The Deep Vision project, led by Plymouth Marine Laboratory and the University of Plymouth, will use AI to analyse seafloor imagery and map vulnerable marine ecosystems across the Atlantic.

 Scientists have launched an ambitious project to produce the first comprehensive maps of vulnerable marine ecosystems across the Atlantic Ocean, using artificial intelligence to unlock biodiversity insights hidden within decades of seafloor imagery.

The initiative, known as Deep Vision, is being led by researchers at Plymouth Marine Laboratory and the University of Plymouth. Announced earlier this week and to coincide with the World Ocean Summit in Montreal this week, the project is supported by funding from the Bezos Earth Fund.

By analysing thousands of hours of underwater video and imagery collected during deep-sea expeditions, the project aims to identify and map vulnerable marine ecosystems across areas of the ocean beyond national jurisdiction – commonly known as the High Seas.

Image: Luke Jones, Unsplash