Scientists are using artificial intelligence and remote sensing to create a real-time coral reef monitoring system that will improve conservation efforts through data integration and predictive modeling. Australian researchers are developing a real-time global monitoring system to help protect the world's coral reefs from further decline, primarily due to bleaching caused by global warming.
Coral reefs are deteriorating at an alarming rate, with 75% experiencing bleaching-level heat stress in the past two years.
The Great Barrier Reef (GBR), a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Australia's most valuable ecological and tourism assets, has suffered severe bleaching since 2016. These impacts are exacerbated by crown-of-thorns starfish outbreaks and coastal development.
A research team led by the University of South Australia (UniSA), working with experts from Queensland and Victoria, is combining remote sensing technology with machine learning, artificial intelligence and geographic information systems (GIS). This comprehensive approach aims to track the health of coral reefs in real time and mitigate damage to these fragile marine ecosystems.
A multi-modal platform will distill all coral reef-related research data, including underwater videos and photos, satellite imagery, text files and temporal sensor readings, into a central dashboard for real-time global monitoring.
University of South Australia data analyst and lead researcher Dr Abdullahi Chowdhury said a single central model would integrate all factors affecting coral reefs to provide environmental scientists with real-time predictions.
"Currently, we have separate models analyzing large amounts of data on coral reef health, including bleaching levels, disease incidence, juvenile coral density and reef fish abundance, but these datasets are not integrated and work in silos," said Dr Chowdhury. "So seeing the 'big picture' of reef health or conducting real-time analysis at scale is challenging."
The researchers say the integrated system will track bleaching severity and trends over time; monitor crown-of-thorns starfish abundance and predation risk; detect disease outbreaks and juvenile coral abundance; and assess reef fish abundance, diversity, length and biomass.
GIS data expert and CQUniversity PhD student Musfera Jahan said: "By centralizing all this data in real time, we can generate predictive models that can help conservation efforts, allowing for earlier intervention. Our coral reefs are dying rapidly due to climate change, not just in Australia but around the world, so we need serious action as soon as possible."
Coral reefs are often called "rainforests of the ocean." They only account for 1% of the world's ocean area, but support 25% of marine life.
The technology will bring together data sets from organizations including the U.S. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), Monterey Bay Aquarium Research Institute (MBARI), Hawaii Undersea Research Laboratory (HURL) and Australia's Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organization (CSIRO).
"The future of coral reef conservation lies at the intersection of technology and collaboration. This study provides a roadmap for harnessing these technologies to ensure the survival of coral reefs for generations to come," the researchers said.
Compiled from /ScitechDaily