Researchers from Virginia Tech and Stanford University have developed sharkPulse, an innovative AI tool designed to scan online sources for shark photos, automatically extracting crucial data such as location, timestamps, and species identifications.

The initiative was prompted by the alarming fact that one-third of shark species are at risk of extinction, leading to the creation of the world's largest open database of shark sightings sourced from online images.

This platform not only autonomously collects data but also allows for public and expert validation of images, enabling unprecedented mapping of shark populations and tracking changes in their abundance and distribution.

By facilitating this extensive mapping, sharkPulse is essential for developing effective conservation strategies aimed at protecting vulnerable shark species.

The project is part of broader marine conservation efforts, including tracking critically endangered species and mapping vital habitats and migration routes, thereby enhancing understanding of threatened marine life.

The methodology employed by sharkPulse is particularly advantageous for monitoring elusive species and tracking their responses to environmental changes, such as climate change.

Moreover, the flexibility of the sharkPulse model suggests it could be adapted for monitoring other wildlife species, indicating its potential for broader applications in conservation.

Future plans for sharkPulse include scaling its capabilities through multilingual data mining and fostering international collaborations to improve data accessibility for policymakers and conservation groups.

Since its inception, sharkPulse has validated over 91,000 records across 285 shark species, aiding in the identification of new hotspots and supporting conservation assessments by The International Union for Conservation of Nature.

Francesco Ferretti, the study's lead author, highlights that sharkPulse transforms citizen science from voluntary submissions into an intelligent, autonomous data collection process.

Traditional shark monitoring methods have been resource-intensive and limited, underscoring the need for innovative solutions like sharkPulse to enhance data collection and conservation efforts.

Overall, this project reflects Virginia Tech's commitment to marine conservation through innovative research and technology, with contributions from students and faculty across various disciplines.