How AI deep learning is helping scientists protect California's coastal ecosystems

Researchers at UCLA's Institute of the Environment and Sustainability have developed the most high-resolution statewide maps of California's kelp forests to date, giving researchers, conservationists and community members unprecedented access to information essential to maintaining coastal ecosystems and the communities they support.

By applying AI deep learning to Planet's Dove satellite constellation, the team has created a map 10 times more detailed than previous standard satellite records, offering a more precise way to monitor the condition of kelp along the California coastline and the success of conservation efforts.

"Refined spatial resolution of kelp canopy monitoring has become increasingly important for assessing the efficacy of experimental restoration techniques and managing kelp harvest, particularly in areas where persisting kelp is sparse," said Dr. Kristen Elsmore, senior scientist with California Department of Fish and Wildlife, the state's primary agency responsible for managing California's kelp forest resources.

Recent declines in kelp abundance have threatened the foundation of California's coastal ecosystems and economy.

California's kelp forests support thriving fisheries, protect marine biodiversity and attract significant revenue through recreational snorkeling and scuba diving. They also play a crucial role in sustainability by contributing to nutrient cycling and carbon sequestration.

This project represents a massive leap in conservation technology. While existing methods provide valuable long-term records, their 30-meter resolution can miss fine-scale patterns.

When analyzing data from the new high-resolution map, the researchers found striking regional variability in kelp persistence following the 2014–2016 marine heat wave, one of the most severe warming events ever recorded along the U.S. West Coast. Kelp forests in Sonoma and Mendocino counties suffered losses of greater than 90% and remain at historically low levels ...

"These high-resolution data can also be used to track small-scale restoration, helping guide management and support kelp forest resilience," lead author Kate Cavanaugh said.

By identifying exactly where kelp is struggling or thriving based on local factors like ocean temperature and depth, conservationists can now implement an expanded suite of strategies within the state's Kelp Restoration and Management Plan.