The objective of this proposal is to engage in collaborative research to capacitate U.S. Fish and wildlife service (FWS) to successfully utilize and analyze the data emanating from their suite of…

This Cooperative Agreement award from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) under the Fish and Aquatic Conservation - Aquatic Invasive Species program (CFDA 15.608) provides $200,000 to Michigan Technological University to assist FWS in utilizing data from their lakebed observing technologies. The key objectives are to: 1) develop image enhancement algorithms for underwater vehicle imagery, 2) transfer the completed algorithms and code to FWS for use with their autonomous underwater vehicles (AUVs) and remotely operated underwater vehicles (ROVs), 3) provide subject matter expertise to FWS on the use of ROV and AUV tools and sensing, and 4) create machine learning models and open-source tools for lakebed substrate classification, fish and mussel detection, and vegetation characterization. This partnership aims to advance FWS's capabilities in evaluating Great Lakes habitats and support the sustainability of this critical freshwater resource.

The objective of this proposal is to engage in collaborative research to capacitate U.S. Fish and wildlife service (FWS) to successfully utilize and analyze the data emanating from their suite of lakebed observing technologies. The project is envisioned as a technology transfer and harmonization effort that leaves both U.S. Fish and wildlife service and the united states geological survey (USGS) more well prepared to support partner needs for scientific information to support reef restoration and monitoring. The green BAY fish and wildlife conservation office of the US fish and wildlife service hasinitiated a program to map and analyze crucial lakebed habitats using sophisticatedtechnologies such as multibeam sonar, autonomous underwater vehicles, and remotelyoperated underwater vehicles equipped with cameras and various sensors. In collaboration withmichigan tech, the project aims to provide expert guidance in these specialized fields. Thescope of work encompasses substrate classification, fish population assessments, aquaticvegetation analysis, detection of dreissenid mussels, and detailed 3D habitat reconstruction.expected outcomes of the partnership include the development of image enhancementalgorithms for underwater vehicle imagery, shared expertise in the operation of remote sensingtools, creation of machine learning models and software, and the dissemination of open-sourceresources, training materials, and data for public and agency use. Additionally, the collaborationwill produce scholarly articles and conference presentations CO-authored with the fish wildlifeservice. This partnership will foster technological advancements for the ecological evaluation ofthe great lakes, benefiting governmental bodies, industry stakeholders, and the public bypromoting the sustainability and deeper understanding of one of the world S paramountfreshwater resources.activities: 1. Assist FWS in their efforts to use images collected with their new autonomous underwater vehicles (AUV) system in habitat classification WORKFLOWS2. Transfer completed algorithms and code for image enhancement and lakebed characterization to FWS for use with their AUV and or remotely operated underwater vehicle (ROV) image 3. Support FWS in the use of the transferred algorithms, including training, data management advice, and technical supportdeliverables: 1. Toolsalgorithms and codesfor image enhancement of AUV imagery 2. Subject matter expertise in the use of ROV and AUV tools and sensing 3. Machine learning models and codes for substrate prediction, fish and mussel detection, vegetation characterization, etc. 4. Open-source tools, training, and data that can be easily assimilated by the public andfws partners AND5. Publications in peer-reviewed journals and conference proceedings with fwsco-authors AND6. Quarterly technical exchange meetings