Chile's government and the MERI Foundation have deployed the first AI-powered buoy from Blue Boat Initiative, as reported by Engadget. The effort is to protect whales and track undersea ecosystems.
The smart buoy can be seen floating in the Gulf of Corcovado and will alert ships to nearby blue, humpback, right and sei whales to avoid incidents.
The Technology
The smart buoy uses oceanographic sensors and AI-powered Listening to the Deep Ocean Environment (LIDO) software to determine the mammal type and location. In addition, it checks the ocean's health by monitoring oxygen levels, temperature, and other criteria.
The Blue Boat Initiative
The initiative aims to install six or more buoys to protect whales across the gulf. For the long term, the members of the project hope to blanket the complete migratory route between Antarctica and the equator. With this, it can help reduce collisions across creatures' entire habitats and better inform government decisions when it comes to the environment and its conservation.
Also Read: Researchers Develop Robotic Buoys to Protect Whales From Colliding With Ships
The Role of Whales in the Ocean Ecosystem
Whales help stabilize the marine ecosystem and climate on a global scale. In particular, the blue whale is crucial to keeping the ocean healthy.
They feed on krill and small fish and are primary energy sources for marine animals. In addition, they hold a significant place in local culture and history. They also symbolize a nation's identity and are recognized as a source of pride.
In Chile, people are concerned about the growing number of killer whales and those who are in danger.
Taking care of whales is important-the more they can flourish, the better the ocean can work to limit global warming and its harmful effects.
The Future of Marine Conservation
To achieve the project's aim, the government needs to have more than one buoy. With this, it can create a comprehensive map of the gulf. This can facilitate the creation of natural protected areas to better protect the whales and their habitat.
The Blue Boat Initiative is a great example of how marine conservation efforts can improve with the help of AI technology.
The future of marine conservation is also in AI's hands. It can be used to monitor and protect endangered animals in locations they inhabit today. Also, it can monitor the effects of climate change and any other manmade activities in the environment.
It can also make us aware of the current situation of our oceans and improve the decisions made to protect the ocean ecosystem.
Finally, we have to keep in mind that the use of AI in marine conservation is one step closer to achieving the goal of creating a better, safer and healthier future for the species living in the ocean and for mankind.
Related Article: US, Chile Pledge To Fight Illegal Fishing And Create Marine Sanctuaries To Protect The World's Oceans
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Written by April Fowell
