Australian Institute of Marine Science (AIMS) has introduced new reef monitoring technology in Vietnam, aiding in the sustainable management of the country’s coral reefs. AIMS engineers and scientists collaborated with Vietnam’s Institute of Oceanography to utilize an autonomous imaging system called ReefScan Transom to capture high-resolution images of coral reefs.
The data collected was then analyzed using machine learning and advanced techniques through ReefCloud to generate comprehensive reports on the reef’s condition. This technology allows for large-scale imagery collection, providing valuable information for reef monitoring and management.
AIMS representatives conducted training sessions for local reef monitoring professionals in Vietnam, helping them adapt the technology to meet their national needs. Scott Bainbridge, the leader of the AIMS team behind ReefScan, highlighted the system’s ability to transform reef monitoring and improve reef management practices.
This collaboration between Australia and Vietnam builds on previous exchanges of knowledge, with a focus on enhancing reef monitoring capabilities in the face of climate change and local pressures. Dr. Manuel Gonzalez Rivero, AIMS Research Team Leader, emphasized the importance of informed reef management to protect these valuable ecosystems.
The partnership between AIMS and the Institute of Oceanography in Nha Trang dates back to the 1990s, with a shared goal of preserving coral reefs in Vietnam’s marine protected areas. The introduction of ReefScan technology is expected to catalyze scientific and conservation efforts in the region and across the country, fostering collaborative conservation initiatives nationwide. The initiative was co-funded by the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, with plans to deliver additional ReefScan units to Vietnam in the coming months.