Current:Home > StocksHow countries are using innovative technology to preserve ocean life-LoTradeCoin
How countries are using innovative technology to preserve ocean life
View Date:2024-12-23 20:12:31
Vast oceans cover 70% of our planet's surface, playing a crucial role in human survival by providing food and oxygen and acting as a buffer against climate change. Despite their importance, oceans are increasingly threatened by global warming and human activity, with rising temperatures impacting fragile marine ecosystems.
More than 100 nations, including the United States, have agreed to protect 30% of the world's oceans by 2030, through an initiative known as "30 by 30." This goal involves establishing Marine Protected Areas, or MPAs, where human activities are limited or prohibited to preserve marine life.
In the Bahamas, all waters are considered a shark sanctuary. On top of that, the island nation has also designated many Marine Protected Areas, all thought to be aiding the recovery of shark populations, which are critical to coral reef health.
Many of these areas are part of an ongoing global shark census called FinPrint. In 2018, that study revealed a 63% decline in the five main species of reef sharks, with overfishing and the shark meat industry partly to blame.
Candace Fields works with FinPrint and is using innovative technology to collect new data to see if these protected areas help reef shark populations rebound.
"These MPAs might be the way to kind of help these sharks come back from the brink a little bit," she said.
There are more than 18,000 MPAs covering about 8% of the ocean's surface, according to United Nations data. However, conservation groups claim most are just lines on a map because about two-thirds of them have little to no enforcement.
The Bahamas has strictly enforced no-fishing zones and actively patrols its waters with the Royal Bahamas Defence Force. During the patrols, officials ensure compliance with local laws, deterring illegal fishing activities, especially from foreign vessels. Their rigorous approach is supported by advanced technology, including artificial intelligence and vessel tracking.
"We are there 24/7 and if you come we're gonna catch you," said Senior Commander William Sturrup, who oversees many of the operations.
"We are there on the front lines as a military. That's how important it is to our government to protect our marine resources," he said.
Technology plays a significant role in these efforts, according to Gregg Casad of WildAid, who illustrated the advanced tools used to monitor and protect the ocean.
"This is a big chunk of ocean, right? So we're using this technology to help focus those patrol efforts," said Casad.
As the world grapples with the warming climate, oceans play a critical role in regulating Earth's temperature by absorbing 90% of the excess heat generated by climate change. Their protection is not only essential for marine biodiversity, but also for mitigating broader environmental impacts.
"There's just tons and tons of reasons that we should work towards keeping the oceans as healthy as possible," said Fields.
- In:
- Technology
- Coral Reef
- Caribbean
- Climate Change
- Bahamas
- Oceans
- Earth
- Sharks
- Environment
- Artificial Intelligence
- AI
Ben Tracy is CBS News' senior national and environmental correspondent based in Los Angeles. He reports for all CBS News platforms, including the "CBS Evening News with Norah O'Donnell," "CBS Mornings" and "CBS Sunday Morning."
TwitterveryGood! (35)
Related
- Republican Scott Baugh concedes to Democrat Dave Min in critical California House race
- Lost in space: astronauts drop tool bag into orbit that you can see with binoculars
- Millions of Indians set a new world record celebrating Diwali as worries about air pollution rise
- Newly empowered Virginia Democrats nominate the state’s first Black House speaker, Don Scott
- Digital Finance Research Institute Introduce
- New ‘joint employer’ rule could make it easier for millions to unionize - if it survives challenges
- Dubai Air Show opening as aviation soars following pandemic lockdowns, even as wars cloud horizon
- Shark attack in Australia leaves woman with extremely serious head injuries
- Nevada Democrats keep legislative control but fall short of veto-proof supermajority
- 'Fellow Travelers' is a queer love story with highs, lows, tops, and bottoms
Ranking
- Denver district attorney is investigating the leak of voting passwords in Colorado
- Today I am going blind: Many Americans say health insurance doesn't keep them healthy
- Russia ramps up attacks on key cities in eastern Ukraine
- Bestselling spiritual author Marianne Williamson presses on with against-the-odds presidential run
- New York eyes reviving congestion pricing toll before Trump takes office
- Illinois man dies after being fatally shot in face by fellow hunter, authorities say
- A veteran donated land to build a military cemetery – and his brother became the first veteran to be buried there
- Anti-mining protesters in Panama say road blockades will be suspended for 12 hours on Monday
Recommendation
-
The 15 quickest pickup trucks MotorTrend has ever tested
-
The Pentagon identifies the 5 US troops killed in a military helicopter crash over the Mediterranean
-
Indi Gregory, sick baby at center of legal battle in Britain, dies
-
The son of a Spanish actor pleads not guilty in Thailand to most charges in the killing of a surgeon
-
Incredible animal moments: Watch farmer miraculously revive ailing chick, doctor saves shelter dogs
-
A shooting at a Texas flea market killed a child and wounded 4 other people, police say
-
Britney Spears reveals her 'girl crush' on 'unbelievable' Taylor Swift with throwback pics
-
Airlines let Taylor Swift fans rebook Argentina flights at no cost after concert postponed