Drones and artificial intelligence are emerging as powerful new tools for monitoring seabird populations across the remote islands of the Pacific, where traditional conservation work is often limited by distance, cost, and difficult field conditions. Researchers working at Kuaihelani (Midway Atoll) within the Papahānaumokuākea Marine National Monument are testing how aerial imaging and machine learning can improve wildlife surveys, particularly for albatross colonies. The system uses drones to capture high-resolution images of nesting sites, which are then processed into detailed maps. AI tools help identify and count birds, as well as distinguish between breeding and non-breeding individuals, improving the accuracy of long-term population tracking. Scientists say the approach could significantly reduce the time and expense of traditional ground-based surveys while expanding coverage across vast and isolated ocean regions.
Read more here
