AXOLOTL Project Public Launch event highlights the impact of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in Marine Conservation and Maritime Surveillance.

On 16 October 2024, the Cyprus Marine and Maritime Institute (CMMI) hosted the public launch event for the EU-funded AXOLOTL project. The event took place at Alexander College in Cyprus.

The event gathered key stakeholders, including the French Ambassador to Cyprus, Madam Clélia Chevrier Kolačko, the Deputy Mayor of Larnaca Mr. Iasonas Iasonides, and Honorary Consul of France in Larnaka, Mr. Sozos-Christos Theodoulou.

Mr. Zacharias Sioukouros, CEO of CMMI, opened the event, highlighting that there is no doubt that digital technologies and artificial intelligence in particular are transforming traditional approaches in many sectors. Maritime surveillance and marine conservation are no exception, as artificial intelligence introduces groundbreaking capabilities to enhance these fields. Following his remarks, Ms. Gotelenne Piaton (CMMI), the Project Coordinator, delivered an overview of the project.

The event featured an engaging panel discussion where experts from CMMI – Cyprus Marine and Maritime Institute, VLIZ – Flanders Marine Institute, and the University of South Brittany explored the transformative potential of AI in both marine conservation and maritime surveillance.  The discussion examined a range of insightful topics, including the types of data to be employed in the AXOLOTL project, the role of deep learning models in enhancing maritime surveillance through satellite imagery, as well as the use of acoustics to monitor nearby vessel activity. Finally, there was also a discussion on how ARMS plate images can be utilized to monitor marine biodiversity and non-indigenous species detection.

The event concluded with a cocktail reception, providing attendees with an opportunity to further discussions, network and foster collaborations that will strengthen Cyprus’s role in artificial intelligence and computer vision.