Real-Time AI Model Aims to Help Protect the Great Barrier Reef

Marine biologists have a new AI tool for monitoring and protecting coral reefs. The project--a collaboration between Google and Australia's Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organization (CSIRO)--employs computer vision detection models to pinpoint damaging outbreaks of crown-of-thorns starfish (COTS) through a live camera feed. Keeping a closer eye on reefs helps scientists address growing populations quickly, to protect the valuable Great Barrier Reef ecosystem. Despite covering less than 1% of the vast ocean floor, coral reefs support about 25% of sea species including fish, invertebrates, and marine mammals. When healthy, these productive marine environments provide commercial and subsistence fishing and income for tourism and recreational businesses.