AI: The New Guardian of the Oceans Against Illegal Fishing
Image Credit: NOAA | Unsplash
In an unprecedented move towards safeguarding our marine biodiversity, artificial intelligence is being deployed to combat illegal fishing, a practice that accounts for a staggering 20% of global catches. This groundbreaking initiative is not just about conservation; it's a fight for the survival of marine species, many of which are teetering on the brink of extinction.
The Spanish government's recent action against 25 fishing vessels, fined for operating illicitly near Argentina’s territorial waters, underscores the urgency of addressing illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing. With up to $23 billion worth of fish caught illegally each year, the stakes couldn't be higher.
Enter Global Fishing Watch, an alliance co-founded by Google, Oceana, and SkyTruth, which is leveraging AI and satellite imagery to monitor over 65,000 commercial fishing vessels worldwide. This AI-powered watchdog analyzes massive volumes of satellite data to track ships' movements, even those attempting to fly under the radar by turning off their GPS-based identification systems.
How It Works:
The AI sifts through environmental data and satellite imagery to distinguish fishing vessels from other ships, shedding light on "dark" fleets that operate without broadcasting their positions. With the ambition to incorporate higher-resolution imagery, the initiative aims to cast a wider net, capturing smaller vessels often overlooked.
But the innovation doesn't stop there. A project led by the University of Southampton and RS Aqua is in the works to deploy submarine robots armed with underwater sensors and AI. These robots will differentiate between the ocean's natural sounds and the unmistakable noise of trawlers, offering real-time alerts on illegal fishing activities in protected waters.
Why This Matters:
As we race against time to protect marine ecosystems, the integration of AI in conservation efforts represents a beacon of hope. It's a testament to human ingenuity and our commitment to coexisting harmoniously with nature. This initiative not only aims to curb illegal fishing but also to preserve the intricate balance of our oceans for future generations.
