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.

Filter 1

Search titles and descriptions

Sector

Program

Stage

Region

Strategic alignment

AI category

AI sub-category

AI capability

Prime Minister's mandate commitment

Scope

Declared to TBS On hold

Reset

53 current initiative(s)

AI initiative registry
ID	AI Initiative	Stage	Description	Sector	Region	AI Bucket	SME
208	Fishing Detection	Pilot	The goal is to use vessel movement behaviour in the form of AIS data to predict whether a vessel is currently engaged in fishing activity. A...	Strategic Policy	National Capital Region	Automation and Decision Support	Croft, Lee
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
190	Lobster Stock Assessment	Pilot	Automatically assess lobster count and habitat from hours of video efficiently Solution being developed for Science to review hundreds of ho...	Indigenous Affairs, Aquaculture and Governance	Gulf	Perception and Understanding	Dupuis, Marc
97	Satellite image analysis for mapping eelgrass habitat in the southern Gulf of St. Lawrence.	Pilot	This project supports Gulf Region needs for spatial data representing eelgrass habitat through a service level agreement with Marine Plannin...	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
168	Development of bespoke data-limited tools using AI coding.	Pilot	The majority of Canadian fish stocks are data limited thus preventing full analytical stock assessments. Data limited tools are therefore th...	Ecosystems and Oceans Science	National Capital Region	Cognitive and Generative AI	Winegardner, Amanda
151	Zooplankton image analysis	Pilot	Use Random Forest and residual neural networks (ResNet) for automated classification of zooplankton images collected using: 1) scanning of p...	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
118	Use of artificial intelligence models to facilitate seafloor video annotations in conservation areas.	Pilot	The purpose of this initiative is to utilize AI to facilitate seafloor video annotations collected as part of the MCT and Benthic Ecology pr...	Ecosystems and Oceans Science	National Capital Region	Perception and Understanding	Winegardner, Amanda
108	The development of rapid multiplex qPCR for the detection and quantification of three parasites MSX, SSO, Dermo of oysters (Crassostrea virginica) and MSX single-cell whole genome sequencing using long read sequencing platform’	Pilot	This 2-year project aims to enhance the disease diagnostic services provided to the shellfish aquaculture industry by improving the methods...	Ecosystems and Oceans Science	National Capital Region	Automation and Decision Support	Winegardner, Amanda
106	Finwave: an online photo-identification database and AI matching tool	Pilot	This project aims to improve a publicly accessible machine learning platform capable of identifying individual killer whales in real-time...	Ecosystems and Oceans Science	National Capital Region	Perception and Understanding	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
104	Zooplankton classification from Video Plankton Recorder	Pilot	Using machine learning algorithms to identify plankton for rapid zooplankton classification from the Video Plankton Recorder, in support of...	Ecosystems and Oceans Science	National Capital Region	Perception and Understanding	Winegardner, Amanda
103	Improved understanding of the processes impacting harmful algal blooms	Pilot	Using machine learning algorithms to analyze phytoplankton images from the Imaging Flow Cytobot (IFCB) to recognize and quantify species ass...	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
98	Guidance on Optimal Timing for Environmental DNA (GOTeDNA)	Pilot	Provide guidance on optimal eDNA sampling periods and standardized sampling procedures for assessing and monitoring coastal species using eD...	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
96	Use of machine-learning (ML) algorithms and high-performance computing (HPC) for the optimization of satellite image analysis for mapping coastal habitats	Pilot	This project aims to improve satellite image analysis of marine habitats leveraging NRC HPC and ML assets to apply cutting-edge ML technique...	Ecosystems and Oceans Science	National Capital Region	Perception and Understanding	Winegardner, Amanda
95	Optimization of Machine Learning modelling strategy for coastal zooplankton taxonomic identification from flow microscopy imaging.	Pilot	As part of Aquaculture Monitoring Program we are using Ecotaxa's ML algorithm to identify zooplankton. The project aims at identifying the b...	Ecosystems and Oceans Science	National Capital Region	Perception and Understanding	Winegardner, Amanda
94	DFO Bot, deep learning application to analyse otolith images available in DFO Dots	Pilot	Development of a neural network trained using otolith images, expert-derived age estimates, otolith annotations and annuli to obtain age est...	Ecosystems and Oceans Science	National Capital Region	Perception and Understanding	Winegardner, Amanda
91	Localization and Tracking of Beluga Whales in Aerial video Using Deep Learning	Pilot	Deep-learning model was developed us YOLOv7 to detect beluga whales from imagery footage. The main contribution of this research is providin...	Ecosystems and Oceans Science	National Capital Region	Perception and Understanding	Winegardner, Amanda
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
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
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
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

208
Fishing Detection
The goal is to use vessel movement behaviour in the form of AIS data to predict whether a vessel is currently engaged in fishing activity. AIS data is available to the department in near real-time from AIS transponders equipped on vessels. An automated system that can indicate to fishery officers when and where vessels are likely engaged in fishing activities will support better monitoring of compliance with regulations such as conformance with conditions in fishing licenses and in marine protected areas. Due to limited capacity and lengthy processes to manually review and distill data sources, fishery officers cannot fully monitor all vessels under present circumstances. This AI-supported system would help to increase monitoring coverage for fishery officers. Spatial processing: The vast amounts of geographically-referenced AIS transmissions from vessels must be refined to spatiotemporal areas of interest prior to feature engineering for input to the machine learning model. Appropriate spatial processing can support achieving this in a timely manner, particularly when near real-time processing is of interest. However, given the availability of the AIS pipeline, this processing is more appropriate to be performed by the pipeline than within the analytics environment for this use case. The fishing detection system would use the AIS pipeline API and would received data which has already been refine to the relevant spatial extents.

Pilot Strategic Policy Automation and Decision Support
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
190
Lobster Stock Assessment
Automatically assess lobster count and habitat from hours of video efficiently Solution being developed for Science to review hundreds of hours of video for lobster count and state of habitat.

Pilot Indigenous Affairs, Aquaculture and Governance Perception and Understanding
97
Satellite image analysis for mapping eelgrass habitat in the southern Gulf of St. Lawrence.
This project supports Gulf Region needs for spatial data representing eelgrass habitat through a service level agreement with Marine Planning and Conservation. Machine learning algorithms have been applied for classification of satellite imagery. MPC and Science have been collaborating for several years, annually purchasing satellite imagery, with classification conducted by both groups.

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
168
Development of bespoke data-limited tools using AI coding.
The majority of Canadian fish stocks are data limited thus preventing full analytical stock assessments. Data limited tools are therefore the only approach. We are engaged in quick Ai development of custom data limited assessment approaches for exploited fish stocks

Pilot Ecosystems and Oceans Science Cognitive and Generative AI
151
Zooplankton image analysis
Use Random Forest and residual neural networks (ResNet) for automated classification of zooplankton images collected using: 1) scanning of preserved samples (ZooScan); and 2) in situ imagery (Underwater Vision Profiler, UVP). Imagery focused on surveys and samples collected along the West Coast of Vancouver Island and offshore from 2022-present.

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
118
Use of artificial intelligence models to facilitate seafloor video annotations in conservation areas.
The purpose of this initiative is to utilize AI to facilitate seafloor video annotations collected as part of the MCT and Benthic Ecology programs in the NL Region. A large number of vidEcosystems and Oceans Science is collected annually, and manual video annotation (e.g., locating and counting observations) is extremely time-consuming. A published “object detection model” (FathomNet Megalodon Detector, YOLOv8x) trained using marine taxa by MBARI is currently being used to identify objects in our seafloor images. The model does not identify the objects (e.g., to species), but it largely accelerates the process given that locating objects is the most time-consuming part of the work.

Pilot Ecosystems and Oceans Science Perception and Understanding
108
The development of rapid multiplex qPCR for the detection and quantification of three parasites MSX, SSO, Dermo of oysters (Crassostrea virginica) and MSX single-cell whole genome sequencing using long read sequencing platform’
This 2-year project aims to enhance the disease diagnostic services provided to the shellfish aquaculture industry by improving the methods for detecting economically important Oyster parasites, enhance understanding of Multinucleate Sphere Unknown X (MSX) virulence dynamics, and support the creation of new vaccine in investigating future outbreaks and modeling through machine learning.

Pilot Ecosystems and Oceans Science Automation and Decision Support
106
Finwave: an online photo-identification database and AI matching tool
This project aims to improve a publicly accessible machine learning platform capable of identifying individual killer whales in real-time from submitted photographs. The ultimate goal is to improve the web-based interface and validate the algorithm used for photo identification against known individuals.

Pilot Ecosystems and Oceans Science Perception and Understanding
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
104
Zooplankton classification from Video Plankton Recorder
Using machine learning algorithms to identify plankton for rapid zooplankton classification from the Video Plankton Recorder, in support of efforts to assess North Atlantic Right Whale foraging habitat.

Pilot Ecosystems and Oceans Science Perception and Understanding
103
Improved understanding of the processes impacting harmful algal blooms
Using machine learning algorithms to analyze phytoplankton images from the Imaging Flow Cytobot (IFCB) to recognize and quantify species associated with harmful algal blooms.

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
98
Guidance on Optimal Timing for Environmental DNA (GOTeDNA)
Provide guidance on optimal eDNA sampling periods and standardized sampling procedures for assessing and monitoring coastal species using eDNA. GOTeDNA, a centralized interactive online tool currently in development, will report/visualize trends in spatio-temporal eDNA distributions.

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
96
Use of machine-learning (ML) algorithms and high-performance computing (HPC) for the optimization of satellite image analysis for mapping coastal habitats
This project aims to improve satellite image analysis of marine habitats leveraging NRC HPC and ML assets to apply cutting-edge ML techniques to the challenges of remote sensing data analysis. Relates to ongoing project (below) through MPC service-level agreement.

Pilot Ecosystems and Oceans Science Perception and Understanding
95
Optimization of Machine Learning modelling strategy for coastal zooplankton taxonomic identification from flow microscopy imaging.
As part of Aquaculture Monitoring Program we are using Ecotaxa's ML algorithm to identify zooplankton. The project aims at identifying the best strategy in building model training sets for each region monitored. This strategy will be the basis for future AMP zooplankton identification work.

Pilot Ecosystems and Oceans Science Perception and Understanding
94
DFO Bot, deep learning application to analyse otolith images available in DFO Dots
Development of a neural network trained using otolith images, expert-derived age estimates, otolith annotations and annuli to obtain age estimates from otoliths.

Pilot Ecosystems and Oceans Science Perception and Understanding
91
Localization and Tracking of Beluga Whales in Aerial video Using Deep Learning
Deep-learning model was developed us YOLOv7 to detect beluga whales from imagery footage. The main contribution of this research is providing a system that accurately detects and tracks features of beluga whales, both adults and calves, from aerial footage.

Pilot Ecosystems and Oceans Science Perception and Understanding
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
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
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
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