A Rimouski-based artificial intelligence is revolutionizing the assessment of marine stocks

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Press Release - Rimouski (Québec), August 20, 2025 

– CIDCO is making waves with the launch of a groundbreaking artificial intelligence developed right here in Rimouski. Designed to automatically analyze images of the seabed captured by an autonomous underwater vehicle, this technology promises to radically transform how the fishing industry assesses its stocks.

The result of applied research led by CIDCO’s team, this AI can quickly detect and classify species present on the seabed from images collected by an autonomous submarine. Within minutes, it can process thousands of images, identify species, and calculate their abundance with unmatched accuracy.

This innovation significantly reduces the time and costs associated with stock assessment campaigns, while providing more reliable and reproducible data. The ocean now reveals its secrets in real time.

Collaboration between scientists, government, and industry leaders

This initiative is the result of a multidisciplinary collaboration involving several visionaries from the fishing industry, such as the Regroupement des Pêcheurs Professionnels du Sud de la Gaspésie, the Wolastoqiyik Wahshipekuk First Nation of Cacouna, the Innu First Nation of Pessamit, and Pêcheries Shipek.

The effort is supported by the expertise of biologists from the Maurice Lamontagne Institute and Université Laval, as well as specialists in artificial intelligence, image processing, and video processing from Polytechnique Montréal.

This collective mobilization is made possible thanks to the Consortium de Recherche et Innovation en Bioprocédés Industriels au Québec (CRIBIQ), the Ministry of Economy, Innovation, and Energy of the Government of Québec (MEIE), the Department of Fisheries and Oceans (DFO) Canada, and private partners. The project spans three years with a total value of $1.8M.

Promising proof of concept

Two pilot projects have already demonstrated the potential of this technology:

  1. Green sea urchin: The AI successfully identified and automatically quantified green sea urchin populations in targeted areas, providing an effective tool for the sustainable management of this resource.
  2. Crustaceans: A second model was trained to detect and assess populations of rock crab, snow crab, and lobster, delivering unprecedented precision and speed in the analysis of these species.

These models and their applications will be further developed and brought to market by the Rimouski-based startup Ocean Riot, specialized in cutting-edge marine technologies.

A step toward more sustainable fisheries

By combining computer vision, artificial intelligence, and underwater robotics, CIDCO is paving the way for a more responsible approach to fisheries management, based on robust and reliable data.

This technology can eventually be adapted to many other species and contexts, providing a strategic advantage to fishers, scientists, and marine resource managers alike.

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« This is more than just a technological tool: it is a new standard for the fisheries of the future, conceived and built in Rimouski. We are demonstrating that here, we know how to innovate for the ocean and for the economy », said Guillaume Morissette, Scientific Director of CIDCO and project lead.

Reports and Interviews 🎧🎥

The project has also been featured in the media:

About CIDCO

CIDCO is a center of expertise in hydrography and ocean mapping based in Rimouski, recognized for its innovative solutions serving scientific research, the maritime industry, and the sustainable management of marine resources.

🌐 www.cidco.ca

Media Contacts

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