Exploring the Deep: Scientists Uncover ‘Dark Vessels’ Hidden in Earth’s Oceans

A new study from Global Fishing Watch reveals a large number of vessels operating at sea without any tracking. This highlights a significant issue in ocean management, given that the ocean covers over 70% of our planet and is vital for global trade, food supply, and energy.

Using satellite images and vessel GPS data, researchers have mapped industrial ship movements and energy infrastructure. Their findings indicate major gaps in public tracking systems, raising alarm about maritime transparency and environmental sustainability.

Unseen Ships at Sea

Traditionally, the Automatic Identification System (AIS) is used to track vessel movements. However, it’s not foolproof. Many vessels turn off their tracking systems to dodge detection, especially those involved in illegal activities like overfishing and trafficking. The study revealed that 72% to 76% of the world’s industrial fishing boats go untracked. Alarmingly, 21% to 30% of transport and energy vessel activities also slip under the radar.

Hidden Fishing Practices

Most of this untracked activity is concentrated in South Asia, Southeast Asia, and along Africa’s northern and western coasts. These regions are critical for marine biodiversity but also face issues like illegal fishing and environmental harm. Without effective tracking, enforcement of fishery regulations is nearly impossible, leaving oceans vulnerable.

Over a billion people rely on fish as their primary food source, and 260 million work in global fisheries. Moreover, a significant portion of worldwide trade relies on ocean routes. The lack of tracking can lead to unchecked illegal fishing and associated human rights violations.

Harnessing AI and Satellites

To address shortcomings in tracking systems, researchers employed AI and satellite technology. They analyzed vast amounts of satellite imagery to detect and classify vessels accurately. Their methods achieved over 97% accuracy in identifying objects.

By examining 67 million image tiles and billions of AIS positions, researchers were able to pinpoint active vessels and those that were not broadcasting their presence. This analysis revealed a high density of ships in previously unmonitored ocean areas, reshaping our understanding of maritime activity.

Offshore Energy Trends

The study also tracked the rise of offshore energy infrastructure. By 2021, offshore wind farms outnumbered oil facilities, with wind power making up 48% of offshore structures. Despite this shift, oil-related ship traffic remains significantly higher, generating five times more activity than wind sites. The concentration of offshore wind farms is primarily in northern Europe and China.

Future of Ocean Monitoring

Advancements in technologies, like the Rapid Earth Monitoring Information System (REMIS), aim to improve vessel tracking significantly. This system allows for quicker detection of ships, improving the ability to catch illegal activities at sea. Currently, satellite data processing can take days; REMIS plans to enable nearly real-time monitoring.

Impact of COVID-19

The pandemic impacted global fishing activities, which dropped by 12% in 2020 and has yet to recover fully. Meanwhile, energy and transport vessel activities remained stable during this time. As industrial fishing has stagnated since the 1980s, the ongoing expansion of offshore energy and trade underscores the need for balanced resource management.

The Need for Transparency

The findings from this study call for better transparency in maritime operations. With so much industrial fishing happening out of the public eye, tougher regulations and enforcement are essential. New tools, like AI-driven satellite monitoring, have the potential to promote sustainable ocean management. As our interactions with oceans increase, international cooperation and accountability are crucial for a sustainable future.

The full study can be found in the journal Nature.

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