University of Surrey Partners with Mauritius to Combat Illegal Fishing with AI

Engineers from the University of Surrey are collaborating with the Mauritius Research and Innovation Council (MRIC) to develop the Nereus project, which aims to detect illegal fishing activities off the coast of Mauritius using satellite imagery and artificial intelligence (AI). The project will assist the Mauritius National Coast Guard in identifying suspicious vessel activity by analyzing ship location data to pinpoint anomalies and track the movements of boats.

The Nereus initiative has secured funding from the UN Development Programme (UNDP) Ocean Innovation Challenge. It is viewed as a concrete demonstration of how space technology research can help address the challenges faced by small, developing island nations like Mauritius. Officials have praised the project as an "important milestone" and "renewed optimism" in the ongoing battle against illegal fishing.

Why this matters: Illegal fishing poses a significant threat to marine ecosystems and the livelihoods of coastal communities. The innovative use of satellite data and AI technology in the Nereus project could serve as a model for other nations confronting similar challenges, potentially leading to more effective monitoring and enforcement of fishing regulations on a global scale.

Dr. Mubarak Jauleem, the Director of the Mauritius Research and Innovation Council, emphasized the importance of the Nereus project, stating, "Illegal fishing is a major problem for Mauritius and many other island nations. We are enthusiastic about partnering with the University of Surrey to utilize the power of AI and satellite technology to combat this issue and protect our marine resources."

The University of Surrey team, led by Dr. Richard Tong, expressed enthusiasm for the collaboration. "We are thrilled to work with the MRIC on this innovative project," said Dr. Tong. "By combining our expertise in AI and satellite imagery analysis with the local knowledge and resources of the Mauritius Coast Guard, we believe we can make a real impact in the fight against illegal fishing."

The Nereus project is set to commence in the coming months, with the University of Surrey engineers working closely with their Mauritian counterparts to develop and implement the AI-powered illegal fishing detection system. The success of this initiative could have far-reaching implications for the protection of marine ecosystems and the sustainable management of fisheries in Mauritius and beyond.

Key Takeaways

• University of Surrey collaborating with Mauritius to detect illegal fishing using AI.
• Nereus project funded by UN, aims to assist Mauritius Coast Guard in monitoring boats.
• Illegal fishing threatens marine ecosystems and coastal livelihoods, this project could serve as a model.
• Mauritius Research and Innovation Council emphasizes importance of combating illegal fishing.
• Project to commence soon, success could impact marine ecosystem protection and fisheries management.