“There aren’t enough data specialists in the world to process the vast amounts of ocean data being captured: Ocean Networks Canada alone has 1.7 petabytes of data which grows daily from our observatories on the three coasts of Canada and Antarctica. AI technologies have the potential to marshall information and expedite research into vital earth and ocean processes, and inform our decisions on tackling climate and environmental changes as well as growing a sustainable blue economy.”
Kate Moran, President and CEO, Ocean Networks Canada
Ocean Networks Canada (ONC) is proud to be a partner in the Building Bridges project to accelerate adoption of artificial intelligence (AI) in the ocean sector that has been announced today by Canada’s Ocean Supercluster.
The $2.5M project is a collaboration among four national academic and non-profit partners across Canada; it is led by Dalhousie University in partnership with the Canadian Integrated Ocean Observing System (CIOOS) and its regional associations: St. Lawrence Global Observatory, the Hakai Institute (a division of the Tula Foundation), and ONC, a University of Victoria initiative.
Leveraging the expertise of partners, Building Bridges aims to lower the adoption barrier to AI by addressing multiple components including:
- Developing new AI tools and products to assist with data management
- Creating new products for data quality and AI-suitable data streams.
- Extending AI curricula in the ocean sector to enhance understanding and knowledge; and
- Engaging with academic and non-profit organizations to identify AI opportunities and facilitate access to AI-ready open data.
Learn more about the Building Bridges project.
Drew Snauffer, ONC data analytics and quality manager, says developing a community of practice around AI in the ocean sector will improve quality control and quality assurance processes, and grow Canada’s capabilities to harness the potential that AI offers.
“ONC captures a large number of data sources from simple quantities such as temperature and pressure, to more complex data such as noise and video data,” he says. “ The amount of data that we process daily is immense, and AI tools offer the potential for better tracking noise soundscapes and how the ocean is changing, which informs our decision-making.”
Scientists, engineers, and data specialists onboard the Ocean Exploration Trust’s EV Nautilus during #ONCabyss Summer 2024 expedition will be among the beneficiaries of potential new AI tools to advance ocean data processing capabilities.
Building Bridges has been funded through the cluster’s funding allotment from the Pan-Canadian Artificial Intelligence Strategy. The research aligns with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals of climate action and life below water, and demonstrates how UVic is powered by climate traction.
Read the full news release from Canada’s Ocean Supercluster, and supporting quotes.
“Through our AI Strategy, our government is excited to support Canada’s Ocean Cluster as it accelerates the adoption of AI solutions in our oceans,” said the Honourable François-Philippe Champagne, Minister of Innovation, Science and Industry. “This strategic investment propels our ocean sector forward, fostering economic growth and reinforcing Canada’s reputation as a global leader in the blue economy.”
The Honourable François-Philippe Champagne, Minister of Innovation, Science and Industry
“Artificial intelligence is evolving at an exponential rate, creating unprecedented opportunities to leverage big ocean data and generate actionable insights for a healthy and productive ocean. Yet awareness of the possibilities offered by this exciting technology is lagging. Building Bridges is an essential investment to provide necessary tools and to bridge this knowledge gap for a sustainable ocean future.”
Shayla Fitzsimmons, Executive Director, CIOOS Atlantic
"It is in a spirit of commitment and collaboration that SLGO is taking part in the Building Bridges project to integrate artificial intelligence into the ocean sector. This strategic association with our partners reinforces our collective efforts towards optimized integration of marine data that will contribute to the promotion of a sustainable blue economy in Canada. By leveraging AI, we are accelerating innovation and informed decision-making, essential for the future of our oceans."
Maxence St-Onge Executive Director, St. Lawrence Global Observatory
