Ahmet Ay, associate professor of biology and mathematics, and Krista Ingram, professor of biology, have received an award for $146,000 for their project "New Perspectives on Wild Seal Population Dynamics: Integrating AI, Drones, and e-Genomics".
This project will use artificial intelligence tools and facial recognition software along with environmental DNA-informed population genomics to estimate critical population parameters for harbor seals. The project will involve the development of novel conservation automation tools including the SealNet software package for facial recognition in seals and drone-based data collection.
The ultimate goal is to track population size and structure, genetic diversity, habitat fidelity and migration patterns of wild seals without disturbing the population or ecosystem.