staff and volunteers have also helped MotionInfo install StationKeeper units at the following lights: Aquinnah (MA), Highland (MA), Matinicus Rock (ME) and Monhegan Island (ME).
By adapting to 21st century navigational needs, lighthouses are still able to guide, protect and remain incredibly valuable in ways both old and new. Where once lighthouses could only safeguard life upon the water, thanks to MotionInfo’s StationKeeper technology, lighthouses are now able to safeguard marine life beneath the water as well.
(Photo by Katrina Trapani)
