#China #Huawei #AI Solutions #Xiamen #Indo-Pacific Dolphins

Early Success in Dolphin Conservation Using AI

In a significant development for wildlife conservation, Huawei and its partners have unveiled preliminary results of an innovative AI solution aimed at studying and protecting the Indo-Pacific dolphin population in Xiamen Bay. The project, which launched three months ago under Huawei's TECH4ALL initiative, has made impressive strides in identifying and monitoring these vulnerable marine creatures.

Key Breakthroughs

The AI system implemented in this project has achieved remarkable accuracy, identifying 13 individual dolphins from a dataset of 2,820 images and videos. It boasts over 90% accuracy in individual identification and 85% success in recognizing complex behavioral patterns. Additionally, the efficiency of data labeling has surged by 400%, while the response time for monitoring vessels exceeding speed limits or entering protected areas has improved by 65%. These enhancements enable conservationists to devise more targeted interventions, allowing for a deeper understanding of the threats faced by this iconic species.

Cui Yangyang, director of Huawei's TECH4ALL program, emphasized the role of AI in refining conservation strategies. He stated, “Insights derived from the data using artificial intelligence assist conservationists in creating focused measures to better understand and respond to the threats faced by this iconic dolphin species.” By harnessing advanced technology, researchers can ensure the survival and flourishing of these dolphins in their natural habitat.

The Threats to Indo-Pacific Dolphins

Indo-Pacific dolphins are a nationally protected species in China, recognized as vulnerable on the IUCN Red List. In Xiamen Bay, which is home to 51% of China's Indo-Pacific dolphin population, these dolphins face critical dangers primarily due to maritime traffic, fishing activities, and coastal construction projects. The long-term survival of these dolphins is further jeopardized by noise pollution, entanglement in fishing nets, and loss of their natural environment.

The collaborative effort involves partnerships with the Third Institute of Oceanography under China’s Ministry of Natural Resources and China Mobile. The initiative employs a recognition system capable of ascertaining individual dolphins by their unique coloration and dorsal fin shape.

Wang Xianyan, head of the marine endangered species research and protection team at the Third Institute, remarked, “With the involvement of artificial intelligence, surveys have become significantly more efficient and conservation measures more precise.” The AI recognition system provides crucial data on individual dolphin survival, breeding, and social behavior, forming the foundation for effective conservation actions.

Technological Analysis in Conservation

The implemented solution involves preprocessing images, recognizing and evaluating data using AI, trimming dorsal fin images, sorting data, and visualizing it in the cloud. Each dolphin is documented individually, which allows scientists to monitor the status of each dolphin over time. Longitudinal data is crucial for formulating effective conservation measures, giving researchers insights into dolphin populations, distribution, age composition, reproductive behavior, and the threats they encounter.

Previously manual monitoring proved time-consuming and was unable to deliver reliable foundations necessary for observing population developments and preparing precisely targeted conservation initiatives.

Future Steps for Protection

According to the Third Institute of Oceanography, the next 10 to 15 years will be critical for the growth of this population. The Indo-Pacific dolphin plays a vital role in coastal marine ecosystems and the ocean's carbon absorption process. Feeding on fish that consume plankton, which in turn absorbs CO₂ and sequesters carbon through photosynthesis, the protection of the dolphin population is essential. These dolphins indirectly contribute to the carbon cycle, which is significant for mitigating the impacts of climate change.

Alongside AI-driven analytics, a 5G-A network composed of ten base stations covers 330 square kilometers of the bay area, providing consistent signal coverage across all critical protection zones. The use of integrated sensor and communication capabilities of the 5G-A network links data from radar, visual terminals, satellites, and the Automatic Identification System (AIS), allowing real-time monitoring of vessel movements within a 20-kilometer radius.

The AI system generates alerts within seconds for violations such as entering restricted areas or speeding, enabling monitoring personnel to verify these infractions through coastal surveillance and quickly locate the offending vessels. To date, 12 vessels suspected of jeopardizing dolphins have been investigated.

Through ongoing research and AI integration, the hidden life of Indo-Pacific dolphins in Xiamen Bay is progressively uncovered, offering hope for the survival of their population well into the future.