Comparative Analysis of Traditional and Deep Learning Approaches for Underwater Remote Sensing Image Enhancement: A Quantitative Study

Underwater remote sensing image enhancement is complicated by low illumination, color bias, and blurriness, affecting deep-sea monitoring and marine resource development. This study compares a multi-scale fusion-enhanced physical model and deep learning algorithms to optimize intelligent processing. The physical model, based on the Jaffe–McGlamery model, integrates multi-scale histogram equalization, wavelength compensation, and Laplacian sharpening, using cluster analysis to target enhancements. It performs well in shallow, stable waters (turbidity < 20 NTU, depth < 10 m, PSNR = 12.2) but struggles in complex environments (turbidity > 30 NTU). Deep learning models, including water-net, UWCNN, UWCycleGAN, and U-shape Transformer, excel in dynamic conditions, achieving UIQM = 0.24, though requiring GPU support for real-time use. Evaluated on the UIEB dataset (890 images), the physical model suits specific scenarios, while deep learning adapts better to variable underwater settings. These findings offer a theoretical and technical basis for underwater image enhancement and support sustainable marine resource use.