SeaSplat breaks through ocean haze to reveal vibrant underwater worlds in 3D detail.

Researchers at MIT and the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution have developed SeaSplat, an innovative AI-powered tool that removes the distorting effects of water to reveal the true colors of underwater scenes in stunning 3D. By combining a color-correcting algorithm with advanced 3D Gaussian splatting technology, SeaSplat reconstructs underwater images into immersive, true-color 3D models that can be explored virtually from any angle. This breakthrough overcomes common underwater imaging challenges such as light scattering and color fading caused by water and suspended particles, allowing scientists to see marine environments as if the water had been drained away.

SeaSplat’s ability to produce accurate, high-quality 3D representations is especially valuable for marine biologists monitoring coral reefs and other delicate ecosystems. For example, it enhances the detection of coral bleaching, which can be difficult to spot due to color distortion in underwater photos. While the current system requires powerful computing resources, it holds great promise for tethered underwater vehicles and remote scientific exploration, enabling researchers to virtually dive into ocean scenes and study marine biodiversity with unprecedented clarity and precision