Fishing with Neural Nets | Transforming Ecology with Artificial Intelligence #ai #uva #ecology

A new short-form documentary, produced by UVA's School of Data Science, highlights the techniques used and discusses the transformative ecological impact this project could have in the years to come. In this approximately 10-minute film, you'll hear from the experts on the ground and in the lab who are doing this important work. With AI technology rapidly evolving and expanding its footprint, this story of how scientists and researchers are using it to advance a critical conservation goal should resonate and excite a wide range of audiences.
Brook trout are among the oldest life forms on earth and are of significant economic and cultural importance to the Appalachian region. In an innovative collaboration between the U.S. Geological Survey and the University of Virginia's School of Data Science, researchers have discovered new ways to track and identify this vitally important fish species through the use of artificial intelligence. Through just a single image obtained by USGS scientists, UVA researchers have employed computer vision and machine learning techniques to accurately identify an individual brook trout. Nathanial Hitt, a research fish biologist with the USGS, said of the project's potential: "It could truly transform fisheries biology, fisheries management, worldwide."