Transport Canada says it is pleased with the results of an underwater acoustic glider used to help detect the endangered North Atlantic right whales as they migrate to and from Canadian waters in the spring and fall.

While the federal department has been testing different technology over the last few years for finding right whales, this was the first year an underwater glider and a drone were added.

Researchers hope they will help them to understand the movement patterns of the species, as well as provide earlier detection to prevent ship strikes.