Publication
The Coral Reef Sentinels Program: A Mars Shot for Blue Planetary Health
Publisher:
Marine Technology Society
Date:
05-2021
DOI:
10.4031/MTSJ.55.3.51
Abstract: Abstract Up to 90% of global coral reefs are predicted to be severely degraded by 2050 under “business-as-usual” scenarios. To meet the scale and scope of this challenge, we propose designing and demonstrating a multi-modal system that can incorporate data from remote sensing (satellites, aircraft, and aerial drones), acoustics, genetics, sensor arrays, and low-cost imaging systems. The latter will be collected by low-cost smart sensing and autonomous underwater vehicles (AUVs) guided by adaptive s ling modeling software and rapidly analyzed using automated machine learning systems. Development and deployment will be linked to extensive and ersity-enhancing training programs. The Coral Sentinel System will be globally deployed to enable rapid-response adaptive management and to build public engagement in conservation interventions to save coral reefs.Phase 1 (Year 1) will involve testing assumptions, coalition building, fundraising, and initial system development. Phase 2 (Years 2‐4) will focus on engineering and development with a pilot deployment in the Caribbean. Phase 3 (Years 5‐6) will involve system expansion and iteration along the Tropical Eastern Pacific corridor. Phase 4 (Years 7‐10) will involve global deployment to over 50 reef sites. This will lead during the following decade (Phase 5) to provisioning of low-cost Sentinel systems to coastal communities globally.