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Data Collection and Labelling

The Marine Conservation Movement: Contribute to Data Collection and AI Development

Our marine conservation project provides a unique opportunity for Reef Rangers and anyone with diving experience or plans to acquire it to contribute to the development of Open Coral AI. From March 2023, we are opening this project to the first 50 suitable participants.

This revolutionary tool enables global marine researchers to analyze and monitor coral reefs. If selected, you will collect data on coral reefs by scuba diving, following specific rules and locations, and taking at least 100 pictures. After collecting the data, you, or someone else, will label the images using our user-friendly software, which will help train the Open Coral AI.

Furthermore, if you have marine science experience, you can also help label the data from anywhere in the world. Ultimately, your contribution will help develop Open Coral AI, a tool that revolutionizes how marine researchers analyze and monitor coral reefs.

Project Details (Please Read Carefully)

Welcome to our project details! In this section, you will find all the information you need about our initiative to dive into marine conservation using data and AI. We are excited to offer an opportunity for individuals with a passion for marine conservation to contribute to our cause by collecting or labeling coral reef data using AI technology. Our project aims to improve our understanding of the factors affecting coral reef health and to develop tools to help us better protect these fragile ecosystems. Please read on to learn more about our data collection and labeling requirements, as well as the benefits and opportunities available to participants.

We'll provide all guidance, which is part of the requirements as preparation, equipment, including an underwater camera, SD card and software access, so all you need to bring is your passion for the ocean.

You'll also get to keep the camera with waterproof casing, attachments, which means you can continue to capture stunning underwater photos and videos on your future dives. It's a win-win situation - not only will you be helping to protect our oceans, but you'll also be enhancing your diving experience with top-quality equipment.
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Please note that you'll be responsible for covering all other trip-related expenses. Join us and make a meaningful impact on the health and sustainability of our oceans!

In addition to the information already provided, it is important to note that the data collected or labeled by participants will be used to develop AI algorithms that can help researchers and conservationists better understand and protect coral reefs. By participating in this project, you will not only be contributing to the larger goal of ocean conservation, but you will also be gaining valuable experience in data collection and labeling, which can be used in future endeavors.

Before embarking on your trip, it is recommended that you meet with the Reef Support team to go over project guidelines and receive training on how to properly collect data or label images. This will ensure that the data you collect is accurate and usable.

It is also important to note that the coral reefs you will be visiting may be fragile and in need of protection. As a responsible diver, it is your responsibility to take all necessary precautions to minimize your impact on the reef and its inhabitants. This includes following established diving guidelines and being mindful of your actions while underwater.

Finally, it is worth noting that this project is open to all individuals who are passionate about ocean conservation and have a desire to make a difference. Whether you are an experienced diver or a novice, there is a place for you on this team. By working together, we can help protect the world's coral reefs and ensure that they are around for future generations to enjoy.

Travel to the most beautiful reefs, form lifelong relationships with locals, and earn a "Data Collection" or "AI Training" certification from Reef Support. As a bonus, the final results will be shared with Sustainable Ocean Alliance and you will be featured in all project publications. Don't miss out on this unique opportunity to make a difference and explore the wonders of the ocean.

Upon completion of the required tasks in accordance to the agreement terms as set below, we will transfer the grant to your bank account.

*please note we can only send the camera, SD card and accessories to an address in the EU or the The United States. Prepare for your trip by meeting with us, and then embark on a minimum one-week adventure to collect data and help save our coral reefs. You have two options: snap at least 100 pictures of the reefs or accurately label at least 200 coral images and agree to the project terms (see Agreement Terms below). As a thank-you, we offer a one-time grant of 100 USD/EUR for the first 50 participants who successfully complete either, or both tasks together.

Application Process

Upon receiving your request through the online application form, we will send you an email with three questions to answer. These questions are related to your background in marine conservation, experience in coral reef data collection or labelling, and what you hope to gain from the experience.

1. What is your background in marine conservation?

2. What is your experience in coral reef data collection or data labeling?

3. What are you hoping to learn from the experience?

Please make sure to apply in advance as the 1st round of selected candidates will be evaluated by April 1, 2023, and the 2nd round by May 1, 2023.

For Data Collectors, the minimum requirements is that you have sufficient diving experience so that we can ensure that you will be safe during the data collection exercise.

For Data Labellers, the minimum requirements is that you have 1 - 2 years of experience in marine science or can prove that you have sufficient knowledge in classification of corals. We will learn about this in your application.

If you are selected, we will provide guidance on data collection methods or labelling using software, and in some cases, we may be able to provide camera equipment.

Agreement Terms

As a Reef Ranger Open Coral AI participant (either as a Data Collector, Data Labeller, or both), you agree to:

1. Have 1 - 2 group meetings with Reef Support to prepare for the project. And make sure to obtain the necessary equipment before the trip

2. Carry out the project at the local destination. For data collectors, we required you to be at location for a minimum of one week.

3. Take at least 100 pictures of reefs at selected destination and or correctly label at least 200 coral images. Or both, which means if you take 200 pictures and label them correctly. See details below for additional information.

For Data Annotation, the minimum requirements is that you have 1 - 2 years of experience in marine science or can prove that you have sufficient knowledge in classification of corals. We will learn about this in your application.

4. Finally, provide a final testimonial in blog form upon completion of the project.

Data Collection

To ensure the accuracy and consistency of data collected for the Open Coral AI, participants who will engage in data collection must strictly adhere to the standard protocol of reef monitoring. This means that taking clear photos of the coral reefs is paramount, and visibility has to be optimal. The photos should be taken at a distance of approximately 1 meter from the seafloor, which is the standard distance used in reef monitoring.

Data collection must be conducted from the same site, with a minimum of 100 pictures taken. The photos must be taken in either rectangular or square format, as long as they are consistent throughout the collection. While it is essential to gather a minimum of 100 pictures from the same site, more photos from different locations are also welcomed to further enrich the dataset. This would allow researchers to compare and analyze the variation of coral reefs in different locations and develop better strategies to preserve them.

It is important to ensure that the photos are of good visibility, so as to clearly capture the features and structure of the coral reefs. The clearer the photos are, the more precise the data will be, and the more useful it will be for training the Open Coral AI. Examples of the types of photos required are provided below to guide participants in taking the appropriate pictures.

In addition to adhering to the standard protocol of reef monitoring, participants must also ensure that they have the appropriate equipment to take clear and consistent photos. Participants may bring their own camera equipment, but if necessary or possible, Reef Support may provide camera equipment, including camera casing, attachments, and SD card.

It is also important to note that the data collection must be done at a depth that the diver is comfortable with or certified for by reputable diving organizations such as PADI, SSI, or GUE. However, the maximum depth for data collection should not exceed 30 meters to ensure the safety of the diver and the quality of the data collected.

Furthermore, the location of data collection should be clearly specified, along with any relevant information about the site such as its name, geographic coordinates, and characteristics of the reef ecosystem. This information will help us to better understand the context of the data and ensure its accuracy. For all suitable locations, please see Destinations below.

It is also important to note that the format of the photos is flexible as long as they are consistent with the collection. The photos can be either rectangular or square format, and should be of high quality and resolution to ensure that the coral reef structures can be properly identified and analyzed.

Examples of suitable photos are provided above to guide participants in collecting data that meets our standards.

Data Labelling

For Data Collection, the minimum requirements are that it follows the standard protocol of reef monitoring, including ensuring that the photos are clear, which means visibility has to be quite good, and that photos are taken approximately 1 meter from the seafloor. The dataset collection also has to come from the same site, which means minimum of 100 pictures from the same site but of course we welcome more from different sites as well (see example images below of examples of photos). We will guide you on which software to use, if you have some experience with ImageJ for labelling that would also be very great.

For Data Labellers, participants must have 1 - 2 years of experience in marine science or sufficient knowledge to prove their ability to classify corals. They must also use the software to correctly segment corals according to three goals, according to their expertise and available datasets:

The first goal is to detect coral versus non-coral, which is essential in identifying coral reefs in underwater imagery. This will be achieved by training the AI to recognize the unique structures and colors of coral reefs.

The second goal is to group different types of corals into functional groups, such as hard coral, soft coral, algae, sand, invertebrates, and others. This will help the AI identify the various factors that may be contributing to the stress on coral reefs.

The third goal is to identify different genera of corals, starting with the first ten: Acropora, Montipora, Porites, Pocillopora, Favia, Euphyllia, Seriatopora, Goniopora, Lobophyllia, and Stylophora. The AI will be trained to recognize the unique characteristics and features of each genus, which is the most ambitious goal.

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Reef Support is based in Europe, but operate with a global team based in South East Asia, South America and the Carribbean, with the mission to support marine conservation with sustainable tourism, education, and technology.

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