A team of researchers led by Global Fishing Watch has conducted an analysis of satellite imagery from 2017-2021, providing detailed information on the movements of large vessels never seen before. This groundbreaking research has shed light on how different bodies of water are being utilized.
Despite the fact that many cargo ships transmit their vessel ID and position, numerous ships do not keep their radios on, including a significant number of illegal fishing vessels. This new research utilizes satellite imagery and employs machine learning to directly identify and classify each vessel, resulting in a more comprehensive and detailed dataset.
Previous datasets had suggested that the number of fishing vessels in Europe was comparable to that of Asia. However, the new dataset reveals that Asia actually has a significantly higher number of fishing vessels. Additionally, the dataset also provides insights into the structures present in the sea, such as oil rigs, wind farms, and other infrastructure.
This remarkable dataset is available for free download.
TLDR: Global Fishing Watch used satellite imagery from 2017-2021 to analyze vessel movements, providing unprecedented detail and insights into the usage of different bodies of water. The dataset revealed that Asia has a higher number of fishing vessels than previously believed, and also provides information on various marine structures. It is available for free download.
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