Coral reefs in crisis – can AI help save them?

The coral reef – a shimmering, vibrant underwater city. A fragile, living fabric of the oceanic world that has protected countless marine species for centuries. Scientists in Australia have decided to harness the power of AI to aid in its conservation.

Why are coral reefs dying?

Coral reefs are among the most diverse ecosystems on Earth, despite forming and functioning in nutrient-poor waters. Although they cover only about 1% of the ocean floor, they provide habitat for approximately 25% of all marine species. For this reason alone, the health of coral reefs affects not only marine ecosystems but also societies and all economic sectors that rely on ocean resources.

Despite their immense ecological and economic importance, human activity is contributing to their gradual decline. Over the past few decades, as much as 75% of the world’s coral reefs have experienced heat stress, leading to bleaching – a phenomenon that significantly weakens their structure and ability to regenerate. Among the primary drivers of irreversible coral reef degradation are rising ocean temperatures, water pollution, uncontrolled coastal urbanization, and the spread of invasive species.

AI to the rescue of coral reefs

Technology, which for centuries has been stereotypically seen as something that alienates us from nature, is now becoming an integral part of the fight for its survival. Scientists from the University of South Australia (UniSA), in collaboration with teams from Queensland and Victoria, have decided to use artificial intelligence to analyze the condition of coral reef environments in real-time. The data fed into their system comes from satellite imagery, GIS systems, environmental sensors, and underwater video recordings.

All the data is processed by AI specialized in detecting signs of coral bleaching, monitoring structural changes in reefs, identifying diseases, analyzing fish population dynamics, and tracking the spread of invasive species. Oceanographic sensors continuously measure water temperature and salinity, while remotely operated underwater vehicles collect samples for analysis of oxygen content and nutrient levels.

Ocean circulation models, combined with underwater recordings and satellite images, allow researchers to track marine currents, enabling the monitoring of coral larvae movements and pollution dispersion. Thanks to this, AI not only processes vast amounts of quantitative data but also assists scientists in predicting trends and identifying threats to marine ecosystems.

The project is being developed in collaboration with leading research organizations such as NOAA, MBARI, HURL, and CSIRO, ensuring that the world’s top experts in water resource conservation are involved. In this context, it should not be seen as just another experiment but as a crucial step toward a future in which coral reefs stand a real chance of survival.

The future of coral reefs

Experts emphasize that the future of coral reefs depends on an integrated approach that combines modern technologies, such as artificial intelligence and machine learning, with international collaboration among scientists, research institutions, and government bodies. The UniSA researchers’ project has the potential to expand and inspire other scientific centers, but to achieve this, it requires free exchange of knowledge between experts and financial support from local authorities.

Although delicate as lace woven from limestone skeletons, coral reefs form the foundation of marine biodiversity. This apparent paradox demands our special attention – the loss of coral reefs is more than just the disappearance of popular tourist destinations or picturesque underwater landscapes. It poses a threat to entire ecosystems and economies dependent on the oceans.

Therefore, every new scientific project dedicated to coral reef conservation should have a tangible impact on slowing the damage done over the past century. The creators of this analytical platform are guided by this very approach, using technology to effectively protect these invaluable ecosystems.

main photo: Francesco Ungaro / Unsplash