Coral reefs are among the most threatened ecosystems on the planet — yet gathering accurate information on their health remains one of the biggest challenges for biodiversity researchers.
In Palau’s coral reefs, CatchCam Technologies (CCTech) and Stream Ocean have partnered to create an autonomous reef monitoring system, combining real-time environmental data with AI-powered biodiversity monitoring, to provide immediate insights into coral reef health.
Why Is It Important to Monitor Coral Reef Health?
Coral reefs can undergo rapid shifts in response to environmental changes, from rising sea temperatures to pollution and unethical fishing practices.
Understanding why it is important to monitor coral reef health is the first step in protecting these ecosystems. Consistent data collection helps scientists detect early warning signs, track recovery efforts, and develop targeted conservation strategies.
Closing the Data Gap with Real-Time Coral Reef Monitoring
For scientists studying marine ecosystems, timely access to data is essential.
Traditional coral reef monitoring methods often rely on periodic reef assessment surveys that only capture isolated moments in time. The new integrated live-stream system addresses this challenge by delivering continuous, real-time coral reef monitoring from the reef back to shore.
How does it work ?
SeaSensor Environmental Data
At the heart of the system is a custom SeaSensor by CatchCam Technologies (CCTech) for environmental monitoring:
- Measures temperature, turbidity, and depth.
- Integrates additional project-specifc metrics on conductivity, pH and dissolved oxygen levels.
- Transmits live data in real-time via a 150m-long cable from the reef back to shore in Palau.
Stream Ocean's AI Software
Stream Ocean’s AI-powered software complements the sensor data by:
- Identifying marine life through underwater imagery analysis.
- Creating visual assessment of the reef health through live imaging.
Collaboration for Coral Reef Assessment and Monitoring
By integrating both environmental data and marine life monitoring into a single live-stream system, this collaboration creates a powerful tool for biodiversity researchers — not just in Palau, but potentially for any hard-to-reach or remote reef system facing the pressures of climate change.
The Palau project marks the start of a partnership between both companies — uniting CCTech’s hardware expertise with Stream Ocean’s AI-based data processing. It offers autonomous reef monitoring without the need for regular site visits, providing long-term insights without disturbing sensitive habitats.
With installation set for July 2025, the system will soon begin delivering live coral reef video and data streams — supporting research into reef health, climate change impacts, and sustainable tourism initiatives.
Stay tuned for updates and imagery from Palau as this system goes live.
Explore how CCTech’s solutions could support your research into reef health and marine biodiversity.
