Seadragons Search is a collaborative research project involving scuba divers across the globe and AI.

A collaborative research project called Seadragons Search, which involves scuba divers and artificial intelligence, has revealed that different populations of weedy or common seadragons in the Great Southern Reef of Australia are genetically connected. This discovery contradicts previous theories suggesting the existence of two subspecies of seadragons.

SeadragonSearch aims to improve understanding of seadragon populations through community involvement. The project initially focused on monitoring seadragon ecology and investigating the connectivity between different populations.

Using photographs contributed by hundreds of scuba divers worldwide, researchers utilized facial recognition technology to distinguish individual seadragons based on their unique spot patterns. A machine learning program helped create timelines for each animal.

The genetics work revealed that gene flow occurs across historical barriers, leading to the conclusion that these aquatic creatures should be considered a single species throughout the Great Southern Reef.

Weedy seadragons, characterized by their brownish-reddish color and tiny yellow dots, inhabit waters between 2 and 30 meters deep. Scuba divers are attracted to their charismatic nature and often travel from overseas to observe them. The genetic findings have important implications for species conservation, as seadragons on the east and west coasts have low genetic diversity and are particularly vulnerable to climate change.

The research emphasizes the need for increased monitoring and protection of these populations to ensure their ability to adapt to changing conditions.

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Image credit: Wikimedia Commons