New ocean maps show what flew under the radar until now

A new study uses deep learning and satellite imagery to create the first global map of vessel traffic and offshore infrastructure.

The maps were published today in the journal Nature. The research led by Google-backed nonprofit Global Fishing Watch revealed that a whopping three-quarters of the world’s industrial fishing vessels are not publicly tracked. Up to 30 percent of transport and energy vessels also escape public tracking.

Those blind spots could hamper global conservation efforts, the researchers say. To better protect the world’s oceans and fisheries, policymakers need a more accurate picture of where people are exploiting resources at sea.

https://www.theverge.com/2024/1/3/24018797/ocean-maps-ai-satellite-imagery-radar-fishing-vessels-offshore-energy-wind-oil