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Deep-learning detection of harmful algal blooms by Dr David Moffat, PML

The detrimental effects of harmful algal blooms (HABs) on the marine ecosystem, human health, and shellfish and aquaculture industry are well known. Anthropogenic activities have led to an increase in frequency, extent and magnitude of HAB activity.


Event details

As a result, the detection, monitoring and forecasting of HABs are key to agencies and marine managers, allowing them to implement prevention and remediation strategies. However, HAB events are relatively rare events, that can be challenging to detect. HAB detection with satellite image data improves the coverage and efficiency of tracking HABs. Existing remote sensing-based methods frequently rely on statistical classification algorithms. While comparison with cell concentration in situ data has identified two issues: reduced accuracy for the detection of certain species, and accuracy dependency with satellite training data availability. This talk will present a deep-learning technique to improve the performance of the existing models for HAB detection from ocean colour. To this end, we developed a Machine Learning (ML) system using a few-shot learning approach for the detection of Phaeocystis and Pseudo-nitzschia HABs across the French-English channel. We assessed the performance of the ML model in comparison to in situ cell abundance data. The ML system showed better performance than the S-3 EUROHAB model, with results for the detection of Phaeocystis blooms being particularly promising. 

Speaker: The seminar will be delivered by Dr David Moffat. David at PML, is an Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning Data Scientist as part of NEODAAS.

To be delivered hybrid. To register, please click here. Registration closes: Wednesday, 12 October 2022 at 09:00 (BST).

Whilst we appreciate the flexibility that hybrid delivery brings, we would encourage you to come along in person where there will be tea and coffee afterwards.

Further details to follow. If you have any queries, please contact idsa@exeter.ac.uk.

Location:

Building:One Marchant Syndicate Room A