Despite hundreds of hours in the water and dedicated efforts by 20+ scientists, we canvassed less than 1% of Palau’s coral reefs; is it possible to use knowledge on these reefs to predict what the 99% we did NOT survey may look like? And specifically, could we leverage the data to project where those reefs with the highest coral cover may be?

By training a machine-learning algorithm in JMP Pro, we can at least provide you with some clues. The model below is associated with a validation data R2 of around 0.7. By plugging in known coordinates and reef conditions, you can get an estimate of what the coral cover may be. interactive html

We have also shown the results of a desirability analysis, in which the AI was commanded to simulate the conditions associated with the highest coral cover. Those looking for the most coral-rich habitats, then, should consider reefs with the following properties:

And here is another neural network modeling the characteristics of resilient pocilloporid corals in Palau. Enter in data for your sites to receive an estimate of the local corals’ “coral health index” (CHI) scores, which range from 0 (on verge of death) to 5 (of marked resilience).