Pattern Recognition Lab’s AI Technology Aids in Orphaned Orca Rescue Effort in British Columbia
In a remarkable application of artificial intelligence for wildlife conservation, the Pattern Recognition Lab of Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg is proud to announce that its innovative software, developed by PhD candidate Alexander Barnhill, is playing a pivotal role in the efforts to reunite an orphaned killer whale with its pod in British Columbia, Canada.
The software, part of a collaborative effort with the B.C.-based whale research group Bay Cetology, leverages advanced AI techniques to analyze photographic data of killer whales, enabling the rapid and accurate identification of individual animals by their unique dorsal fin patterns and other distinctive markings. This technology, known as Finwave, has been instrumental in the ongoing rescue operation to save a young killer whale stranded in a lagoon after the tragic loss of its mother.
Bay Cetology has granted access to its AI-assisted photo database to local photographers and tour operators in a bid to track the relatives of the orphaned calf, thereby increasing the chances of reuniting it with its family pod. The use of Finwave has marked a significant advancement in the field of cetacean research, evolving from traditional photo identification methods to harnessing the power of deep learning and artificial intelligence.
Finwave, currently in its beta-testing phase, boasts an impressive accuracy rate of over 90% in identifying Bigg’s killer whales, such as the orphaned calf. With about 200 users participating in its testing phase, the goal is to transition Finwave into an open-source data system by this summer, further democratizing the use of AI in environmental and wildlife conservation efforts.
The Pattern Recognition Lab is honored to contribute to this noble cause, highlighting the potential of AI to bridge the gap between technology and nature conservation. The lab’s commitment to developing cutting-edge technologies that serve humanity and the environment is underscored by the success of Finwave in the field.
As efforts continue to guide the young whale back to the open ocean and its family, the Pattern Recognition Lab remains dedicated to supporting initiatives that showcase the harmonious integration of technology with natural conservation efforts. We extend our best wishes to the rescue team in British Columbia and express our deepest gratitude for the opportunity to make a difference in the lives of these majestic creatures.
Further news coverage:
https://www.cbc.ca/player/play/1.7160765
https://globalnews.ca/video/10396354/ai-being-used-in-effort-to-reunite-orphaned-orca-calf-with-pod/
Link to finwave: