Applying Machine Learning to Harmful Algal Blooms

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HABs occur when colonies of algae (simple plants that live in the sea and freshwater) grow out of control to form blooms. These blooms can have many impacts in aquatic environments. Some blooms produce toxins that can kill fish, small mammals, and birds and can lead to human illness (or death, in extreme cases). Even nontoxic algal blooms can harm aquatic environments by using up oxygen in the water, clogging the gills of fish and invertebrates, and smothering coral and vegetation. Other blooms discolor water, can form smelly piles on beaches, and contaminate drinking water. (View Highlight)
Satellite detection of water color and changes in color works fine for identifying and tracking HABs in the ocean, along coasts, or in large waterways. Blooms in lakes and other smaller inland water bodies, however, are much harder to spot in satellite imagery due to the large viewing areas and the low-resolution imagery available through many satellite sensors. Blooms in small water bodies generally need to be monitored manually at the source, which is a time intensive process. (View Highlight)