Scientists harness AI to discover a rise in floating algae across the global ocean

Researchers from the University of South Florida and NOAA have used artificial intelligence to conduct a comprehensive global study on floating algae, revealing that blooms are expanding across oceans.
The study highlights that changes in ocean temperature, currents, and nutrients are likely contributing to the increase.
From 2003 to 2022, microalgal scum and macroalgal mats have expanded globally, with macroalgal blooms increasing significantly, particularly in the tropical Atlantic and western Pacific.
Macroalgae, while beneficial as habitats in open waters, become harmful when they clog coastal zones, affecting tourism, economies, and health.
The tipping point for significant macroalgae blooms appears to be around 2008, marking a regime shift in the ocean from macroalgae-poor to macroalgae-rich conditions.
The study employed a deep-learning model to analyze 1.2 million satellite images, facilitated by high-performance computing from USF’s Research Computing department.
The blooming trends are attributed to both human activities like nutrient runoff and natural climate variability, though specific regional causes may vary.

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