Huawei partners on AI solution for dolphin protection

Huawei, in collaboration with partners, announced the early results of an AI-powered solution focused on protecting Chinese white dolphins in Xiamen Bay. This initiative, launched under Huawei's TECH4ALL program, identified 13 individual dolphins using 2,820 images and videos, achieving over 90% identification accuracy and 85% accuracy for recognizing complex behaviors.

The project has notably enhanced data labeling efficiency by 400% and improved law enforcement response times to vessels entering protected areas by 65%. Cui Yangyang, Director of the TECH4ALL Program Office for Huawei, stated, “The data-driven insights yielded by AI are helping conservationists formulate targeted protection measures to understand and respond to the threats facing this iconic dolphin species.”

Chinese white dolphins are classified as vulnerable by the IUCN and face threats from shipping, fishing, and coastal development in Xiamen Bay, which hosts over half of China’s dolphin population. The initiative, developed with the Third Institute of Oceanography and China Mobile, employs a feature recognition system that utilizes the dolphins’ dorsal fins for individual identification. Wang Xianyan from the Third Institute emphasized the efficiency of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in monitoring and conservation efforts.

This solution encompasses image preprocessing, AI inference and recognition, dorsal fin cropping, data classification, and cloud-based display, allowing researchers to track individual dolphins’ statuses. The data gathered provides critical insights into population dynamics and reproductive behaviors, essential for developing effective conservation strategies.

The next decade will be vital for the population's growth, as highlighted by the Third Institute of Oceanography. Protecting the Chinese white dolphin not only aids marine ecosystems but also contributes to the overall health of the ocean as a carbon sink. Alongside AI technologies, a 5G-A network covering 330 square kilometers of Xiamen Bay supports real-time monitoring of conservation zones.

This integrated system employs data from multiple sources for tracking vessel movements within a 20-kilometer radius, facilitating quick responses to regulatory violations. As of now, 12 vessels have been investigated for posing risks to the dolphins. The continuation of AI efforts is revealing more about the behavioral patterns of the local dolphin population, contributing to their ongoing protection.