Overview:
PICRC strengthens regional coral reef monitoring capacity through AI-powered training
The Palau International Coral Reef Center (PICRC) continues to advance marine science leadership in Micronesia, recently hosting a specialized ReefCloud training workshop in Kosrae, Federated States of Micronesia. The program equipped environmental officers with cutting-edge artificial intelligence tools to improve coral reef monitoring and data analysis, marking a significant step toward stronger regional collaboration in marine conservation.
The Palau International Coral Reef Center (PICRC) recently expanded its role as a regional leader in marine science by facilitating a specialized introduction and training workshop on ReefCloud in Kosrae, FSM. The workshop that was held from April 20 to April 24, 2026, marked the first time this training was delivered to Micronesian participants by regional trainers.
PICRC team members Daniel Cassidy and Victor Nestor who led the sessions, were amongst the first cohort of the ReefCloud Training-of-Trainers Program, sharing expertise they gained during their own intensive training over the last 18 months. They were supported online by Dr. Samuel Chan, from the Australian Institute of Marine Science (AIMS). Four key environmental officers from the region participated in the workshop:
- Mr. Robert George, Kosrae Division of Fisheries and Marine Resources.
- Mr. Bruno Ned, Kosrae Division of Fisheries and Marine Resources.
- Mr. John Alokoa, Kosrae Conservation and Safety Organisation (KCSO).
- Mr. Jeremiah Talimeche, Yap Marine Resources Management Division.
The training focused on ReefCloud, an advanced image annotation tool developed by the AIMS. By utilizing Artificial Intelligence (AI), the software assists researchers in analyzing coral reef data more efficiently.
During the workshop, participants engaged in:
- Benthic Monitoring Foundations: A review of monitoring methods and the rationale on selecting different scientific approaches for different monitoring needs.
- Technical Exercises: Hands-on training for setting up ReefCloud projects, using ReefCloud and interpreting data from the public dashboards.
- Model Validation: In-depth presentations on validating the accuracy and results of the machine learning model for reporting.
- Regional Reporting: A discussion around increasing participation of the region in collaborating on monitoring efforts and reporting.
All participants successfully completed the curriculum and were awarded certificates of participation. The success of this workshop highlights the growing demand for advanced monitoring tools in Micronesia and highlights PICRC’s commitment to supporting neighbouring islands through shared knowledge and technical expertise.