Tracking invasive mussel species in the Great Lakes is critical to preventing the accumulation of unwanted microorganisms in drinking water infrastructure and disrupting the existing ecosystem. Researchers at the University of Guelph are leveraging computer vision and artificial intelligence (AI) to increase the efficiency and accuracy of tracking these invasive species.
Using AI, the university researchers, working together with scientists from Environment and Climate Change Canada, are able to capture and scan images that will help consistently map where the mussels are located. The technology will also help estimate how many mussels are present, making it more efficient and accurate than the existing method of relying on scuba divers to count by hand. In doing so, the technology will help monitor changes in mussel abundance and control their presence in the Great Lakes.
For more information, visit the University of Guelph.
