Measure coral coverage from your data with Open Coral AI.
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Together with our global network of coral, cetacean and shark conservation programs, we offer on-site training and field work for individuals and groups, from zero to advanced diving skills, at amazing locations from 1 - 8 weeks.
We work with 100+ marine scientists and students from all 5 continents on Open Coral AI and other custom marine AI models. Help build research tools by getting involved in data collection or labelling and learn the skills to use AI in marine research.
Oceans and coral reefs are the backbone of a multitude of ecosystems and for human livelihood. We have already lost or severely damaged more than 50% of coral reefs worldwide.
Through technology and tourism, Reef Support empowers more people to discover the world of coral reefs, and take action to protect them.
New software, projects and opportunities for the marine conservationist
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Addressing the labor-intensive and outdated techniques of traditional coral health analysis, Angela Alegria, a Colombian marine biologist, harnesses the power of artificial intelligence on Providencia Island, as the selected participant for Reef Support's 3D photogrammetry project, funded by WWF Netherlands INNO-fonds to carry out R&D with Corales de Paz.
With the support of the University of Amsterdam, our CTO Yohan Runhaar carried out research to explore advanced methods for coral classification and segmentation, addressing limitations in current approaches. By leveraging computer vision techniques, the study offers a pathway to enhance efficiency and precision in assessing coral reef health using innovative AI techniques.
Marc Baauw conducted this research as part of his MSc studies in GIMA, a program offered by TU Delft, Wageningen University, Utrecht University, and the University of Twente. His aim was to gain insights into the differences between two rugosity calculation approaches using SFM-based photogrammetry.
During the AI for Coral Bleaching Hackathon organized by the Sustainable Ocean Alliance, the Reef Support team used the k-means segmentation technique to detect live coral cover and coral bleaching extent. This was a critical step in creating an accurate AI model to predict coral bleaching events and identify healthy and unhealthy coral reefs.
In this blog, we'll explore how you can contribute to the conservation of coral reefs and help advance marine research through Open Coral AI. With just a few simple steps, you can take part in a global effort to monitor and protect coral reefs, even if you're not a marine scientist or conservationist.
Meeting in the Netherlands and seeing her determination to take part as a volunteer, Reef Support and IBF decided that Amba would become the "first reef ranger", where she would travel to Lombok for 2 months to develop reef monitoring techniques and to set the groundwork for a continued reef ranger program into the future.
The 4 Reef Students are making great progress: signing their first contract, breaking first ground on the lab, gaining their Open Water PADI certificate, and having their first restoration dive! Click to read more on the story, where we thank the sponsors and tell you how to get more involved, by T-shirts, or by citizen science.
Motivated by a shared goal, 4 Reef Students of TU Delft are closely working together, in the context of their ongoing studies, with Reef Support and an inspiring non-governmental organisation, the Indonesia Biru Foundation (IBF) to kickstart the decade of ocean regeneration with a community-driven coral lab!
Reef Support was invited to take place in the Ocean Innovation Africa event in Cape Town, as an exhibitor and challenge owner. Together with OceanHub Africa, the hosts of the event, we presented one of the challenges part of the Ocean Hackathon ®.
Reef Support has decided to collaborate with FruitPunch AI to set up a 2 month (Oct - Dec 2021) Hackathon, inviting data scientists to analyze underwater photographs to infer the health and growth of coral reefs.
In September 2021, Reef Support’s vision for strong international coordination and community building of an ocean prediction capacity for the future has led to a science programme submitted to the UN Decade of Ocean Science.
On the 23rd of April, students of TU Delft were invited to participate in the 2021 Hackathon organised by YES!Delft Students and work on a case of Reef Support. Read more to find out about the winning teams and ideas!
