Enhancement of Underwater Images using Multi-Scale Retinex, CLAHE and Unsharp Masking Techniques

Underwater environments present unique challenges for image capture and analysis due to factors like light attenuation, color distortion, and loss of detail. In this study, we propose a comprehensive strategy to underwater image enhancement employing Color Compensation, Detail Sharpening, Auto-level based Multi-Scale Retinex, Contrast Limited Adaptive Histogram Equalization (CLAHE). Additionally, we integrate Unsharp masking technique to further improve image quality and enhance visual clarity. Through experimental validation using real-world underwater imagery datasets, this method demonstrates significant advancements in enhancing underwater scenes, effectively mitigating color distortions and restoring lost details.