SOUTHAMPTON — Groundbreaking strides in ocean conservation are underway as scientists embark on the development of a pioneering underwater artificial intelligence bot, poised to detect and deter activities detrimental to marine ecosystems. Dubbed “Aqua,” the AI bot represents a collaborative effort to combat illegal fishing and safeguard marine life during offshore wind farm construction, according to a press release published on EuropaWire .

Innovate UK has allocated over £700,000 for the creation of the AI system, codenamed MARLIN. Leveraging underwater sensors, MARLIN remotely monitors animal, human, and environmental activities across vast ocean expanses, transmitting real-time data to shore for analysis and action.

Professor Paul White, a leading figure in Statistical Signal Processing at the University of Southampton, heralds the potential of artificial intelligence to revolutionize underwater monitoring, stating, “Using the power of artificial intelligence to monitor sound in the underwater world, combined with the ability to rapidly relay information ashore, will enable us to provide tools to protect fragile marine ecosystems and detect a range of illegal activities.”

Traditionally, large vessels are deployed for ocean monitoring endeavors. However, MARLIN’s innovative approach promises to significantly reduce time at sea, potentially slashing CO2 emissions by up to 75%.

Dr. Ryan Mowat, Research Director at RS Aqua, underscores the transformative impact of MARLIN, stating, “This technology will revolutionize how we scientifically monitor our ocean environment. MARLIN will get that data to the internet in real time, and its implications are huge. It will help ensure that offshore construction is sensitive to marine mammal activity and will enable the monitoring of marine protected areas through the real-time recognition of illegal fishing activity.”

For further insights into the MARLIN project, visit rsaqua.co.uk/projectmarlin. Explore additional innovations addressing maritime challenges from the University of Southampton at www.southampton.ac.uk/smmi.