---
task_categories:
- image-segmentation
tags:
- fish
- underwater-imagery
- grayscale
- marine-biology
- segment
pretty_name: Modular Optical Underwater Survey System (MOUSS) Imagery - Segment Dataset
size_categories:
- 1K<n<10K
language:
- en
configs:
- config_name: default
  drop_labels: true
  images:
  - split: train
    path:
    - images/train/*.jpg
  - split: val
    path:
    - images/val/*.jpg
---
# Dataset Card for Modular Optical Underwater Survey System (MOUSS) Imagery - Segment Dataset

This dataset contains grayscale underwater imagery collected by NOAA's Modular Optical Underwater Survey System (MOUSS), specifically for segmentation of fish. The dataset is intended for training and evaluating models like the YOLOv11n-seg on grayscale underwater footage.

## Dataset Details

### Dataset Description

This dataset is composed of black-and-white underwater footage captured by the MOUSS system. The dataset provides labeled grayscale images for developing and testing segmentation models focused on detecting fish. 

- **Curated by:** Pacific Islands Fisheries Science Center (PIFSC) 
- **Shared by:** NOAA Open Data
- **License:** Public Domain (NOAA Open Data)

### Dataset Sources

- **Data Repository:** [NOAA Open Data Dissemination (NODD) PIFSC Cloud ](https://console.cloud.google.com/storage/browser/nmfs_odp_pifsc/PIFSC)

## Uses

### Direct Use

It can be used in marine biology research, real-time monitoring, and post-processing of underwater footage.

### Out-of-Scope Use

The dataset is not suitable for color imagery or tasks unrelated to fish detection in marine ecosystems. It should not be used for tasks requiring full-spectrum image analysis or where higher accuracy for non-grayscale footage is needed.

## Dataset Structure

The dataset consists of grayscale images with corresponding segments around fish. Images are split into 80% for training and 20% for validation, enabling effective training.

## Dataset Creation

### Curation Rationale

The MOUSS imagery dataset was created to provide a focused resource for researchers and data scientists working on underwater object detection, specifically for fish detection in grayscale environments. This small subset offers a balance between sufficient sample size and practical use for model development.

### Source Data

#### Data Collection and Processing

Images were captured using NOAA’s MOUSS system during surveys. The dataset consists of grayscale (black-and-white) underwater images to support the training of models on a specific environment with limited color information.

#### Personal and Sensitive Information

This dataset contains no personal or sensitive information, as it consists solely of underwater imagery.

## Bias, Risks, and Limitations

### Bias

The dataset is focused on grayscale underwater footage, which may limit the model’s generalization to other environments, such as color underwater footage or different aquatic ecosystems. Furthermore, the limited number of species in the dataset could introduce biases in identifying different types of fish or marine life in other contexts.

### Recommendations

While this dataset can effectively train fish detection models for grayscale footage, users should be cautious when applying the model to other environments or color imagery. Additional training or domain adaptation may be necessary to avoid misclassifications or errors.

## Citation

Pacific Islands Fisheries Science Center, 2024: Bottomfish Fishery-Independent Survey in Hawaii (BFISH) - Experimental Camera Surveys (2011-2015), https://www.fisheries.noaa.gov/inport/item/55928.

## Dataset Card Contact

For questions or more information, please contact: Michael Akridge (Michael.Akridge@noaa.gov)