How AI is helping transform coral reef conservation | Ben Williams

How AI is helping transform coral reef conservation | Ben Williams | TEDxLondon

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Mar 162025

Pops, purrs and grunts - did you know a healthy coral reef emits a whole range of sounds? Marine biologist and data scientist, Ben Williams, shares how underwater audio recorders are helping scientists listen to the soundscape of coral reefs to measure their health. Yet, Ben quickly ran into an issue - there were thousands of hours of soundscapes to listen to! That’s where AI comes in. In a fraction of the time, AI tools can be used to analyse coral reef soundscapes to help track destructive human impacts and restoration efforts. This technology is a game changer for coral reef conservation and restoration - which couldn’t be more timely with coral reefs facing mass bleaching events and degradation. Ben is completing a PhD at University College London and the Zoological Society of London. His work focuses on using AI to study the soundscape of coral reefs to support conservation and restoration. Ben collaborates closely with the world’s largest reef restoration programme, led by Mars' Sheba Hope Grows campaign, and has worked with Google DeepMind's bioacoustics team. He collaborates with both local researchers and industry leaders to protect coral reefs together. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx