FIU Aquarius and Tekmara bring AI underwater for real-time ocean monitoring
Florida International University's Aquarius Reef Base is partnering with technology start-up Tekmara to accelerate the evolution of underwater habitats. The collaboration pairs AI, integrated data systems, and marine robotics to shift from periodic sampling to intelligent, continuous monitoring of reef health.
Located 60 feet below the surface in the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary, FIU Aquarius is uniquely positioned to host sensor networks, autonomous platforms, and AI-driven analytics. The effort supports the current habitat and a roadmap that includes Aquarius 2 and modular research habitats deployable worldwide.
"This project brings together two of FIU's priorities to help grow ocean exploration: environmental research and technology," said FIU President Jeanette M. Nuñez. "What scientists learn at the Medina Aquarius Program will prove pivotal for the future of Florida's tourism and economy. FIU will continue to lead the way in marine conservation and research."
Why it matters for research teams
- Shift from data collection to decision-grade insights with AI detection of pollution sources, oxygen depletion, and other anomalies.
- Persistent, in situ sensing that feeds real-time environmental models and alerts.
- Wireless data storage and transmission ("cutting the cord") for higher reliability and faster access to field data.
- Systems powered by solar and marine renewable energy, enabling longer missions with lower maintenance overhead.
- Open data streams to support comparative studies and reproducibility across sites.
What will be built and tested
- Autonomous systems and data platforms operating in and around the habitat for continuous observation.
- AI algorithms trained and validated on live ocean data to flag anomalies and suggest responses in real time.
- Integrated sensor suites and communications upgrades for reliable seafloor-to-shore telemetry.
"FIU Aquarius has long been a global asset for advancing scientific exploration, research and discovery," said Mike Heithaus, FIU Vice Provost of Environmental Resilience and marine ecologist. "With these new advances, our habitat is becoming more efficient and more equipped to support the amazing work being done by FIU scientists, as well as scientists and industry partners from around the world."
Research, training, and technology development
- Insights will feed FIU's Medina Aquarius Program, strengthening research and education on marine ecosystems.
- Upgraded systems will improve onsite training for scientists and astronauts who use the habitat's extreme environment to test tools and procedures.
- Results will inform new technologies for conservation and adaptive management.
Safety and compliance
- AI-enabled vessel detection and tracking to support compliance within the protected sanctuary.
- Automated notifications to enforcement officials for unauthorized activities, improving habitat and reef safety.
"FIU is a fantastic partner in the pursuit of making marine protected areas secure," said Tekmara founder Todd Kleperis. "The potential exists to take what we're doing here at FIU Aquarius and expand into other parts of the world."
Funding and open access
With support from Congressmen Mario Diaz-Balart and Carlos A. Gimenez, FIU received $1 million from NOAA for instrumentation and communications upgrades at Aquarius Reef Base. This will establish a uniquely capable observation system for coastal South Florida, with data available online in real time so anyone can monitor the Florida Reef tract.
Learn more about the protected area context at the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary.
What to watch next
- Seafloor "smart lab" operations delivering continuous, AI-informed insights for global marine health and resilience.
- Deployment plans for Aquarius 2 and modular habitat units that replicate successful designs across regions.
- Standardized data products that support cross-site comparisons, early warning systems, and intervention planning.
For PIs and field leads
- Define protocols for anomaly triage, QA/QC, and model retraining using live habitat data.
- Align instruments and metadata with Aquarius observation streams to reduce integration time.
- Build cross-functional teams spanning marine science, robotics, embedded systems, and applied AI.
If your team needs to upskill on applied AI for field research and data analysis, explore focused training options here: AI courses by job.
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