AI initiative registry

Every initiative listed in the registry can be consulted here, without an account. Each record shows its progress, its milestones and the history of its decisions. Requests still under triage do not appear: they join the registry once reviewed.

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53 current initiative(s)

AI initiative registry
ID	AI Initiative	Stage	Description	Sector	Region	AI Bucket	SME
173	AI model for the traceability of harvested fish	Ideation	An AI model that analysis incoming data requirements ( log books, fish slips, Other traceability documents required by existing and potentia...	Programs Sector	National Capital Region	Automation and Decision Support	Bédard, Mathieu
174	AI model for Video review	Ideation	An AI model that reviews video monitoring footage for a fishery or given vessel and machine learns potential events of non compliance	Programs Sector	National Capital Region	Perception and Understanding	Bédard, Mathieu
34	AI-assisted Marine Mammal Annotation Tool	Pilot	The goal of the project is to improve the efficiency of the aerial image annotation process to reduce manual efforts of the marine mammal sc...	Strategic Policy	National Capital Region	Perception and Understanding	Wang, Yuchen
36	AI-assisted Solution to summarize C&P aerial surveillance videos	Pilot	A pilot project to explore the use of AI/ML for automating the identification of relevant segments in EM video and imagery, such as human ac...	Strategic Policy	National Capital Region	Perception and Understanding	Legresley, Jean-Claude
29	AI-Enabled Detection of Watercraft for Aquatic Invasive Species Risk Management	Pilot	This pilot project, in collabration with Aquatic Invasive Species Program, develops an AI-powered system to automatically detect and track...	Strategic Policy	National Capital Region	Perception and Understanding	Spearin, Brendan
28	AI-Enabled Electronic Monitoring (EM) Solutions	Pilot	The pilot project, in collabration with Fisheries Resources Management, explores the integration of AI-enabled electronic monitoring (EM) so...	Strategic Policy	National Capital Region	Perception and Understanding	Rémillard, Vincent
87	ANMPA Habitat Mapping Project	Pilot	Drop camera survey to document seafloor habitats and biological communities in the Anguniaqvia niqiqyuam Marine Protected Area (ANMPA) in th...	Ecosystems and Oceans Science	National Capital Region	Perception and Understanding	Winegardner, Amanda
89	Augmenting Whale Detection in Satellite Images using synthetic data	Pilot	An autodetector model was built to detect whales in satellite imagery using synthetic imagery. The primary author is now testing the algorit...	Ecosystems and Oceans Science	National Capital Region	Perception and Understanding	Winegardner, Amanda
24	Automated Identification of Vessel Fishing Activity	Pilot	Piloting use of vessel AIS data with AI to predict probable fishing activity and provide near real time alerts to officers, aiming to boost...	Programs Sector	National Capital Region	Automation and Decision Support	Bédard, Mathieu
64	Automatic detection of unidentified fish sounds	Pilot	We used Random Forestes and Convolutional Neural Networks (CNN) algorithms trained on manually detected fish sounds to detect fish sounds co...	Ecosystems and Oceans Science	Pacific	Perception and Understanding	Haggarty, Dana
145	Automatic detection of unidentified fish sounds	Pilot	This completed project used Random Forests and Convolutional Neural Networks (CNN) algorithms trained on manually detected fish sounds to de...	Ecosystems and Oceans Science	National Capital Region	Perception and Understanding	Winegardner, Amanda
193	Autonomous Task Tracker	Pilot	Autonomously complete tasks for fishery officer with multi-agent AI. Solution being developed in region to assist C&P autonomous completion...	Indigenous Affairs, Aquaculture and Governance	Gulf	Automation and Decision Support	Dupuis, Marc
76	Chumputer Vision - salmon scale age predictive AI (See B8)	Ideation	Deep Machine Learning and Convolutional Neural Network application for the predictive application of age assignment of Chum salmon by way of...	Ecosystems and Oceans Science	Pacific	Perception and Understanding	Wischniowski, Stephen
128	CICADA (cumulative effects spatial data tool) Phase 2: determining stressor effects and interactions to inform decision-making	Pilot	Geospatial and machine learning techniques will be applied to determine the overall effect, stress(or) interactions, and relative influences...	Ecosystems and Oceans Science	National Capital Region	Automation and Decision Support	Winegardner, Amanda
105	Combining artificial intelligence and drone imagery for automatic extraction of morphometric attributes of small cetaceans: Application to the St. Lawrence Estuary Beluga population.	Pilot	This project proposes to use a multiyear time series of drone images of the St. Lawrence Estuary Beluga population to develop a series of al...	Ecosystems and Oceans Science	National Capital Region	Perception and Understanding	Winegardner, Amanda
119	Computer vision to automate fish data extraction from video	Pilot	Our purpose has been to build a tool to broadly apply computer vision methods in marine research. Our work has generated several publication...	Ecosystems and Oceans Science	National Capital Region	Perception and Understanding	Winegardner, Amanda
169	Dark Vessel Detection Platform	Pilot	Utilizes AI and machine learning to detect vessels in satellite imagery, predict movements, and flag potential IUU fishing globally.Automati...	Programs Sector	National Capital Region	Perception and Understanding	Wheeler, Sean
225	Data Innovation – Pacific Salmon Strategy Initiative	Ideation	Discover innovative data and artificial intelligence (A.I) projects addressing complex salmon data challenges made possible through strategi...	—	Pacific	Infrastructure and Enablement	—
90	Deep Learning Enhances Beluga Whale Research in the Arctic	Pilot	Esri Canada built a deep learning model that automatically detects beluga whales in imagery. The model was developed using satellite, drone...	Ecosystems and Oceans Science	National Capital Region	Perception and Understanding	Winegardner, Amanda
121	Develop a deep-learning model to age capelin otoliths: application for stock assessment	Pilot	Investigate the utility of applying a deep-learning model developed by the DFO Gulf Region for aging fish otoliths; specifically, to determi...	Ecosystems and Oceans Science	National Capital Region	Automation and Decision Support	Winegardner, Amanda
122	Development and testing of artificial intelligence and machine learning to analyze underwater photo and video data to assess marine impacts and resources	Pilot	This completed project (2020/21) aimed to utilize machine learning and imaging technology in fisheries science. The proponent planned to use...	Ecosystems and Oceans Science	National Capital Region	Perception and Understanding	Winegardner, Amanda
100	Development of AI technology for otolith and scale ageing	Pilot	Ageing of scales and otoliths is time-consuming, relies on skilled personnel, and often faces delays. AI tools like DFOdots offer a solution...	Ecosystems and Oceans Science	National Capital Region	Perception and Understanding	Winegardner, Amanda
88	Development of an AI matching model for bowhead whale photo-identification	Pilot	Using DFO’s existing database of bowhead whale photographs, the specific objectives are: 1) Create a machine learning model “detector” for b...	Ecosystems and Oceans Science	National Capital Region	Perception and Understanding	Winegardner, Amanda
124	Development of an underwater videography and AI system for studying fish passage effectiveness	Pilot	Designed to train existing DFO tools with information on fish passage effectiveness and develop an SOP for training videography-based AI mod...	Ecosystems and Oceans Science	National Capital Region	Perception and Understanding	Winegardner, Amanda
220	Development of an underwater videography and AI system for studying fish passage effectiveness	Pilot	Designed to train existing DFO tools with information on fish passage effectiveness and develop an SOP for training videography-based AI mod...	Ecosystems and Oceans Science	Ontario and Prairie	Perception and Understanding	Klein, David

173
AI model for the traceability of harvested fish
An AI model that analysis incoming data requirements ( log books, fish slips, Other traceability documents required by existing and potentially new regulations connected to public reporting apps )

Ideation Programs Sector Automation and Decision Support
174
AI model for Video review
An AI model that reviews video monitoring footage for a fishery or given vessel and machine learns potential events of non compliance

Ideation Programs Sector Perception and Understanding
34
AI-assisted Marine Mammal Annotation Tool
The goal of the project is to improve the efficiency of the aerial image annotation process to reduce manual efforts of the marine mammal science team and reduce time-to-insight for marine mammal survey flights. This project is currently in progress. Business requirements have been finalized and development has commenced Client: Ecosystems and Oceans Science - Ecosystems Science Directorate

Pilot Strategic Policy Perception and Understanding
36
AI-assisted Solution to summarize C&P aerial surveillance videos
A pilot project to explore the use of AI/ML for automating the identification of relevant segments in EM video and imagery, such as human activity or vessel registration numbers (VRNs). This initiative aims to reduce manual review time and enhance the efficiency of information management in support of fisheries oversight.

Pilot Strategic Policy Perception and Understanding
29
AI-Enabled Detection of Watercraft for Aquatic Invasive Species Risk Management
This pilot project, in collabration with Aquatic Invasive Species Program, develops an AI-powered system to automatically detect and track watercraft at key entry points to prevent the spread of Aquatic Invasive Species (AIS). By enabling early identification of vessels that may carry invasive organisms, the system supports faster inspections and intervention to protect aquatic ecosystems. Initial exploration using sample data is underway, with the project pending ADM approval for installing cameras and data collection. Client: Aquatic Invasive Species Program

Pilot Strategic Policy Perception and Understanding
28
AI-Enabled Electronic Monitoring (EM) Solutions
The pilot project, in collabration with Fisheries Resources Management, explores the integration of AI-enabled electronic monitoring (EM) solutions to automate the detection and classification of fishing activities using video and sensor data from vessels. This initiative aims to enhance compliance monitoring, reduce manual review time, and support evidence-based fisheries management. Client: Fisheries Resources Management

Pilot Strategic Policy Perception and Understanding
87
ANMPA Habitat Mapping Project
Drop camera survey to document seafloor habitats and biological communities in the Anguniaqvia niqiqyuam Marine Protected Area (ANMPA) in the Inuvialuit Settlement Region. A project sub-objective is to develop AI capacity to detect and record bottom habitat classifications and benthic animals from video still-images, substantially reducing processing times.

Pilot Ecosystems and Oceans Science Perception and Understanding
89
Augmenting Whale Detection in Satellite Images using synthetic data
An autodetector model was built to detect whales in satellite imagery using synthetic imagery. The primary author is now testing the algorithm on satellite imagery obtained by Arctic Region that has been manually read for whales.

Pilot Ecosystems and Oceans Science Perception and Understanding
24
Automated Identification of Vessel Fishing Activity
Piloting use of vessel AIS data with AI to predict probable fishing activity and provide near real time alerts to officers, aiming to boost compliance coverage and response. Action plan for this initiative: 1. Governance: Supervised under compliance analytics team, reporting to C & P management. 2. Guardrails: Apply strict controls (no personal data), validate accuracy in live pilots, monitoring for unintended use.

Pilot Programs Sector Automation and Decision Support
64
Automatic detection of unidentified fish sounds
We used Random Forestes and Convolutional Neural Networks (CNN) algorithms trained on manually detected fish sounds to detect fish sounds collected on a passive acoustic monitoring project. The result is an easy-to-use, open-source software called FishSoundFinder, implemented with the CNN detector. Random Forests and CNN

Pilot Ecosystems and Oceans Science Perception and Understanding
145
Automatic detection of unidentified fish sounds
This completed project used Random Forests and Convolutional Neural Networks (CNN) algorithms trained on manually detected fish sounds to detect fish sounds collected on a passive acoustic monitoring project. The result is an easy-to-use, open-source software called FishSoundFinder, implemented with the CNN detector.

Pilot Ecosystems and Oceans Science Perception and Understanding
193
Autonomous Task Tracker
Autonomously complete tasks for fishery officer with multi-agent AI. Solution being developed in region to assist C&P autonomous completion of administrative tasks.

Pilot Indigenous Affairs, Aquaculture and Governance Automation and Decision Support
76
Chumputer Vision - salmon scale age predictive AI (See B8)
Deep Machine Learning and Convolutional Neural Network application for the predictive application of age assignment of Chum salmon by way of scale images. Chum salmon has been selected as the gateway species due to its relatively easy scale pattern interpretation, this will foster the pathway forward for Chinook, Coho Sockeye and Herring as future targets for AI age interpretation. Deep Machine Learning and Convolutional Neural Network within a Python predictive algorithm

Ideation Ecosystems and Oceans Science Perception and Understanding
128
CICADA (cumulative effects spatial data tool) Phase 2: determining stressor effects and interactions to inform decision-making
Geospatial and machine learning techniques will be applied to determine the overall effect, stress(or) interactions, and relative influences of different stresses(ors) on fish metrics such as species occupancy, population status or community status.

Pilot Ecosystems and Oceans Science Automation and Decision Support
105
Combining artificial intelligence and drone imagery for automatic extraction of morphometric attributes of small cetaceans: Application to the St. Lawrence Estuary Beluga population.
This project proposes to use a multiyear time series of drone images of the St. Lawrence Estuary Beluga population to develop a series of algorithms for automatic extraction of morphometric information of individual beluga whales using AI.

Pilot Ecosystems and Oceans Science Perception and Understanding
119
Computer vision to automate fish data extraction from video
Our purpose has been to build a tool to broadly apply computer vision methods in marine research. Our work has generated several publications illustrating how we built, tested/validated, and applied computer vision methodology to collect / extract / and analyze data pertaining to marine fish in the Newfoundland and Labrador region, from video. For example, we have used it to examine the impact of seismic surveying on commercial fish in the Newfoundland and Labrador offshore. Our continuing purpose is now broadly sharing our system with commercial harvesters (fishermen), non-profit organization (AHOI), government researchers (aquaculture, MPAs, AIS), and academics (computing scientists), to collect and rapidly analyzing video data for a wide range of applications.

Pilot Ecosystems and Oceans Science Perception and Understanding
169
Dark Vessel Detection Platform
Utilizes AI and machine learning to detect vessels in satellite imagery, predict movements, and flag potential IUU fishing globally.Automatically cross-references detected vessels with AIS and VMS data to identify unregistered or "dark" vessels. Supports international IUU fishing monitoring; new AI-driven features enable vessel identification from electro-optical imagery. Governance: Managed by DFO’s International Fisheries Enforcement team; technical oversight by MDA Space; coordinated with CSA and other OGDs. Guardrails: All data use complies with commercial licensing terms and GC privacy requirements; sharing restricted

Pilot Programs Sector Perception and Understanding
225
Data Innovation – Pacific Salmon Strategy Initiative
Discover innovative data and artificial intelligence (A.I) projects addressing complex salmon data challenges made possible through strategic investments from the Pacific Salmon Strategy Initiative (PSSI). PSSI initiatives harness the power of advanced data and A.I. technologies like machine learning, computer vision, and natural language processing to revolutionize how to support salmon conservation and rebuilding efforts in the modern data and digital era. By integrating advanced data and A.I. technologies with program activities such as habitat restoration, ecosystem planning, sustainable fishery management practices, and collaborative efforts in Science, the PSSI leverages modern tools to enhance planning and data-driven decision-making. Together, these data and A.I. efforts create high quality and more accessible data and enable better insights and actions to protect and restore Pacific salmon and its ecosystems.

Ideation Infrastructure and Enablement
90
Deep Learning Enhances Beluga Whale Research in the Arctic
Esri Canada built a deep learning model that automatically detects beluga whales in imagery. The model was developed using satellite, drone and aerial imagery and reported accuracy is high, but the model has not been tested by DFO Science yet.

Pilot Ecosystems and Oceans Science Perception and Understanding
121
Develop a deep-learning model to age capelin otoliths: application for stock assessment
Investigate the utility of applying a deep-learning model developed by the DFO Gulf Region for aging fish otoliths; specifically, to determine the age of capelin in the 2J3KL stock in Newfoundland for use in stock assessments. Otolith aging is currently done visually using a microscope, this proposed method would automate that process to save time and resources, while reducing human error and bias

Pilot Ecosystems and Oceans Science Automation and Decision Support
122
Development and testing of artificial intelligence and machine learning to analyze underwater photo and video data to assess marine impacts and resources
This completed project (2020/21) aimed to utilize machine learning and imaging technology in fisheries science. The proponent planned to use Video and Image Analytics for Marine Environments (VIAME), an open-source system developed by NOAA, for two specific purposes: 1. Measure the movement of Atlantic cod across boundaries at the Gilbert Bay Marine Protected Area in Newfoundland and Labrador. 2. Assess the impact of seismic surveying on Atlantic cod as part of a project funded by the Environmental Studies Research Fund (ESRF). The automatic detection and count of fish near MPA boundaries was expected to reduce use of personnel time and effort.

Pilot Ecosystems and Oceans Science Perception and Understanding
100
Development of AI technology for otolith and scale ageing
Ageing of scales and otoliths is time-consuming, relies on skilled personnel, and often faces delays. AI tools like DFOdots offer a solution by enabling automated ageing using annotated reference collections, helping reduce backlogs and support training. Developing these AI models can enhance resilience, efficiency, and training capacity in ageing programs.

Pilot Ecosystems and Oceans Science Perception and Understanding
88
Development of an AI matching model for bowhead whale photo-identification
Using DFO’s existing database of bowhead whale photographs, the specific objectives are: 1) Create a machine learning model “detector” for bowhead whales. 2) Create a machine learning individual re-ID model for bowhead whales to re-identify bowheads. 3) To make the detector and matching models accessible through an easy to use, freely available, web-based application, Flukebook.org.

Pilot Ecosystems and Oceans Science Perception and Understanding
124
Development of an underwater videography and AI system for studying fish passage effectiveness
Designed to train existing DFO tools with information on fish passage effectiveness and develop an SOP for training videography-based AI models in support of fish passage projects.

Pilot Ecosystems and Oceans Science Perception and Understanding
220
Development of an underwater videography and AI system for studying fish passage effectiveness
Designed to train existing DFO tools with information on fish passage effectiveness and develop an SOP for training videography-based AI models in support of fish passage projects.

Pilot Ecosystems and Oceans Science Perception and Understanding