Maps have long been used to navigate our terrestrial landscapes, documenting roads, buildings, and land use. However, the vast and featureless oceans have remained a mystery, with much of their activity hidden from view. That is, until now.
A groundbreaking study published in the journal Nature has shed light on the hidden world of ocean traffic and offshore infrastructure using artificial intelligence (AI) and satellite imagery. The research conducted by Global Fishing Watch uncovered a significant number of fishing vessels that have been “hiding” by turning off their automatic tracking systems. By analyzing billions of bits of information from various sources, including satellite images, the study created an unprecedented map of ocean activity.
This new understanding of the industrial revolution unfolding in our oceans reveals the immense impact it has on both the global economy and the environment. More than a billion people rely on the sea for their food, and millions are employed in marine fishing. Additionally, the ocean is responsible for transporting about 80% of all traded goods and producing 30% of the world’s oil.
However, this rapid growth in the “blue ocean” economy has come at a cost. Environmental decline, including overfishing and the destruction of critical habitats, has become a pressing concern. The study aimed to track and map these developments to better comprehend their impact on our oceans.
The research uncovered several challenges in monitoring ocean activity. Certain ship tracking systems are restricted to the parent company and not publicly available. Moreover, vessels engaged in illicit activities often turn off their tracking systems or manipulate their broadcasted locations. Coastal waters and certain regions with poor satellite reception create ‘blind spots’ in tracking, while political and commercial limitations can restrict the flow of information through Automatic Identification Systems (AIS).
However, artificial intelligence has emerged as a powerful tool to overcome these challenges. By analyzing vast amounts of satellite imagery, the study detected more than 63,000 vessel occurrences at any given moment, with around half of them being fishing vessels. Notably, approximately three-quarters of globally mapped industrial fishing did not appear in public monitoring systems.
Asia emerged as the dominant region in industrial fishing, accounting for 70% of all fishing vessel detections, with China’s exclusive economic zone being a particularly concentrated area. The study also revealed fishing vessels operating within marine protected areas, including the Galápagos Marine Reserve and the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park.
In addition to fishing activity, the study also identified fixed marine structures such as piers, wind farms, and oil drilling installations. China has taken the lead in offshore wind generation, with a staggering 900% increase in turbines from 2017 to 2021. Offshore wind farms are predominantly found in northern Europe and China, while the number of offshore oil structures has also increased by 16%.
Overall, this study provides a more comprehensive view of ocean industrialization and its impact on our planet. With new growth in offshore wind, aquaculture, and mining joining established industrial fishing, shipping, and oil and gas activities, it is clear that the global ocean is a busy and complex industrial workspace. By understanding and addressing the challenges posed by this rapid growth, we can strive towards a more sustainable future for our oceans.
FAQ:
1. What did the groundbreaking study published in the journal Nature reveal?
The study used artificial intelligence (AI) and satellite imagery to uncover hidden ocean activity, including fishing vessels that turn off their tracking systems. This created an unprecedented map of ocean activity.
2. What is the significance of this new understanding of ocean activity?
The study shows the immense impact of the industrialization of the oceans on both the global economy and the environment. It highlights that more than a billion people rely on the sea for food, the ocean is responsible for transporting about 80% of traded goods, and it produces 30% of the world’s oil.
3. What are some challenges in monitoring ocean activity?
Challenges include restricted ship tracking systems, vessels engaged in illicit activities turning off tracking systems, ‘blind spots’ in tracking due to poor satellite reception in some regions, and limitations in the flow of information through Automatic Identification Systems (AIS) due to political and commercial reasons.
4. How did the study overcome these challenges?
The study used artificial intelligence and analyzed vast amounts of satellite imagery to detect vessel occurrences. This enabled them to identify over 63,000 vessel occurrences, half of which were fishing vessels. Importantly, around three-quarters of globally mapped industrial fishing did not appear in public monitoring systems.
5. Which regions emerged as dominant in industrial fishing?
Asia, particularly China’s exclusive economic zone, accounted for 70% of all fishing vessel detections. The study also revealed fishing vessels operating within marine protected areas, such as the Galápagos Marine Reserve and the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park.
6. What other marine structures were identified in the study?
In addition to fishing activity, the study identified fixed marine structures such as piers, wind farms, and oil drilling installations. China leads in offshore wind generation, with a 900% increase in turbines from 2017 to 2021. Offshore wind farms are predominantly found in northern Europe and China, while the number of offshore oil structures has increased by 16%.
Definitions:
– Automatic Identification Systems (AIS): A system used for identifying and locating vessels through the exchange of electronic data.
Suggested related links:
– Global Fishing Watch: Official website of Global Fishing Watch, the organization behind the study.
– Nature: Official website of the journal Nature, where the groundbreaking study was published.