CIM contributes to BlueAI in the environmental study of the rías

The Marine Research Centre (CIM) of the University of Vigo, part of the CIGUS Network — an initiative promoted by the Xunta de Galicia that brings together research centres within the Galician research system that have demonstrated scientific excellence — is participating in the national project BlueAI, an initiative that uses artificial intelligence to analyse and improve the environmental status of coastal marine ecosystems. CIM is carrying out this work in collaboration with the Galician Centre for Mathematical Research and Technology (CITMAga), an inter-university centre within the Galician University System (SUG), as well as other Spanish institutions such as the University of Murcia, the Oceanographic Centre of Murcia, the Polytechnic University of Valencia, and the University of Salamanca.

BlueAI explores the use of artificial intelligence (AI) for monitoring, analysing and improving the environmental status of coastal marine ecosystems, focusing on two case studies: the Mar Menor and the Galician rías. The UVigo’s participation is led by Bea Mouriño, a researcher in the Biological Oceanography group at CIM, and Marta Sestelo, a researcher at CITMAga and member of the SiDOR group. The team is completed by specialists in oceanography, modelling and data analysis from CIM, CITMAga and other collaborating institutions.

The project has state funding of €1.6 million, of which €375,000 is allocated to the University of Vigo. The research will combine historical data, oceanographic observations and advanced numerical models, both physical and biogeochemical, together with artificial intelligence-based forecasting tools, with the aim of anticipating environmental risks and supporting decision-making in coastal ecosystem management.

From a technical perspective, BlueAI-UVigo will contribute high-resolution datasets and predictive scenarios related to harmful algal blooms, supporting the development of early warning systems enhanced by artificial intelligence. These tools will help anticipate the ecological and economic impacts of such events, both in Galicia and in other regions with similar coastal characteristics.