Istanbul University launches AI project to monitor and protect seagrass meadows

Researchers at Istanbul University's Institute of Marine Sciences and Management have launched an innovative conservation project that employs artificial intelligence, satellite imagery, and drone technology to monitor and protect endangered seagrass meadows. The initiative focuses on critical coastal areas in the Marmara and Aegean seas, where seagrass habitats are under increasing pressure.

Harnessing Technology for Ecosystem Monitoring

The project, titled the Pasalimanı Island Harmanlı Bay Project, will use AI-powered remote sensing to track the health and extent of seagrass beds, particularly the Mediterranean-endemic Posidonia oceanica. Data gathered from satellites and drones will be validated through on-site underwater research dives. This approach aims to establish efficient, sustainable methods for observing these sensitive ecosystems, which are vulnerable to rising sea temperatures, pollution, coastal development, and boat anchoring.

Seagrass Meadows: The "Lungs of the Mediterranean"

Project leaders emphasize the ecological indispensability of seagrass meadows. Professor Cem Gazioglu, the institute's director, highlighted their high carbon sequestration capacity, oxygen production, and role as habitat for numerous marine species. Marine biologist Selahattin Unsal Karhan clarified that seagrasses are flowering plants, not algae, with Posidonia oceanica supporting roughly 25% of Mediterranean marine biodiversity. Due to their extremely slow growth, damage from human activity or environmental stress can take decades to reverse, making proactive monitoring essential.

A Model for Broader Marine Conservation

The pilot project in Balıkesir’s coastal waters is designed to create a scalable model for marine conservation in Türkiye and beyond. By integrating advanced technology with traditional marine biology, the team seeks to enable early detection of degradation and inform more effective protection policies. The effort represents a significant step in using cutting-edge science to address the compounded challenges of biodiversity loss and climate change in vulnerable marine environments.