Google AI aids in restoration of giant kelp forests

Giant kelp forests, which play a crucial role in protecting coastlines, providing habitat, and supporting marine ecosystems, are facing decline globally due to rising ocean temperatures. As COP31 begins this week, we are highlighting the progress of a collaboration with Australia’s national science agency, CSIRO, which utilizes AI and genomics to aid in the restoration of giant kelp.

The research team has recently released two high-quality reference genomes for Australian giant kelp, establishing a basis for further conservation genetics studies. Following this, researchers adapted Google’s open-source AI tool, DeepVariant, to analyze the DNA of giant kelp. This effort led to the sequencing of 600 wild specimens collected from 40 different sites along the Tasmanian coast, where the giant kelp population has decreased to 5% of its historical size.

A video accompanying these findings illustrates how genetic analysis, coupled with laboratory-based cross-breeding studies by partners, is paving the way for a real-world solution: the replanting of giant kelp forests with diverse, heat-resistant specimens. This initiative is part of Google Australia’s Digital Futures Initiative.