NASA AI Tool Enhances Detection of Harmful Algal Blooms in U.S. Waters
NASA scientists have developed an advanced artificial intelligence (AI) tool to improve the detection of harmful algal blooms in U.S. coastal waters. According to a study published in AGU Earth and Space Science, the AI system integrates data from multiple satellites to identify blooms in regions such as western Florida and Southern California. These blooms, caused by species like Karenia brevis and Pseudo-nitzschia, pose significant risks to marine life, human health, and local economies. The tool leverages data from NASA's PACE satellite and other instruments to detect algal communities by their size, shape, and pigment. By combining satellite observations with field data, the AI system can map blooms more effectively, even in complex coastal environments. Researchers aim to expand the tool's capabilities to include other water bodies, such as lakes, and make it accessible to decision-makers in the future. 
