A coral reef monitoring project using geo-reference underwater photograph and artificial intelligence to bridge the gap between tourism citizen science staff and dedicated marine science.
Reef Teach is the lead partner in a ground-breaking new pilot project, that was launched in 2019, to promote the use of geo-reference images, analysed by artificial intelligence to monitor changes in coral over time. The findings from this research will provide valuable information to further our understanding of the complexities of coral reef ecosystems. By adding to our current knowledge base, these findings will ensure that the best management can be put in place for the Great Barrier Reef.
Reef Teach is training tourism staff in setting up survey locations and data collection. Underwater images will be taken by tourism operators and trained staff several times a year, along a defined monitoring path. These images will then be analysed by artificial intelligence at the Australian Institute of Marine Science (AIMS) using the latest in machine learning technology. The data collected will enhance the already established Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority’s (GBRMPA) Eye on the Reef program (EOR).
With the current changes we are seeing on reefs around the world, the information collected from this project is even more important now, than ever before. You can be part of this exciting project by joining our Marine Discovery Internship.
This project is funded by the partnership between the Australian Government’s Reef Trust and the Great Barrier Reef Foundation, with support from the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority and the Australian Institute of Marine Science. Reef Teach has also dedicated funds and resources to the initial stages of the project, raised through its Internship and education programs.
Acknowledgement Of Country
Reef Teach acknowledges, recognises and respects the Elders, families and forebears of the the Bama Peoples – the Aboriginal rainforest people who are traditional custodians/owners of the lands that cover our region. We also acknowledge, recognise and respect other Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people who call our region and the Great Barrier Reef their home.