TL;DR:
- SAS and the UNC Center for Galapagos Studies are collaborating to use artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning for the conservation of endangered sea turtles.
- The ConserVision app allows citizen scientists to match the facial markings of sea turtles, training a SAS computer vision model to identify individual turtles.
- The AI model will provide valuable insights into the health and migratory patterns of sea turtles, aiding in conservation efforts.
- SAS aims to develop the app further to generate a health index, enabling researchers to understand movement patterns and identify health risks.
- The partnership between SAS and UNC CGS enhances data analysis capabilities and promotes positive outcomes for the environment and local communities.
- In addition to sea turtle conservation, SAS is involved in projects related to hammerhead shark patterns and phytoplankton predictions in the Galapagos Islands.
Main AI News:
In a remarkable collaboration between SAS, an organization committed to responsible innovation, and the UNC Center for Galapagos Studies (CGS), cutting-edge crowd-driven artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning technologies are being employed to safeguard endangered sea turtles. SAS, known for its mission-driven approach, aims to leverage these advanced technologies to revolutionize sea turtle conservation efforts on the islands.
The focal point of this joint initiative is the development of an innovative app called ConserVision, which will harness the power of citizen scientists to train a SAS computer vision model. Through this app, users will be able to match images of sea turtles’ distinctive facial markings, enabling the model to accurately identify individual turtles.
This breakthrough will provide researchers with crucial and expedited insights into the health and migratory patterns of each turtle over time. The ultimate objective is to equip the model with the capability to perform facial recognition on sea turtle images from various sources, ranging from conservation organizations to tourists capturing these magnificent creatures during their visits.
SAS has even grander aspirations for the app, envisioning its ability to generate a comprehensive health index. By analyzing growth rates, health threats, and present data, researchers can gain a deeper understanding of the temporal and spatial movement patterns of sea turtles. Moreover, this invaluable data will aid in identifying health risks associated with marine debris, boat strikes, diseases, and other hazards.
Sarah Hiser, MSc, principal technical architect at SAS, emphasizes the importance of employing advanced technologies such as analytics, AI, and machine learning to address the increasingly complex challenges faced by the global community. She notes, “By using technology to quantify the natural world, we gain knowledge to help protect ecosystems and tackle climate change.“
Penny Gordon-Larsen, PhD, interim vice chancellor for research at UNC-Chapel Hill, acknowledges the significant positive outcomes resulting from the Galapagos Science Center’s continuous support of innovative research. Highlighting the significance of the SAS partnership, she states, “This innovative public-private collaboration will enhance the center’s capacity for analyzing data, leading to positive impacts on both the environment and the island’s inhabitants.”
SAS’s involvement extends beyond sea turtle conservation, with three additional projects focused on marine life. These projects encompass hammerhead shark pattern recognition, as well as phytoplankton predictions, further exemplifying the commitment of SAS and UNC CGS to comprehensive ecological preservation in the Galapagos Islands.
Conlcusion:
The collaboration between SAS and the UNC Center for Galapagos Studies, utilizing artificial intelligence and machine learning for sea turtle conservation, holds significant implications for the market. This innovative approach demonstrates the increasing adoption of advanced technologies to address environmental challenges and drive positive change. The development of the ConserVision app showcases the potential for crowd-driven AI in conservation efforts, highlighting the importance of citizen participation in data collection and analysis.
As the market recognizes the value of responsible innovation and technology-driven solutions in environmental preservation, there is a growing demand for organizations that can provide comprehensive and data-driven approaches to address ecological concerns. The success of initiatives like these fosters a promising market landscape for businesses that prioritize sustainability and leverage advanced technologies to make a positive impact on the environment.
