Azerbaijani Scientist Develops AI Tool to Monitor Algal Blooms From Space

Jerusalem, 15 November, 2026 (TPS-IL) -- Antalya, Turkey (AZERTAC) – Şebnem Karsli, an Azerbaijani doctoral student at Gabza Technical University in Turkey, will present a model she developed using artificial intelligence on the problem of algal blooms in water bodies at the 31st session of the Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP31) in Antalya.

The scientist told AZERTAC that microscopic algae, which multiply as a result of excessive increases in water content, especially nitrogen and phosphorus, pose serious threats to ecology, water quality, and wildlife.

“Climate change is increasing the scope of the problem of algal blooms. It is impossible to analyze this threat in terms of all water bodies and to set up a laboratory. The model I developed allows us to analyze the photographic materials obtained from the Sentinel-2 satellite in the form of a map based on different indices and study them through artificial intelligence,” said Sh. Garsli.

The new model, which will be presented to COP-31 participants, will show in advance which water bodies are experiencing algal bloom problems at which time. This way, fishermen will be prepared, and appropriate beach bans can be implemented.

According to him, the model currently includes water bodies from all continents, as well as Lake Burdur in Turkey and the Gulf of Izmir.

Work on the model will be fully completed in February-March 2027 and will be published in the form of an article in a scientific journal.