AI software developed to filter echo sounding data in Nova Scotia

An Artificial intelligence (AI) software was recently developed in Nova Scotia, Canada, aiming to facilitate and quicken the process of detecting and monitoring marine life in the heavy waters of the Bay of Fundy.

Indeed, the Bay of Fundy is known to be so cloudy and charged with sediments that it is impossible for researchers to see what’s deep in the water and to monitor marine life. The first technologies to be developed were destroyed by the tides within days or became unavailable.

This is when the DeepSense team at the Dalhousie University computer science department decided to help figure out that problem. By using completed data sets, the scientists started to train a computer that could automatically filter out the  ‘mess’ in the water. It was quite a challenge but, by having AI technology and automation checked by humans, the team managed to create an Echofilter software.

The Echofilter software is able to monitor and focus on what the researchers are trying to see deep within the waters of the Bay of Fundy, hence, making their jobs easier and quicker.

The development of such AI software represents a milestone event, as it doesn’t harm sea life, including fish and marine mammals. Moreover, the Echofilter software will then become a part of the association’s Pathway program where more technologies are being created to help tidal power companies satisfy the Department of Fisheries and Oceans and other government oversight agencies.

Therefore, the Pathway program will enable technology developers to depend on a reliable environmental effects monitoring suite of instruments that are approved and can demonstrate in real-time the minimal effects on submarine biota.

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