Enhancing microalgae classification accuracy in marine ecosystems through convolutional neural networks and support vector machines

Accurately classifying microalgae species is vital for monitoring marine ecosystems and managing the emergence of marine mucilage, which is crucial for monitoring mucilage phenomena in marine environments. Traditional methods have been inadequate due to time-consuming processes and the need for expert knowledge. The purpose of this article is to employ convolutional neural networks (CNNs) and support vector machines (SVMs) to improve classification accuracy and efficiency. By employing advanced computational techniques, including MobileNet and GoogleNet models, alongside SVM classification, the study demonstrates significant advancements over conventional identification methods. In the classification of a dataset consisting of 7820 images using four different SVM kernel functions, the linear kernel achieved the highest success rate at 98.79 %. It is followed by the RBF kernel at 98.73 %, the polynomial kernel at 97.84 %, and the sigmoid kernel at 97.20 %. This research not only provides a methodological framework for future studies in marine biodiversity monitoring but also highlights the potential for real-time applications in ecological conservation and understanding mucilage dynamics amidst climate change and environmental pollution.