Turtles of SMSRC
This project uses systematic photo-identification and AI-assisted image analysis during regular coastal surveys to track individual turtles, understand residency patterns, and support conservation of local populations.
Short Project Description / Summary
This project uses systematic photo-identification and AI-assisted image analysis during regular coastal surveys to track individual turtles, understand residency patterns, and support conservation of local populations.
Longer Project Description
The Turtles of SMSRC project combines freediving surveys, and artificial intelligence and citizen science, to monitor sea turtle populations along the UAE’s east coast. Using non-invasive photo-identification based on unique facial scale patterns, and an AI-assisted pipeline for automated detection and matching, the project tracks individual turtles over time with high accuracy. In just six months, over 200 green turtles—predominantly juveniles—have been identified within a 1 km coastal corridor, revealing strong site fidelity and indicating a critical nursery habitat within the Qalqali Marine Protected Area. By integrating iNaturalist-based data collection, machine learning, and expert validation, this initiative transforms routine observations into scalable, high-resolution ecological monitoring, supporting conservation, regional collaboration, and long-term management of marine biodiversity.
