For more on programming, events and resources on Ocean AI, visit oceansupercluster.ca. This newsletter represents solely my views and not those of my employer.
- Navy Seeks Industry Input: The U.S. Navy seeks advanced navigation and autonomy solutions for uncrewed surface and underwater vehicles to ensure effective operations without relying on satellite navigation. Specifically, two requests for Information due November 26 have been launched "Request For Information For Rembedded Autonomy For Autonomous Underwater Vehicles" and "Request For Information For Gnss Denied Navigation For Autonomous Underwater And Surface Vehicles". The U.S. Navy's Project 33 aims to integrate autonomous platforms across the fleet by 2027, expanding capabilities at lower costs and preparing for potential conflicts. The Navy’s recent requests for industry information focus on localization techniques and "embedded autonomy" for real-time, autonomous mission adaptation and obstacle avoidance. [Defence Scoop]
- Drone-Assisted Whale Research: Project CETI (Cetacean Translation Initiative) uses advanced drone technology to capture sperm whale vocalizations, aiming to understand whale communication. The framework developed by Harvard researchers leverages VHF signal sensing and underwater acoustics to guide drones to whale surfacing points, maximizing interactions. This interdisciplinary approach combines robotics, AI, and marine biology to overcome the challenges of tracking whales in their natural habitat, advancing both technology and our understanding of whale behaviour. [The Engineer]
- Intelligent Multi-scale Big Data Mapping of Coastal Habitats: Frontiers, a leading journal publisher, has recently launched this research topic to find studies using AI-driven methods to analyze coastal habitats' spatial-temporal dynamics, biophysical parameters, and ecological functions, with a focus on supporting sustainable management through high-resolution data. Launching this as a research topic at Frontiers is beneficial because it encourages interdisciplinary research at the intersection of ecology, technology, and data science, addressing a critical need for high-precision mapping and monitoring of coastal ecosystems. [Frontiers]
- Saudi Arabia's Marine Health Digital Platform: Saudi Arabia launched Ocean Central, a digital platform to monitor and support marine health, aiming to drive global ocean regeneration efforts. The platform integrates data and storytelling to provide accessible insights into ocean trends, gaps, and restoration progress, aligning with UN goals and Saudi Vision 2030. Ocean Central’s approach to integrating vast, diverse datasets on marine health could be essential for advancing AI applications in ocean conservation. By providing a comprehensive, accessible view of marine ecosystems and identifying critical data gaps, the platform lays the groundwork for training AI models on reliable, structured, and relevant environmental data. This data foundation enables future AI systems to support predictive analytics, automated ecosystem monitoring, and optimized decision-making in marine conservation, ultimately accelerating progress toward global sustainability and regeneration goals. [Arab News]
- Essential Marine AI: This is a great summary of some transformative technological shifts in the marine environment. Have a read about the potential impact and enhance every facet of maritime life, from naval operations and commercial shipping to yacht navigation, autopilot systems, and search and rescue missions. [Yachting Monthly]
- Smart Satellite Surveillance: Have a read about a satellite system created using AI to detect dark ships, vessels that "switch off their automatic identification system (AIS) to avoid detection, posing challenges for maritime security". The system combines earth observation with AI processing in space, selectively transmitting data to reduce analysis workload and allowing for updates from ground control to improve tracking. These kinds of systems can be used to help combat illegal fishing and other maritime threats, supporting ocean security and sustainability. [Ship Technology, Marine Insight]
- Electronic Monitoring (EM) of Fisheries: An EU project is developing AI-powered catch scanners to help fishers identify fish species, size, and weight, aiding regulatory compliance and sustainable fishing. By integrating digital tools like cameras, AI, and computer vision, the initiative aims to streamline catch reporting, combat illegal fishing, and provide data for marine conservation. These technologies support a more sustainable, transparent fishing industry and enable inspectors to monitor compliance effectively. In Canada, the Department of Fisheries and Oceans (DFO) specifies EM requirements within certain fisheries, Several excellent companies in Canada are developing similarly valuable technology. [Euro News]
- Innovative Wind Farm Monitoring: An offshore wind (OSW) project in the North Sea is underway to understand the impact of OSW farms on marine ecosystems using AI-driven and low-carbon monitoring methods. At the Kaskasi offshore wind farm, the project employs environmental DNA sampling, drones with AI cameras, and autonomous underwater vehicles to gather and integrate ecosystem data sustainably. [Marine Technology]
