Global Concern Over Illegal Fishing
It’s estimated by the United Nations that a staggering 26 million tons of fish are caught illegally every year. This figure represents roughly 20% of the global catch, amounting to an illicit industry worth $23 billion. This practice not only threatens economic stability but also endangers a third of fish species, with some on the brink of extinction.
For instance, the population of the bluefin tuna has dwindled to a mere 2.6% of its historic global amount, indicative of when fishing was not a major industry. Similarly, sharks and rays are facing critical declines, impacting other marine life like turtles and seabirds, which are collateral victims of unregulated illegal fishing.
Surveillance From Above: Satellites and AI to the Rescue
Technology has made strides in addressing this issue, with satellite imagery and artificial intelligence (AI) emerging as powerful tools. Collaborative efforts between Global Fishing Watch, Oceana, and Skywatch, a company utilizing Google’s AI for satellite images, are making a difference. Their partnership has allowed for the close monitoring of some 65,000 fishing vessels, regardless of their AIS (automatic identification system) equipment.
AI analyzes vast amounts of satellite imagery, cross-referencing with radar and sighting data to identify boats in forbidden areas. These systems can distinguish fishing vessels from other ships based on various criteria, reducing error margins and unveiling a concerning truth: three-quarters of fishing boats are untraceable, particularly around Africa and Southeast Asia.
The Battle Below: Sound Detection Advances
Underwater investigations complement above-surface efforts. The University of Southampton, partnering with RS Aqua, is developing AI-equipped robots capable of differentiating the sounds of fishing boat engines from others, cutting down reaction time for maritime authorities. Though challenged by battery life limitations and inadequate for vast regions, these robots show promise for closely guarding protected marine areas, which are hotspots for illegal fishing due to their abundant fish populations.
Despite ongoing challenges, the fight against illegal fishing is gaining ground, blending traditional enforcement with innovative technologies. Yet, the responsibility also lies with consumers to avoid buying or consuming fish with uncertified origins.
Key Questions and Answers:
– What are the primary methods being used to combat illegal fishing?
Satellite imagery, artificial intelligence (AI), and sound detection technology are primary methods for combatting illegal fishing.
– Why is illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing a global concern?
IUU fishing threatens economic stability, contributes to the decline of fish populations, and endangers marine ecosystems and species.
– How are consumers implicated in the fight against illegal fishing?
Consumers can contribute by choosing seafood from certified, sustainable sources and by being more aware of the origins of the fish products they purchase.
Key Challenges and Controversies:
– Sovereignty and Jurisdiction: Enforcing laws against IUU fishing can be complicated by issues of national sovereignty and the vastness of international waters, where jurisdiction is less clear.
– Technology Limitations: Although technology is making headway in identifying and tracking illegal activities, challenges such as battery life limitations of underwater robots and the high cost of satellite monitoring remain.
– International Cooperation: Robust international collaboration is required to effectively manage fisheries, as marine ecosystems do not adhere to political boundaries.
Advantages and Disadvantages:
– Advantages of Using Technology to Combat Illegal Fishing:
– AI and satellite surveillance can monitor vast areas of the ocean more efficiently than manual methods.
– The use of sound detection can help identify illegal fishing activities in marine protected areas.
– Data gathered can lead to better policy-making and enforcement strategies.
– Disadvantages:
– High costs of implementing and maintaining advanced technologies can be a barrier for some countries.
– There may be privacy concerns or resistance from fishers regarding being monitored.
– As technology advances, so do the methods of those undertaking illegal fishing, leading to a continual need for upgrading technology.
Related to this topic are a few global institutions and organizations focused on marine conservation and combating illegal fishing. For more information about global efforts and policies on fisheries, you could visit the Food and Agriculture Organization or the United Nations main websites. Additionally, non-profit organizations such as Oceana and Global Fishing Watch work on these issues and provide resources and data to the public.
The source of the article is from the blog agogs.sk