Since 1988, MBARI’s underwater robots have captured nearly 30,000 hours of deep-sea footage. This visual archive is a vital resource for studying the ocean. MBARI software engineers developed the Video Annotation and Research System (VARS) to help experts in its Video Lab annotate and analyze this trove of underwater video footage. Researchers at MBARI and its collaborators around the world have access to millions of annotations that can be sorted and retrieved by specific animal observations, each tagged with their associated depth, location, and environmental conditions. This carefully labeled imagery also helps train AI to identify marine life, further accelerating marine discovery. MBARI’s partnership with the FathomNet Program and data contributions to the FathomNet Database further enhances its ocean exploration and discovery.
MBARI engineers develop systems to visualize the ocean in exciting new ways. Advanced laser instruments from the Bioinspiration Lab have revealed the complex structure of delicate gelatinous organisms. A sensor suite designed by the Seafloor Mapping Lab combines light and acoustics to visualize the seafloor at a centimeter scale. Drifting cameras developed by the Carbon Flux Ecology Team document sinking particles of organic material to fill in the gaps in MBARI’s understanding of the ocean-climate connection. These technologies are among the many MBARI tools that enable researchers to observe both individual animal behaviors and complex ecological interactions.
MBARI’s deep-sea imagery is crucial to the institute’s education and outreach efforts. The SciComm Team and Video Lab create engaging videos about MBARI’s work that highlight the important role the ocean plays for all life on Earth. By sharing these productions on MBARI’s social media platforms, it seeks to inspire the next generation of ocean explorers. MBARI imagery is also integral to FathomVerse. Bridging research and public engagement, this mobile game developed as part of the FathomNet Program invites ocean enthusiasts to collaborate with scientists to train AI to identify marine life.
Collaboration is essential for maximizing the potential of science and technology to help everyone understand the ocean. As a leader in marine science and technology, MBARI shares its tech innovations with its peers worldwide. This week, MBARI hosted the Fifth Marine Imaging Workshop, sharing its latest technology developments with over a hundred scientists and engineers from around the world.
Supported by the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers’ Oceanic Engineering Society (IEEE OES), with additional funding from the Gordon and Betty Moore Foundation, Schmidt Ocean Institute, Boxfish Robotics, and SubC Imaging, the Marine Imaging Workshop fosters an environment where researchers, enthusiasts, and industry professionals can engage with cutting-edge ocean imaging techniques, explore data analysis, and discuss the application of AI to support ocean exploration. By bringing together participants from diverse backgrounds and disciplines, the Marine Imaging Workshop promotes knowledge-sharing and collaboration. In over a dozen presentations, hands-on workshops, and posters, MBARI researchers shared their expertise in image analysis, data collection methodologies, effective data management and dissemination, and more.
Sharing MBARI research, data, technology, and expertise at events like the Marine Imaging Workshop helps the ocean exploration community grow its capacity to measure and monitor ocean health. Together with its peers, MBARI is working to advance imaging technology to collect visual data about ocean health. The information the marine science and technology community gathers can ultimately guide responsible stewardship of the ocean and its resources.
