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Garmin Recognized for AIS Messaging Innovation by WAVS

The Whale and Vessel Safety Taskforce (WAVS) proudly recognizes Garmin, a founding member of WAVS, for its groundbreaking new AIS (Automatic Identification System) messaging feature that allows targeted safety alerts to be delivered directly to boaters through onboard Garmin systems.

Real-Time Marine Mammal Alerts via Garmin Chartplotters

The newly announced feature enables critical warning messages to be sent to AIS-equipped Garmin chartplotters, including real-time information about the presence of North Atlantic right whales or other marine mammals in vessel transit areas. This development represents an important step toward delivering timely, location-based alerts to vessels in a cost-effective, scalable, and highly efficient manner.

WAVS Applauds Game-Changing Advancement

“This is exactly the type of advancement needed to move pertinent data and information to vessel operators,” said WAVS Chairman John DePersenaire. “Garmin’s solution uses infrastructure that already exists on thousands of boats—it’s a game-changer.”

A New Chapter in Whale Conservation and Boater Safety

Garmin’s AIS messaging capability opens the door for future integration of whale sighting data, dynamic management zones, and predictive risk forecasts into navigation systems. It is particularly helpful in efforts to protect the endangered North Atlantic right whale.

Garmin Reaffirms Its Conservation Commitment

“We’re proud to play a role in advancing both maritime safety and conservation,” said Garmin’s Shaun Ruge, a taskforce member. “This new AIS messaging capability reflects Garmin’s commitment to supporting the boating community and environmental stewardship. By enabling targeted alerts to reach mariners directly through their Garmin devices, we’re helping to support safer waterways for both people and marine life.”

WAVS and Garmin: A Shared Mission for Safer Seas

A Viking Marine Group initiative, WAVS is a nonprofit coalition of marine industry leaders, scientists, and technology developers dedicated to reducing the risk of vessel strikes to whales and other marine mammals. Garmin’s innovation aligns perfectly with the WAVS mission of utilizing technology and private-sector partnerships to improve awareness and response on the water.

Delivering Actionable Information Without Added Complexity

Garmin’s new feature helps create a real-time alerting system. “It’s an ideal blend of conservation and technology to provide mariners with relevant, actionable information without needing to change their operations or install new systems,” said DePersenaire. “This is an important step toward leveraging technology to meet conservation objectives.”

Learn More

For more about WAVS, visit www.wavstaskforce.com.
A press release on the Garmin messaging feature can be found by clicking here.

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