Using artificial intelligence to support marine macrolitter research: A content analysis and an online database

On advances, challenges and potentials of remote sensing image analysis in marine debris and suspected plastics monitoring

“…Interested readers may refer to this exhaustive list of databases by The IOCCG (2022). In addition, Politikos et al (2023) set a primary objective to explore a wide range of subjects to recognize the multifaceted impact of artificial intelligence in this domain and create a valuable point of reference for researchers in the field of MD&SP. To accomplish this goal, the authors have introduced an internet-based repository 1 , wherein users have the capability to search for publications categorized under various topics and tagged accordingly.…”

“…One of the primary factors contributing to this early stage of development is the absence of officially sanctioned datasets for MD&SP. However, in recent years, there has been a surge in academic publications introducing cutting-edge computational imaging techniques and making data-sets available, largely due to the concerted efforts of academic institutions aimed at enhancing MD&SP detection and tracking capabilities (Salgado-Hernanz et al, 2021;Topouzelis et al, 2021;Veettil et al, 2022;Politikos et al, 2023). Yet, the number of openaccess data sets to train advanced machine learning methods for pixel-level classification remains limited, resulting in remote sensing imaging research moving slower compared to other computerised image analysis areas.…”

“…Hence, the primary aim of this paper is to enhance the existing body of knowledge by not only summarising key academic findings in the field of monitoring MD&SP but also engaging in a thorough analysis of significant challenges. Noticeably, this primary aim differentiates this review from other relevant surveys (Salgado-Hernanz et al, 2021;Topouzelis et al, 2021;Gnann et al, 2022;Mukonza and Chiang, 2022;Veettil et al, 2022;Vighi et al, 2022;Politikos et al, 2023) as it provides a more comprehensive discussion on ongoing challenges and future research directions. The paper concludes by outlining several crucial directions for potential research as envisioned by the author, intended to provide a guiding framework for future studies.…”

Revisiting the Strategy for Marine Litter Monitoring within the European Marine Strategy Framework Directive (Msfd)

“…Finally, as it is difficult at this stage of development to determine how Artificial Intelligence (AI) will contribute to GES assessment and monitoring, its application cannot be analyzed in detail at this time. However, as the constraints and limitations of its large-scale application will likely be removed in the next few years, AI should be considered for future monitoring plans for marine litter (Politikos et al, 2023). The introduction of AI for microplastic monitoring and assessment may also support long-term data acquisition (Zhang et al, 2023) and compensate for the unavoidable bias that is present when manually separating and sorting microplastics, as well as interpreting spectra and data with current methods (Lusher et al, 2018;Phan and Luscombe, 2023).…”