In the TEDxLondon talk, Ben Williams discusses the transformative impact of artificial intelligence on coral reef conservation efforts. Williams highlights the critical importance of coral reefs in supporting marine biodiversity and the global ecosystem, while also acknowledging the alarming rate at which they are disappearing due to climate change and human activities.
Williams explains how AI technologies are being harnessed to monitor and protect coral reefs more effectively and efficiently. These innovative tools enable scientists to collect and analyze vast amounts of data on reef health, species composition, and environmental conditions, allowing for more targeted conservation efforts and rapid response to threats such as coral bleaching and pollution.
Through the power of AI, Williams demonstrates how researchers are able to gain valuable insights into reef dynamics and make informed decisions to better preserve these vital ecosystems. By harnessing the potential of artificial intelligence, coral reef conservationists are better equipped to safeguard these fragile underwater habitats for future generations.
Watch the video by TEDxTalks
Author Video Description
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
About TEDxTalks
TEDx is an international community that organizes TED-style events anywhere and everywhere — celebrating locally-driven ideas and elevating them to a global stage. TEDx events are produced independently of TED conferences, each event curates speakers on their own, but based on TED’s format and rules.
Video “How AI is helping transform coral reef conservation | Ben Williams | TEDxLondon” was uploaded on 03/16/2025 to Youtube Channel TEDx Talks