How AI and Collaboration Are Improving International Fisheries Monitoring
The Pew Charitable Trusts explores how regional fisheries management organizations can conduct safer and more cost-effective audits in international waters using artificial intelligence, machine learning, and electronic monitoring.
In the face of rising seafood demand and threats to ocean health, artificial intelligence and electronic monitoring systems are emerging as key tools for regional fisheries management organizations to make ocean inspection activities safer and more cost-effective.
Monitoring Challenges in International Waters
The global increase in seafood demand and the various threats facing the oceans make ensuring the sustainability of fisheries critical.
This responsibility generally falls on regional fisheries management organizations that set catch limits and establish rules, but conducting oversight across vast international waters presents significant challenges.
Electronic Monitoring and Artificial Intelligence Solutions
Because traditional human observers assigned to vessels represent both a dangerous and expensive process, managers are turning toward safe and cost-effective alternatives.
Electronic monitoring systems, where cameras and sensors gather data, combined with artificial intelligence and machine learning, significantly reduce the time and cost required to review video recordings.
Global Summits and Common Terminology
The Pew Charitable Trusts organized the first and second Global Summits on Artificial Intelligence in Fisheries in 2023 and 2024, bringing together data scientists, technology providers, and policymakers.
As a result of these meetings, a new artificial intelligence and machine learning glossary was created for fisheries industry authorities and scientists, and the importance of open data sharing was emphasized.
New Research and Field Pilot Projects
Reports published in the ICES Journal of Marine Science discussed how the exchange of knowledge between governments and technology providers will contribute to sustainability goals.
Ongoing new pilot projects demonstrate in the field that artificial intelligence can be successfully utilized in processes such as identifying fish species on vessels and counting catches nearly in real-time.