Our Executive Chairman in his capacity as Former President of Seychelles, James Michel highlighted the importance of technological innovations and artificial intelligence to support the implementation of legal instruments governing the oceans.

Mr. Michel, was addressing participants via video link at the opening of  of a workshop on  Governance of High Seas Ecosystems. The online workshop was organised by the Sargasso Sea Commission and NLA International at the beginning of March.  The overarching theme of this workshop was the use of Big Data and Artificial Intelligence in protecting, monitoring and mapping the Ocean.

“Current and future technological prowess will deliver data collection and storage capabilities at a speed beyond our imagination. Artificial intelligence algorithms will be able to analyse and codify data in real time, allowing for quicker responses to problems”, says Mr. Michel making reference to examples such as tracking technology via satellites which will help track ocean stressors such as illegal fishing, marine pollution and other maritime crimes.  New generations of environment satellites which will give us the ability to observe our planet closely and in more detail.

Thereafter, the workshop also saw presentations of findings of an interim report on how big data and artificial intelligence can help in addressing challenges in governance of the high seas. The report has been developed by NLA International Ltd. for the Sargasso Sea Commission, International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) and Swedish Government.

Referring to the report, Mr. Michel says it builds a strong case for effectiveness of ocean governance frameworks through improved ocean policy and enforcement. “Technological innovation with the right governance frameworks will be the determining factor in shifting our focus beyond sustainability to even more protection for ecosystems to allow for the regeneration of biodiversity, ensuring reproduction to sustain livelihoods of people”.

The final report is expected later this year and it will incorporate the discussions from the webinar.

Click Here To Read The Final Report