Understanding and Predicting the Ocean Using Artificial Intelligence
Understanding and Predicting the Ocean using Artificial Intelligence
Ocean AI Workshop | Halifax Convention Centre | 4-5 Nov. 2025
Join MEOPAR and a global network of experts in Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada for a groundbreaking workshop focused on the responsible and effective integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in ocean science.
Bringing together AI specialists and ocean researchers from Canada, the G7, and beyond, this workshop will explore real-world case studies and critical factors for implementing AI technologies in marine research and operations.
The program will support hybrid participation and interactive poster discussions.
Use Cases Overview
The workshop will showcase real-world applications of Artificial Intelligence in ocean science, highlighting critical areas where AI is advancing our capacity to observe, analyze, and understand the ocean. Below are four core use cases that will be explored through expert discussion and case study analysis.
Objective: Improve accuracy, speed, and energy efficiency in operational forecasting.
Deep learning can accelerate model computation and supplement physics-based simulations. Neural networks improve forecast capacity for sea surface temperature, salinity, and circulation patterns.
🇨🇦 Co-lead
Dr. Gregory Smith, Senior Research Scientist at Environment and Climate Change Canada.
🌐Co-lead
Dr. Joanna Staneva, Head of Department - Hydrodynamics and Data Assimilation at Helmholtz-Zentrum Hereon, Germany.
Objective: Automate species identification and characterisation to accelerate the monitoring of biodiversity in marine populations.
Computer vision and acoustic classifiers are being used for marine species ex. fish, whale, and plankton monitoring.
🇨🇦 Co-lead
Dr. Chris Whidden, Assistant Professor in Computer Science at Dalhousie University, Canada.
🌐Co-leads
Dr Alexandra Kraberg, Time series coordinator, Polar Biological Oceanography at Alfred Wegener Institute Helmholtz Centre for Polar and Marine Research
Leonie Dziomba, PhD student, Leibniz-Zentrum für Marine Tropenforschung (ZMT) GmbH
Objective: Identify deviations or critical changes in complex sensor and monitoring datasets.
ML models detect anomalies in underwater acoustics, biogeochemical sensors, and moorings. Also used for real-time alerting in marine noise, ecosystem health, and equipment failures.
🇨🇦 Co-leads
Dr. Andrew Snauffer, Data Analytics and Quality Manager at Ocean Networks Canada
Carolyn Binder, Defence Scientist, Defence Research and Development Canada
Objective: Use AI agents to accelerate repetitive and/or time-consuming tasks like metadata generation, standardization, or to analyze the data.
• Early tools show promise in harmonizing datasets for FAIR/CARE principles.
• LLMs are used to recommend mandatory metadata based on contextual information.
• Protocols are adopted to make oceanographic datasets accessible via natural language queries using AI assistants.
🇨🇦 Co-leads
Ms. Shayla Fitzsimmons, Executive Director at CIOOS Atlantic, Canada.
Ms. Emily O'Grady, Master's Student, Dalhousie University, Canada.
Presented By
Supporting Organizations
Discover Halifax
The workshop will be held in beautiful Halifax, Canada.
Frequently Asked Questions
Find quick answers to common questions about the conference.
Head over to our "Apply to Participate" page and complete the online form. Select your participant type and provide the required information to secure your spot. Limited seats are available, and acceptance notices will be issued periodically.
The conference schedule will soon be available on the website. It will include a detailed list of sessions, workshops, keynote speakers, and networking events. Check the schedule regularly for updates and changes.
Yes, there are hotels and accommodations close to the conference venue. Check the website's "Plan your Trip" section for a list of recommended hotels, including special conference rates.
Location
Hybrid event:
Halifax Convention Centre
1650 Argyle Street
Halifax, NS
Canada, B3J 0E6
Contact us
If you have any questions, please contact UnderstandingTheOcean@agendamanagers.com
