About This Project
This project combines AI, high-resolution cameras, and existing manta behavior research to test a program that will provide real-time individual identification and optimize underwater data collection. The results of this experiment will help us better understand manta behavior in real-time and enhance the tools and methods that are available for marine research. Because manta rays exhibit predictable movements and site affinity, individuals can be instantaneously identified and monitored.
Ask the Scientists
Join The DiscussionWhat is the context of this research?
It is widely understood that manta rays demonstrate "site affinity" by returning to the same places for cleaning and feeding. However, mantas remain one of the least understood of the marine mega vertebrates. Based on this knowledge, our project will create a tool that will identify individuals and provide real-time feedback about manta location and behavior to enhance our understanding of the species.
Organizations around the world have engineered devices to monitor underwater species; however, none have connected existing databases with individual identification in real-time, underwater. With our partners, we will design and deploy a device that identifies individuals and aggregates data on manta patterns, migrations and behaviors.
What is the significance of this project?
This project builds on existing research while also developing and deploying innovative and original technology.
The critical components exist. Live streams can be cast globally in real-time by The Coral City Camera. Scubotics uses AI to identify species and View Into the Blue has outfitted cameras to collect data underwater. Organizations like Flukebook have even collected data on individual marking identification; no one has combined these components into one device.
The combination of the above concepts will result in a method of efficient, useful, accurate data collection. This project could change how researchers and conservationists monitor species in oceans around the world, informing species research, tracking, and protection.
What are the goals of the project?
If manta rays exhibit predictable movements at cleaning stations, then it will be possible to identify and track individuals in real-time.
In order to identify individuals in real-time, this project will develop a cost-effective, efficient, and user-friendly device. First, this project will make real-time data collection to identify individual mantas, their patterns and tracking possible. This would revolutionize underwater research. The second goal is to incentivize citizen science and engagement with local populations of mantas.
If successful, data collection of manta ray location, movement and behavior can be more efficiently researched. This improved understanding can inform actionable responses, policy building and conservation measures for marine species.
Budget
The items listed provide an opportunity to engineer a custom camera and associated AI prototype that will efficiently and successfully deliver real-time feedback and identification of individual manta rays. The labor, cost of rights to the database and rig costs are critical to completing the device and coding the AI to make this possible.
We are currently looking to fund a full location-specific field deployment through other promising sources.
Endorsed by
Project Timeline
This experiment will take approximately 4 months. If accepted, we will start work immediately with our partners to design, develop and engineer the custom AI algorithms and technology. We estimate this will take between 2 and 3 months.
The design, engineering and development of the physical device will start concurrently. We anticipate this phase to take between 3 and 4 months pending material availability.
Oct 14, 2021
Project Launched
Dec 30, 2021
Develop the AI and custom technology
Jan 24, 2022
Develop the device and associated rig
Feb 28, 2022
Deploy the device (proof of concept)
Meet the Team
Kate Sutter
Kate Sutter is an advocate and creative communicator for ocean exploration, marine sciences and global environmental issues. She is currently an Associate Program Officer for LabX, a program of The National Academy of Sciences where she develops and produces creative engagement programs to connect people to science. Kate also leads the community engagement and communications strategy for World Ocean Day, an organization that celebrates our ocean and garners hundreds of millions of impressions. Before joining LabX, Kate worked as a Program Associate at The Ocean Agency managing projects in coordination with the team who produced Google Underwater Street View and the Netflix Documentary, Chasing Coral. Kate also worked at The American Museum of Natural History supporting several departments including Exhibitions, Communications, and Conservation.
Kate is a member of the Explorers Club and won the Adventure Canada Young Explorer Scholarship which allowed her to study citizen science in the Arctic. She is a drone pilot, an avid scuba diver and instructor and was featured on an original Disney show, The Big Fib, as a ‘shipwreck expert'.
Taylor Berry
Taylor leads the strategic impact analysis and fundraising efforts for Conservation X Labs. As the Development & Impact Specialist, she is responsible for seeking funders and maintaining relationships, measuring and presenting program impact, and developing and executing fundraising strategy.
Taylor previously worked at the National Marine Sanctuary Foundation building development strategy, fundraising for critical programs, and creating and maintaining a custom donorCRM. Prior to working at the Foundation, she completed fieldwork in the Dominican Republic, where she designed, implemented, and managed a red mangrove restoration project with an emphasis on building community engagement and support around the wetland system.
Taylor received her bachelor's in Political Science from Lycoming College and her master’s degree in Environmental Law and Policy from Vermont Law School. She loves diving, biking, and backpacking.
Additional Information
We have been in touch with all partners mentioned above. The ones we have consulted with have agreed to participate or consult on the proposed experiment.
Project Backers
- 25Backers
- 100%Funded
- $4,825Total Donations
- $193.00Average Donation