How Organisations Are Using AI And Innovation For Marine Conservation

The oceans cover over 139 million square miles and contain some of the most diverse and awe-inspiring ecosystems on the planet. Yet, these vital waterways face grave threats from overfishing, plastic pollution, oil spills, and climate change. Fortunately, new technological innovations are empowering organisations to monitor, track, and conserve marine life like never before.

One powerful example is the use of AI-enabled drones and autonomous underwater vehicles. These advanced systems can survey large ocean expanses, track animal migrations, and detect illegal fishing activities in real-time. For instance, the non-profit SkyTruth has deployed drone fleets to identify and report unauthorised ships in marine protected areas.?

The marine conservation organisation Sea Shepherd is also harnessing the power of AI to combat illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing. They have outfitted their ships with advanced sensor arrays and machine learning algorithms that can automatically detect the unique signatures of fishing vessels, even when their transponders are turned off. This allows Sea Shepherd to track and intercept poachers in real-time, a critical capability for protecting vulnerable ocean ecosystems.

Satellite technology is also transforming marine research and protection. Organisations like Global Fishing Watch use satellite data to map global fishing activity and identify regions at high-risk of overfishing. This information allows authorities to target enforcement efforts and implement sustainable fishing quotas. Meanwhile, satellites equipped with hyperspectral and thermal imaging can detect oil spills, monitor coral reef health, and even track the movements of endangered species.

The UN's Sustainable Development Goal 14 (Life Below Water) calls for the conservation and sustainable use of the oceans, seas and marine resources. Achieving this ambitious goal will require using the full power of technology and data to its fullest extent. For example, machine learning models can analyse massive datasets to predict the impacts of climate change on marine ecosystems and identify the most effective conservation interventions.

Likewise, the Internet of Things and smart sensors allow for unparalleled monitoring of water quality, plastic pollution levels, and other key ocean health indicators. This real-time data can inform policy decisions, guide industry best practices, and empower local communities to take action.

While significant challenges remain, the rapid advancements in fields like robotics, satellite imaging, and artificial intelligence are revolutionising marine conservation. By harnessing these technological breakthroughs, we can better understand, protect, and restore the incredible biodiversity of our global oceans.?