Marine Protected and Conserved Areas: Beneficial Uses of Artificial Intelligence

Authors

Kyla Lucey, Catholic University of America, Columbus School of LawFollow

Abstract

The ocean is an invaluable tool to the survival of humankind and “produces half of the world’s oxygen, absorbs and sequesters one third of the carbon dioxide human activities emit, provides protection from extreme weather events, and provides a source of food and livelihoods.” Without it, communities would suffer, animals would die off, industries would disappear, and the world would be much worse off. The recommendations made here reflect the growing concern the world has adopted regarding the climate crisis. This concern is warranted as many animals have already disappeared, plants are dwindling, and the once wild areas of the world have become urbanized. Showing that MPAs are invaluable to resolving these problems is the easiest part of the journey ahead; it is the regulation and protection of these areas from overfishing and other environmental crimes that will be more difficult. Using AI and big data, governments will be able to fill the governance gaps that have been present and will be better able to reach the lofty goals they have set for themselves. This paper recommends including connectivity language in the new high seas treaty that reflects the importance of these larger marine systems.

Recommended Citation

Kyla Lucey, Marine Protected and Conserved Areas: Beneficial Uses of Artificial Intelligence, 32 Cath. U. J. L. & Tech 131 (2024).
Available at: https://scholarship.law.edu/jlt/vol32/iss2/7