AI Reveals Hidden Human Impacts at Sea, Exposing Massive Unseen Fishing and Offshore Industry
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Using satellite imagery and AI, researchers mapped human activity at sea more precisely than before, exposing huge unseen industrial activity like fishing and offshore energy.
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The maps revealed that 75% of the world's industrial fishing vessels are not publicly tracked, hampering conservation efforts.
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Oil rigs and wind turbines were mapped - turbine numbers grew faster but oil rigs drew 5 times more ships, showing their higher impact.
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The study processed 2,000 terabytes of data using deep learning models - not feasible without AI.
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The technology comes at a crucial time to manage growing maritime activity and protect biodiversity.