AITECHMAC

Application of artificial intelligence to study the distribution of marine macrophyte meadows.


"Artificial Intelligence TECHnology applied to marine MACrophytes"

This project arises from the collaboration between Arrels Marines and HEMAV, a leading technology company specialising in agricultural plot monitoring through artificial intelligence. The primary aim of this partnership is to explore the feasibility of integrating new technologies—such as computer vision, big data, artificial intelligence, and Earth observation—into the fields of marine conservation and restoration. The alliance seeks to create synergies between marine regeneration efforts and innovative technologies to facilitate the collection of large, relevant datasets for studying the distribution of marine macrophytes, their ecological benefits, and the main threats facing these ecosystems.

To achieve this, vast amounts of data, collected both remotely (via drones, ROVs, and satellites) and in situ (through diving campaigns), will be cross-referenced and analysed to: (I) generate marine distribution maps, (II) identify the key factors limiting coastal ecosystem recovery, (III) assess the health and functionality of these ecosystems, and (IV) enhance conservation and restoration efforts for marine macrophytes through more targeted, effective strategies. We are employing the innovative system developed by HEMAV, the LAYERS software, which was initially created to address challenges within the agricultural industry.

Given our current workload and the need to prioritise, we have decided to delay the active search for funding for a few months, focusing instead on the theoretical aspects of the project—its design and updates—to ensure that all the knowledge our scientific team has accumulated over the past years is integrated into the project. Meanwhile, we continue to seek collaborators in the academic and scientific communities.