#China #Huawei #AI Technology #Xiamen #Chinese White Dolphins

Introduction

In a significant breakthrough for marine conservation, Huawei, in collaboration with its partners, has unveiled preliminary findings from a revolutionary AI-driven initiative designed to study and safeguard the endangered Chinese white dolphins in Xiamen Bay, China. This project, launched as part of the Huawei TECH4ALL initiative three months ago, marks a turning point in efforts to monitor and protect these remarkable marine mammals.

Project Overview

The AI solution introduced by Huawei has achieved noteworthy results in a short span of time. So far, the initiative has successfully identified 13 individual dolphins based on a comprehensive dataset comprising 2,820 images and videos. The accuracy of these identifications has surpassed 90%, while the system demonstrates an impressive 85% success rate in recognizing complex dolphin behaviors. In addition to these achievements, the efficiency of data tagging has improved by an astounding 400%.

More critically, the project's implementation has enhanced the response times of authorities concerned with law enforcement. Instances of vessels violating speed limits or unauthorized access to protected areas have seen a remarkable 65% improvement in response time.

Cui Yangyang, the director of Huawei's TECH4ALL program, emphasizes the significance of AI-derived insights in shaping targeted conservation strategies. He notes that these data-driven understandings of the threats faced by this iconic dolphin species are crucial for ensuring their survival in the wild.

Importance of Chinese White Dolphins

Chinese white dolphins are classified as a nationally protected species and are listed as vulnerable on the IUCN Red List. Xiamen Bay is home to 51% of the surviving Chinese white dolphin population, making it a critical habitat for these creatures. The primary threats to their existence include maritime traffic, fishing practices, and coastal engineering projects. Environmental stressors such as noise pollution, contamination, entanglement in fishing nets, and habitat loss further complicate their survival.

To combat these challenges, Huawei has partnered with the Third Institute of Oceanography under China's Ministry of Natural Resources and China Mobile to develop a recognition system capable of identifying individual dolphins through their unique dorsal fins. This technological advance allows for more efficient surveys and precise conservation efforts, as stated by Wang Xianyan, the head of the Marine Species Research and Conservation Team at the Third Institute of Oceanography.

Data and Technology Integration

The AI system processes images and performs recognition tasks to extract dorsal fin patterns, classify data, and visualize information in the cloud. Each dolphin is tracked with a bespoke dataset, allowing researchers to monitor individual health, population dynamics, and reproductive patterns, ultimately contributing to the establishment of effective conservation measures. Unlike previous manual monitoring methods, which were labor-intensive and unreliable, the AI's data collection and analysis capabilities provide essential insights into population trends and environmental challenges.

As noted by the Third Institute of Oceanography, the next 10 to 15 years are critical for the growth of the dolphin population in Xiamen Bay. The Chinese white dolphin plays an integral role in the coastal marine ecosystem, balancing fish populations that feed on plankton, which in turn absorbs carbon dioxide and contributes to carbon sequestration through photosynthesis.

Thus, conserving dolphin populations and the integrity of the marine ecosystem is vital to addressing climate change challenges.

Utilizing Advanced Networks

In addition to AI capabilities, the project employs a robust 5G network infrastructure consisting of 10 base stations that cover 330 square kilometers of the bay area, ensuring seamless connectivity across key protected zones. The combined data from radar, visual terminals, satellites, and the Automated Identification System (AIS) facilitates real-time monitoring of marine vessels within a 20-kilometer radius.

The system promptly alerts authorities to violations such as boundary breaches or speed infractions, enabling on-shore personnel to verify infractions and quickly locate the offending vessels. To date, 12 vessels have been investigated due to potential threats to the dolphins’ safety.

Conclusion

As the AI-driven initiatives continue to evolve, the secretive lives of the Chinese white dolphins in Xiamen Bay are gradually being unveiled, instilling hope for their future survival. With ongoing research efforts and technological applications, there is a brighter outlook for the conservation of this magnificent species.