Fish-Finders for Stewardship: Using AI and Consumer Sonar to Map & Remove Derelict Fishing Gear -- Art Trembanis, University of Delaware

“Fish-Finders for Stewardship: Using AI and Consumer Sonar to Map & Remove Derelict Fishing Gear”

• Speaker: Art Trembanis, University of Delaware
• Zoom Link
• Meeting ID: 953 0757 3296
• Passcode: 275918

Abstract

Derelict crab pots pose a significant yet often overlooked threat to benthic habitats, marine species, and the sustainability of fisheries. This talk will highlight the “Fish-finders for Stewardship” initiative, a project that leverages consumer-grade side-scan sonar and AI-driven object detection to map and remove derelict fishing gear from coastal bays. By engaging volunteers and utilizing Mobile Mapping Units (MMUs), we have successfully removed over 450 derelict crab pots, restoring benthic habitats and reducing marine debris. I will discuss the technological tools employed, including open-source sonar processing software, as well as the community-driven approach that has made this effort scalable and impactful. The seminar will explore how combining accessible technology with grassroots participation can serve as a model for marine stewardship and habitat restoration in other coastal regions.

Biography

Dr. Art Trembanis is an oceanographer at the University of Delaware, specializing in marine robotics and seafloor mapping. His research focuses on developing and utilizing autonomous systems to explore and monitor coastal and deep-sea environments. Passionate about accessible technology, he integrates consumer electronics and open-source tools into his research, fostering community engagement in marine stewardship. Dr. Trembanis teaches courses in field robotics and AI and has led expeditions across the globe, from the Black Sea to the Caribbean and New Zealand. He received his PhD from the Virginia Institute of Marine Science and was a postdoc at the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution.