OceanEye is a tool that, using artificial intelligence techniques and machine learning algorithms, can detect Sea stars, urchins, cucumbers, some fish, and kelp. It can monitor a variety of potential kelp forest stressors, with a focus on sea urchin populations as the primary issue in these ecosystems. By accurately identifying stressors factors, managers can gain valuable insights and implement effective conservation measures.

One of the most pressing challenges in marine ecology is the conservation of kelp forests, crucial ecosystems that support diverse marine life. Sea urchins are a significant threat to kelp forests as they graze on kelp, potentially leading to degradation. Our joint effort is focused on developing an AI-powered image detection model tailored for the unique challenges of kelp and sea urchin identification.

Vision

Spectral Lab’s extensive collection of optical sensors and spectral data has allowed them to amass a wealth of images from ocean environments, offering invaluable insights into the complex dynamics of marine ecosystems. However, analyzing these images manually is a time-consuming task. This is where SOLIDS Lab comes in.

By automating the detection of kelp and sea urchins in vast ocean image datasets, our innovative tool aims to accelerate and enhance marine conservation efforts.

Together, we are committed to advancing our understanding of marine ecosystems and ensuring a sustainable and biodiverse future for our planet.

Our Role

SOLIDS Lab takes the lead in this collaboration, breaking the project down into three components:

  1. Data Labeling and Cleaning: We label and clean the extensive image dataset provided by Spectral Lab. This step is pivotal to ensure the accuracy of the AI model’s training data.
  2. Model Development: Additionally, we are developing a state-of-the-art image detection model designed to identify and differentiate between kelp and sea urchins, providing an essential tool for ocean research.
  3. User-Friendly Interface: Finally, we are continuously refining the UI to provide an easy-to-use interface that is accessible even to those with little-to-no technical experience.