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neural networks that during the “train- ing” phase were adapted to the data of the environment of the wreck monitored in Peristera, the land area of the equip- ment installation and the marine area on the surface of the wreck. Different oper- ational scenarios in the wreck area were tested and video and image footage was collected in different phases, such as in calm conditions, with sea turbulence, during daytime and night diving, with use of lighting, ROV passage, different water column turbidities, with creation of debris on camera lenses, the passage of boats and other ? oating objects.

Perspectives

After the inauguration (August 2020) there has been intense interest from

Greek and international stakeholders, both from the diving public that visited the marine museum and from scientists about the potential of “smart” monitoring of marine life which can be continuous and in real time. The topic was covered by the world’s major news agencies and media [1], [2], [3].

After about one year of pilot operation, the system is gradually moving into the second phase of its development, during which it will be enriched with new class- es: ? sh fauna and protected species living in the National Marine Park of Alonissos

Northern Sporades (N.M.P.A.N.S.), with the prospect of extending the EEAX Peri- stera at Stratoni, Halkidiki. In this direc- tion, image processing and classi? cation tests for the ? sh fauna observed at the wreck site have already started.

In April 2021, Microsoft has chosen to support the biodiversity conservation ef- fort through “NOUS” by providing tech- nical support on AI issues and access to its computing infrastructure in the form of a grant, supporting the proposal “Ma- chine Learning and Real Time Monitor- ing for the conservation of marine life with emphasis on seahorses.” www.marinetechnologynews.com 41

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