Feds see potential for AI to transform ocean monitoring, documents show

Written By Peter Allan

Ocean Robotics engineers prepare to launch an autonomous glider that, paired with AI, is expected to enhance Canada's ability to monitor vast and remote coastal areas. Photo courtesy: Ocean Robotics

By Rochelle Baker

Canada wants to leverage its G7 presidency to shape international objectives on the use of artificial intelligence to understand oceans, documents obtained under the Access to Information Act show.

Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) hoped to host meetings in the fall to develop shared priorities and a global blueprint for action in advancing AI to monitor oceans.

DFO also wants to showcase those outcomes and play a “pivotal role” as part of Canada’s G7 environmental and maritime security agenda, a department memo obtained by Canada’s National Observer shows.

“There is a growing international interest in leveraging Al to enhance the processing and analysis of large, complex ocean datasets to support timely decision-making on urgent issues concerning ocean sustainability and protection,” the undated memo to DFO deputy minister’s office stated.

“Given Canada's G7 priorities and increasing global focus on Al, DFO is well-positioned to unify and leverage the expertise of G7 countries and other international stakeholders.”

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Peter Allan
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