Promising AI Solution Paves the Way for Conservation of Chinese White Dolphins
In a groundbreaking development, Huawei, alongside its partners, recently announced promising early results from an innovative AI initiative focused on the preservation of Chinese white dolphins in Xiamen Bay. This project, which commenced three months ago under the Huawei TECH4ALL umbrella, has already demonstrated significant advancements in conservation efforts for this vulnerable species.
The data retrieved from the initiative is remarkable, including the identification of 13 individual dolphins through a meticulous analysis of 2,820 images and videos. The solution has achieved an impressive accuracy rate of over 90% in recognizing individual dolphins, alongside an 85% success rate in interpreting complex behaviors. Notably, the efficiency of data labeling has surged by 400%, and the response times for law enforcement addressing speeding vessels or those intruding on conservation zones have improved by 65%.
"The invaluable data generated by AI empowers environmental advocates to devise targeted protective measures, allowing for a deeper understanding of threats that jeopardize this iconic dolphin species and ensuring their survival and thriving in the wild," stated Cui Yangyang, the head of the TECH4ALL program at Huawei. The Chinese white dolphin is nationally protected and listed as vulnerable on the IUCN Red List. In Xiamen Bay, which hosts 51% of the Chinese dolphin population, shipping, fishing, and coastal engineering projects pose significant threats, compounded by noise pollution and habitat loss.
Collaborating with the Third Institute of Oceanography under the Chinese Ministry of Natural Resources and China Mobile, the project employs a unique feature recognition system to identify these mammals based on the distinctive markings on their dorsal fins. According to Wang Xianyan, head of the marine species conservation team at the institute, "With AI integration, our surveys have become more efficient, leading to more precise conservation actions. The system provides critical data on individual survival, reproductive dynamics, and social interactions, forming a foundation for effective conservation strategies."
The AI solution encompasses image preprocessing, AI-powered inference and recognition, dorsal fin cropping, data classification, and cloud display. Each dolphin is assigned a unique profile, allowing researchers to monitor individual statuses over time. By analyzing long-term data essential for developing protective measures, scientists can observe dolphin population numbers, distribution, age structure, and reproductive behaviors, while also assessing the threats they face.
Previous manual checks were considerably time-consuming and often failed to yield the reliable information needed for tracking population dynamics and formulating accurate conservation measures. According to the Third Institute of Oceanography, the next 10 to 15 years will be critical for the growth of the population. The Chinese white dolphin plays a vital role in nearshore marine ecosystems and contributes significantly to the ocean's carbon sink function. Feeding on fish, which in turn consume plankton, these dolphins indirectly participate in the carbon cycle, thereby emphasizing the importance of their protection in combating climate change.
In conjunction with AI analytics, a 5G-A network has been established, comprising 10 base stations that effectively cover 330 square kilometers of the bay area, ensuring seamless connectivity in critical conservation zones. This advanced technology integrates detection and communication capabilities with data gathered from radar systems, visual terminals, satellites, and the Automatic Identification System (AIS) for vessel positioning. This enables real-time tracking of vessel movements within a 20-kilometer radius. The system can swiftly issue AI-driven alerts in cases of infringements, such as territorial encroachments or speeding, allowing enforcement personnel to monitor violations from the coast and swiftly pinpoint offending vessels.
To date, inquiries have been launched against 12 vessels suspected of endangering the dolphins. Through continued research efforts and the application of AI, the elusive lives of the Chinese white dolphins in the Xiamen Bay are gradually being unveiled, ushering in hope for their continued survival. This innovative approach showcases a blend of advanced technology and conservation science, setting a precedent for future wildlife protection endeavors.
The data retrieved from the initiative is remarkable, including the identification of 13 individual dolphins through a meticulous analysis of 2,820 images and videos. The solution has achieved an impressive accuracy rate of over 90% in recognizing individual dolphins, alongside an 85% success rate in interpreting complex behaviors. Notably, the efficiency of data labeling has surged by 400%, and the response times for law enforcement addressing speeding vessels or those intruding on conservation zones have improved by 65%.
"The invaluable data generated by AI empowers environmental advocates to devise targeted protective measures, allowing for a deeper understanding of threats that jeopardize this iconic dolphin species and ensuring their survival and thriving in the wild," stated Cui Yangyang, the head of the TECH4ALL program at Huawei. The Chinese white dolphin is nationally protected and listed as vulnerable on the IUCN Red List. In Xiamen Bay, which hosts 51% of the Chinese dolphin population, shipping, fishing, and coastal engineering projects pose significant threats, compounded by noise pollution and habitat loss.
Collaborating with the Third Institute of Oceanography under the Chinese Ministry of Natural Resources and China Mobile, the project employs a unique feature recognition system to identify these mammals based on the distinctive markings on their dorsal fins. According to Wang Xianyan, head of the marine species conservation team at the institute, "With AI integration, our surveys have become more efficient, leading to more precise conservation actions. The system provides critical data on individual survival, reproductive dynamics, and social interactions, forming a foundation for effective conservation strategies."
The AI solution encompasses image preprocessing, AI-powered inference and recognition, dorsal fin cropping, data classification, and cloud display. Each dolphin is assigned a unique profile, allowing researchers to monitor individual statuses over time. By analyzing long-term data essential for developing protective measures, scientists can observe dolphin population numbers, distribution, age structure, and reproductive behaviors, while also assessing the threats they face.
Previous manual checks were considerably time-consuming and often failed to yield the reliable information needed for tracking population dynamics and formulating accurate conservation measures. According to the Third Institute of Oceanography, the next 10 to 15 years will be critical for the growth of the population. The Chinese white dolphin plays a vital role in nearshore marine ecosystems and contributes significantly to the ocean's carbon sink function. Feeding on fish, which in turn consume plankton, these dolphins indirectly participate in the carbon cycle, thereby emphasizing the importance of their protection in combating climate change.
In conjunction with AI analytics, a 5G-A network has been established, comprising 10 base stations that effectively cover 330 square kilometers of the bay area, ensuring seamless connectivity in critical conservation zones. This advanced technology integrates detection and communication capabilities with data gathered from radar systems, visual terminals, satellites, and the Automatic Identification System (AIS) for vessel positioning. This enables real-time tracking of vessel movements within a 20-kilometer radius. The system can swiftly issue AI-driven alerts in cases of infringements, such as territorial encroachments or speeding, allowing enforcement personnel to monitor violations from the coast and swiftly pinpoint offending vessels.
To date, inquiries have been launched against 12 vessels suspected of endangering the dolphins. Through continued research efforts and the application of AI, the elusive lives of the Chinese white dolphins in the Xiamen Bay are gradually being unveiled, ushering in hope for their continued survival. This innovative approach showcases a blend of advanced technology and conservation science, setting a precedent for future wildlife protection endeavors.
Topics Environment）
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