Gorgonian Identification Platform Released

News

Summary

The gorgonian identification platform is now online, developed under the DeepAI Project funded by the CNRS. The platform offers a centralized location where enthusiasts and researchers can submit underwater images of Gorgonians. An advanced AI model processes the images to identify the type of Gorgonians (red, white, and yellow), and assess its health, detecting recent or old necrosis.

Platform Overview

The platform (Accessible here) serves as a bridge between the scientific community and the general public for the study and conservation of marine ecosystems. By allowing divers and enthusiasts to submit their underwater photographs of gorgonians, the platform facilitates large-scale data collection. The automatic processing of images by the AI model allows for a quick and precise identification of the health status of the gorgonians, whether they are healthy or affected by necrosis.

This collaborative approach enriches the database available to researchers, who can then analyze the health status of the gorgonians at different sites and at various times. By consolidating submissions, the platform provides an overview of the health of coral habitats and allows for the tracking of long-term trends, which is essential for decision-making in conservation.

Furthermore, the submission process raises awareness among participants about the fragility of marine ecosystems and directly involves them in research and conservation efforts. The collected data and the results of the analyses become valuable tools for marine resource managers and environmental protection policies.

DeepAI thus demonstrates the effectiveness of participatory science coupled with artificial intelligence in environmental monitoring and marine conservation, while educating and mobilizing the public around current ecological issues.