…By Judah Olanisebee for TDPel Media.
Inside the People-Power Project to Restore the Great Barrier Reef to Former Glory – and How Artificial Intelligence Could Be the Key
A collaboration between wildlife experts, everyday Australians, and artificial intelligence is underway to protect the Great Barrier Reef from further damage.
The non-profit organization Citizens of The Great Barrier Reef has initiated the Great Barrier Census, a large-scale reconnaissance project that allows the public to analyze photos and identify damaged sections of the reef.
This article explores the significant role of AI in this project and its potential to accelerate restoration efforts.
Analyzing Photos with AI Technology:
Groups of locals, tourists, and experts capture images while diving on the reef, which are later uploaded to a system for analysis.
Initially, the process was slow, but thanks to an AI developed by Dell Technologies, thousands of photos can now be analyzed in a single day.
This technological advancement has been a boon for experts working to assess a reef larger than the combined area of the United Kingdom, Switzerland, and the Netherlands.
Identifying Unhealthy Regions:
The introduction of AI technology enables a swift identification of unhealthy regions in the Great Barrier Reef.
This information allows recovery efforts to be focused more efficiently, facilitating timely revitalization.
Recurring incidents of bleaching have severely damaged sections of the reef, with the first mass bleaching event occurring in 1998 and several more in recent years.
Additionally, the exploding population of crown-of-thorns starfish, which feed on coral, has further harmed the reef due to increased nutrients from water run-offs.
The Journey of Andy Ridley:
Andy Ridley, co-founder of Citizens of The Great Barrier Reef and former CEO of Earth Hour, became involved in the restoration efforts following the 2016 mass bleaching event that garnered worldwide attention, falsely claiming the death of the Great Barrier Reef.
Witnessing the despairing reaction of his colleagues at an international level, Ridley recognized the need to take action.
Initially a marketing idea, the project evolved into a meaningful opportunity to make a difference.
The Role of AI and Humans:
Ridley encountered challenges when faced with the sheer scale of the project upon arriving in Cairns.
The massive volume of 60,000 images required expert analysis, which seemed unattainable in terms of time and resources.
However, an AI algorithm developed by Dell Technologies proved instrumental in accelerating the identification process.
Initially 50% accurate, the algorithm improved over time.
Ridley emphasizes the importance of preserving the role of human involvement alongside AI and experts, creating a collaboration between experts, AI technology, and the human eye.
The Success of the Great Barrier Census:
With the help of citizens, the Great Barrier Census has collected over 75,000 images and surveyed 510 unique reefs, accounting for 15% of the entire Great Barrier Reef.
The initiative has revolutionized the analysis process, allowing for the assessment of thousands of images in a single day, a task that would have taken months using traditional methods.
The citizen-based approach has fostered collaboration between local indigenous groups, citizens, tourists, universities, and other organizations, making it a unique and cooperative effort.
Conclusion:
The People-Power Project to restore the Great Barrier Reef represents a groundbreaking collaboration between AI, experts, and the public.
By leveraging AI technology, thousands of images can be rapidly analyzed, facilitating the identification of damaged areas and expediting restoration efforts.
This innovative approach highlights the vital role of human involvement in conjunction with AI and scientific expertise.
The ongoing efforts to save the Great Barrier Reef serve as a testament to the power of collective action and the potential for AI to aid in preserving our planet’s natural wonders.