PIXAM LTD is making a significant contribution to this initiative by constructing the software and abstracts necessary for its realization. The overarching goal of this endeavor is to facilitate the availability of meticulously detailed spatial maps, offering vital insights into the intricate ecology of seagrasses. These maps will be pivotal in fostering a deeper comprehension of biodiversity, ecological services, and the future sustainability of seagrasses throughout the Maltese Islands. Through the project’s outputs, a more streamlined and effective conservation management strategy for the seagrass species Posidonia oceanica (P. oceanica) will be attainable. This species is confronted by a spectrum of challenges arising from escalating human-induced influences, including the pressing impact of climate change, which collectively exert mounting pressures on these vital marine ecosystems.

The project’s core focus lies in assessing the efficacy of employing Sentinel-2 data for remote monitoring of P. oceanica within intricate shallow water contexts. Validation of Sentinel-2 image outcomes will be achieved by comparing them against underwater geo-referenced images and imagery captured by Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs). This concerted approach will culminate in the creation of high-resolution, multi-spectral orthomosaics. At the heart of this operational framework lies a comprehensive workflow, incorporating the integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI). Machine learning-based classification of the benthic environment will serve as a cornerstone, enabling the precise delineation and mapping of the extent of seagrass meadows.