About FathomNet

FathomNet streamlines access to artificial intelligence and machine learning tools to accelerate the analysis of ocean visual data.

PHOTO: SCHMIDT OCEAN INSTITUTE

OUR VISION

Enable accurate, rapid processing of underwater visual data through a globally integrated network that can accelerate ocean discovery, inform all sectors of the Blue Economy, and lead to effective marine stewardship.

PROGRAM OVERVIEW

FathomNet is building networks of programmers, marine scientists, and enthusiasts all working toward a common goal: understanding life in the ocean.

The ocean represents the largest habitable ecosystem on our planet, yet less than five percent of that volume has been explored and nearly half of all marine life is yet to be described. Underwater imaging is a powerful sensing modality that can address this knowledge gap. However, as more visual data is collected, the ocean research community faces a growing analysis backlog.

FathomNet connects machine learning data analysis with a spectrum of users, from experts to enthusiasts, to analyze ocean imagery. To achieve this goal, we’re developing three core solutions—Portal, Database, and FathomVerse—that combine state-of-the-art technology and community power to build an unprecedented resource for the ocean.

CORE SOLUTIONS

Portal

The FathomNet Portal is a globally accessible end-to-end tool that interfaces with FathomNet Database and FathomVerse. It utilizes machine learning to dramatically accelerate the analysis of ocean imagery.

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Database

The FathomNet Database is a growing database of expert-annotated images and machine learning models that provides machine learning-ready data representing all underwater life for software engineers and marine scientists.

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FathomVerse

FathomVerse is a game for mobile devices that invites ocean enthusiasts, animal lovers, and armchair explorers to train AI models while interacting with real ocean imagery collected by researchers.

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PHOTO: OCEAN IMAGE BANK /KATERINA KATOPIS

FATHOMNET'S ORIGINS

FathomNet was founded to tackle a crucial challenge in ocean exploration: efficiently processing the vast amounts of visual data collected from underwater imaging. As imaging technologies advanced, we realized that while we could gather data at unprecedented rates, the ability to analyze that data was lagging.

Our journey began at the 2018 Here Be Dragons event at MIT Media Lab, where attendees were encouraged to pitch impactful ideas for ocean exploration. Kakani Katija, a Principal Engineer at MBARI, proposed a project that aimed to automate image analysis using historical data collected over 30 years. This idea resonated with Ben Woodward (founder of CVision AI), Katy Croff Bell (founder of Ocean Discovery League), and a diverse group of data specialists in the room, leading to the birth of FathomNet. Within 24 hours, we secured funding from the National Geographic Society, NOAA, and MBARI.

In 2022, we received a $5 million grant from the National Science Foundation’s Convergence Accelerator Program to expand our efforts. We launched the FathomNet Database in June 2023, which now includes over 100,000 images and contributions from more than 800 individuals across 101 countries. The FathomVerse game, introduced in May 2024, reached 13,000 downloads in its first six months, generating over 6.6 million annotations. In September 2024, the FathomNet Portal was launched to facilitate knowledge sharing through workshops.

As we progress, our mission remains clear: to enhance our understanding of ocean life through innovative AI platforms and community building.