Sharks, Surveillance & Sea Ethics: When AI Watches the Wild.
Introduction Artificial intelligence (AI) is reshaping our interaction with the ocean, from tracking sharks for beach safety to monitoring illegal fishing in marine protected areas (MPAs). These advancements promise enhanced conservation and human safety, yet they introduce complex ethical questions. What does it mean to "watch" the wild with AI? How do we balance technological innovation with the autonomy of marine life and the integrity of ocean ecosystems? This exploration delves into the ethical implications of AI-driven ocean surveillance, focusing on sharks, with a thoughtful and philosophical lens. The Role of AI in Ocean Surveillance AI is increasingly integral to marine conservation and safety. Systems like SharkEye, developed in California, use machine learning and drones to detect sharks in real time, achieving up to 97% accuracy in murky waters (Dropbox Blog). This technology alerts beachgoers to shark presence, reducing human-wildlife co...
