What Is Marine Image Analysis?
Put simply, image analysis is the process of extracting observations or data from photographs or video. At NOC, we use this for a few key purposes: mainly to collect observations of habitats and the organisms that live in the water column or on the seabed. We also use it to check the quality of imagery captured with our MARS/NMF camera platforms, like Bathysnap, HyBIS, and ISIS.
These observations of habitats and organisms are used to assess and monitor the abundance, distribution, and biodiversity of life, from the shallow seas right down to the deep ocean. NOC also makes observations of animal behaviour.
How is image analysis performed?
Image analysis, which involves identifying, counting, or measuring objects of interest in photos or video, has traditionally been done by humans. Now, however, it is increasingly being automated by machine learning and AI.
How does imagery help monitor the ocean?
Using imagery to monitor the ocean is a vital way to increase our observational presence. This whole process, which involves capturing images, analysing them, and then disseminating and maintaining the resulting data, allows us to observe and monitor huge areas of the ocean. We can also do so repeatedly and in a non-destructive manner. This technique is an important way to monitor environmental changes, such as those resulting from climate change or industrial activities.
It's especially helpful for making observations in remote environments, such as the deep sea or under ice.
What Image Analysis Research Does NOC Conduct?
Analysis of underwater images at NOC is mostly undertaken in our Ocean Biogeoscience and Digital Oceans groups.
Image analysis forms part of the ecosystem assessment in several projects, including:
- SMARTEX: An ecosystem assessment project.
- AtlantiS: Used for long-term monitoring and habitat mapping at the Porcupine Abyssal Plain Sustained Observatory, Darwin Mounds, and Whittard Canyon.
NOC also has projects specifically aimed at improving methods for more robust image assessment, including PAIDIVER and CRAB.
What advisory role does NOC play?
NOC is an expert advisor to JNCC's 'The Big Picture' working group. This group seeks to improve methods for marine monitoring of the UK seabed using imagery, which includes improving image analysis.
How are image analysis outputs being used?
Outputs from image analysis have been the basis for a digital twin of the Haig Fras MPA (IMFe project). Data resulting from image assessment are also being integrated into BODC (British Oceanographic Data Centre).
Interested in learning more?
Learn more about marine image analysis or how NOC uses imagery to monitor ocean biodiversity? Explore how cutting-edge technology and AI are revealing life in the ocean's most remote environments.