Our oceans need to be safeguarded. Lately, it is learned that artificial intelligence (AI) and Internet of Things (IoT) technology can hold the key to unlocking crucial marine data for the purpose. Innovative methods are now being combined with sensor technologies and embedded AI is showing promise in enhancing the environmental data collection. It is a breakthrough implementation and could significantly impact our ability to monitor marine ecosystems.
Petteri Nurmi, a professor of computer science at the University of Helsinki, highlighted the important role of data in understanding as well as protecting our oceans. If the quantity and quality of data is high, it is better to use it to understand and protect the oceans.
The study was conducted by the University of Tartu, the University of Madeira, and MARE-Madeira. It focuses on leveraging AI to optimize real-time environmental observations. Earlier, the species were manually recorded. Now, with the integration of AI, the observations received a significant boost in accuracy as well as efficiency.
The AI model helps in identifying marine animals captured in video footage and simultaneously analyzes environmental data in real-time. The innovation is beneficial for amateur observers as it enhances the accuracy of the observations. AI classifications clubbed with expert observations highlights the symbiotic relationship between human expertise and AI technology.
A different study explored the world of underwater plastic waste detection and revealed a pressing environmental concern. Traditional methods of collecting samples for lab analysis are labor-intensive and time-consuming. These mainly relied on divers or specialized equipment. Employing AI and sensor technologies means better accuracy.