#China #Huawei #Xiamen #Conservation #Chinese_dolphins

Huawei's AI for Chinese White Dolphin Conservation

In a groundbreaking announcement, Huawei, in collaboration with partners, has revealed promising outcomes from its artificial intelligence (AI) solution dedicated to the protection of Chinese white dolphins in Xiamen Bay, China. Launched just three months ago, this initiative falls under Huawei's broader TECH4ALL project, which aims to utilize technology for sustainable development and biodiversity protection.

The project has successfully identified 13 individual dolphins through the analysis of 2,820 images and video recordings, achieving over 90% accuracy in identifying specific animals and 85% in recognizing complex behaviors. Moreover, the initiative increased data labeling efficiency by 400% and reduced the response time regarding vessels violating protected areas by 65%.

According to Cui Yangyang, the director of the TECH4ALL program at Huawei, the insights derived from AI-generated data allow conservation specialists to develop targeted protective measures and better understand the threats facing this unique dolphin species, which is nationally protected and listed as vulnerable by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). Approximately 51% of the global population of these dolphins resides in Xiamen Bay, where their survival is threatened by various activities, including shipping, fishing, and coastal development. The major risks include underwater noise, entanglement in fishing nets, and habitat loss.

The project partners with the Third Institute of Oceanography under the Ministry of Natural Resources of China and China Mobile, employing a feature recognition system that identifies dolphins using unique markings on their dorsal fins. This integration of AI has significantly enhanced research efficiency and precision in conservation actions. As Wang Xianyan, the leader of the endangered marine species research team at the Third Institute of Oceanography, explains, the AI system provides critical data on the survival of individuals, reproductive dynamics, and social interactions, forming an invaluable foundation for effective conservation measures.

The AI-driven solution involves steps such as pre-processing images, inference, recognition using AI, dorsal fin cropping, data classification, and cloud visualization. Each dolphin has a unique profile that enables researchers to track individual statuses, thus facilitating long-term monitoring of their populations, distribution, age structure, reproductive behaviors, and the threats they face. Previous manual observations were often time-consuming and lacked the reliability required to accurately monitor population dynamics and devise targeted conservation initiatives.

Experts from the Third Institute of Oceanography assert that the next 10 to 15 years will be critical for increasing the populations of these mammals. Chinese white dolphins play a significant ecological role in coastal marine ecosystems and act as carbon sinks. They consume fish that feed on plankton, thereby contributing to the carbon cycle through photosynthesis. The protection of their population and the integrity of oceanic ecosystems is crucial in addressing climate change.

In parallel with AI analysis, the Xiamen Bay project features a 5G-A network consisting of ten base stations covering an area of 330 square kilometers, ensuring complete coverage of vital conservation zones. This integrated sensory and communication capability allows real-time monitoring of vessel movement within a 20-kilometer radius, utilizing data from radars, visual terminals, satellites, and the Automatic Identification System (AIS). The system generates AI alerts within seconds for any breaches, such as exceeding protected zone boundaries or speeding, allowing conservation officers to swiftly verify incidents and locate offending vessels.

So far, the initiative has led to 12 investigations regarding vessels that potentially threaten dolphin populations. Through continued research and the application of AI technology, Huawei and its partners progressively uncover the secrets of the Chinese white dolphin population in Xiamen Bay, fostering hope for their future survival.