Big data and AI provide significant opportunities for high seas governance – vast and varied datasets can be brought together through Big Data infrastructure, data sharing, and standardisation, and understood at scale using machine learning and artificial intelligence. The outputs of this, from trends to deep models of ocean ecosystem evolution, can form the evidence base to justify balanced, cost-effective, conservation measures and policy. The ubiquity of a Big Data and AI approach will especially benefit small organisations (such as the Sargasso Sea Commission) and SIDS, who have limited resources for traditional ecosystem analysis. The underpinning technology is today's 'art of the possible'; however, the prevailing challenge is effective data access, making sharing and standardisation a priority.
With the support of the International Union for the Conservation of Nature and the Swedish Government Department of Environment, The Sargasso Sea Commission contracted NLA International Ltd to produce a report on the use of big data and AI in the governance of high seas ecosystems. Their report articulates the potential opportunities in the utilisation of big data and AI in providing future ocean governance, especially for small organisations like the Commission.
The general approach for the report is to review the existing state of the art on remote sensing, data services and systems, including hybrid and cloud-based platforms, and use of machine learning, AI analytics and data visualization technologies to access, utilize and disseminate information in a strategic and cost effective way for management and conservation in remote areas.
Final Report
The final workshop for the Big Data and AI report was held on March 2nd, 2022. The full report can be read here.
Interim Report Webinar
The Governance of High Seas Ecosystems: Big Data & AI Workshop was held on March 2nd from 10-12 ET.
The event was opened by keynote speaker, President James Michel, former President of the Republic of Sychelles. Associates from NLA International then presented their conclusions and recommendations arising from the report. Finally, the audience participated in a panel discussion, chaired by Dr. Andrew Hudson, drawing on the expertise from Dr. Catherine Redgwell, Hugh Walton, and Dr. Eric Lindstrom.
Presentations
Sargasso Sea Commission background - Dr. David Freestone
Sargasso Sea Commission perspectives and next steps - Dr. David Freestone
Enforcement in areas beyond national jursdiction - what role for big data? - Dr. Catherine Redgwell
Big data and AI in the Forum Fisheries Agency region: work in progress - Hugh Walton
Global ocean observing system - Dr. Eric Lindstrom
Full webinar recording
Draft Report Workshop
The first workshop for the Big Data Report was held on November 30th. This workshop sought to present the report that NLAI had compiled so far, utilizing expert opinions from various subject matter experts. The workshop encouraged comments from attendees, which would then inform revisions of the report and its finalization in 2022.
