The Global Reef Record Archive

Full description

The Global Reef Record is an open access archive of coral reef research, in particular from the Catlin Seaview Survey. A collection of high definition images and video footage, filmed on multiple coral reefs sites around the world, the data is archived in a database that allows the viewing, exploring and downloading of the data using multiple approaches.The Global Reef Record is a collection of high definition images and video footage filmed on multiple coral reefs sites around the world. The images are scanned for coral species and automatically annotated, using computer vision algorithms.The Catlin Seaview Survey merges technological approaches to rapidly survey large extensions of coral reefs around the globe using underwater imagery. These images are then post-processed and automatically annotated, using computer vision algorithms, to extract information about coral reef benthic community structure. Additional environmental data from satellites such as regional storm activity and wave exposure, ocean temperature anomalies from NOAA, and coral reef threats from the World Resource Institute are included to allow for advanced analysis of worldwide reef health.The Global Reef Record is aimed at fostering scientific collaboration and supporting coral reef research from local to regional scales. Ultimately, the standardised approached of the Catlin Seaview Survey on an open access database is aimed to foster informed management strategies on coral reefs. The footage is used to create 3D reconstructions of reef ecosystems, which provides a visual means to assess reef populations.Reefs at risk can be identified on maps, and discrete datasets for specific areas such as Australia can be identified.