01-05 December 2025
INCOIS, Hyderabad, India.
| Abstract Submission No. | ABS-09-0193 |
| Title of Abstract | AI-Enhanced Coral Reef Habitat Mapping around Kavaratti Island: Integrating Diver-Based Imagery with GIS and Spatial Analysis |
| Authors | Anupama Jims* |
| Organisation | Chinmaya Vishwa Vidyapeeth (Deemed-to-be University) |
| Address | JAIN(Deemed-to-be University) Ernakulam, Kerala, India Pincode: 682042 E-mail: m.felix@jainuniversity.ac.in |
| Country | India |
| Presentation | Oral |
| Abstract | Comprehensive mapping of the Indian Ocean seabed and associated habitats is critical for assessing ecosystem health and understanding the impact of environmental changes on marine biodiversity. This study focuses on detailed habitat mapping of coral reefs surrounding Kavaratti Island, Lakshadweep, which are undergoing significant stress from ocean warming and climate variability. High-resolution underwater video footage, acquired by divers on 12 May 2025, was analyzed using traditional frame extraction, georeferencing, and GIS-based spatial mapping to document patterns of coral bleaching and related habitat transformation. Key indicators, such as coral paling, discoloration, and algal overgrowth, were visually identified and mapped across distinct reef zones to characterize bleaching severity and distribution. To enhance scalability and accuracy, an AI-driven image processing framework was developed for efficient extraction and classification of habitat features from the video database, enabling rapid mapping and spatial analysis. This integrative methodology demonstrates the potential of combining diver-generated datasets with advanced analytical tools for high-resolution seabed and benthic habitat mapping. The results provide valuable insights for ongoing monitoring of reef ecosystem health and support conservation planning and sustainable resource management initiatives in the Indian Ocean region. |
| Are you part of IIOE-2 endorsed project | no |
| Keywords | Indian Ocean, coral habitat mapping, Kavaratti Island, GIS, underwater imagery, AI-based analysis, seabed features, benthic habitats, conservation, climate change |
| For Awards | no |