Close
Artificial Intelligence harnessed to protect marine mammals
MRA Online

Artificial Intelligence harnessed to protect marine mammals

Pilot project aims to prevent whale entanglements

SOUTH AFRICA: A pilot project along South Africa’s West Coast is using cameras and hydrophones to alert mussel farmers in the Saldanha Bay Aquaculture Development Zone (SBADZ) to the presence of whales and activate the ADZ Incident and Emergency Response Protocol in the case of an entanglement.

Vodacom, in partnership with WWF South Africa have partnered to provide the AI-based technology solution to safeguard marine mammals against entanglements.

Beyond its ability to prevent whale entanglements, the early warning system will also be used to gather scientific data by recording the movement of marine life and could help to prevent ship strikes for other superpods, such as seals and dolphins.

Once the pilot project has been completed in Saldanha Bay, the solution can be expanded to other coastal areas and fisheries.

According to WWF, whales have a vital role to play in the overall health of the marine environment; helping to capture carbon from the atmosphere. Estimates are that each great whale sequesters an estimated 33 tons of CO2 on average, thus playing their part in the fight against climate change. Unfortunately, six out of the 13 great whale species are classified as endangered or vulnerable, even after decades of protection. 

“Rope-grown mussels are a fantastic source of sustainable seafood. All efforts to ensure that this industry remains on our WWF-SASSI green list are to be welcomed. We are delighted that Vodacom has chosen to put the time, efforts and resources into this pilot project which has great potential to scale elsewhere in other Aquaculture Development Zones around the coast,” notes Pavitray Pillay, WWF-SASSI Manager, WWF South Africa.

This project builds on the significant role digital technology already plays in the sustainable seafood supply chain and ocean stewardship. Vodacom’s collaboration with the WWF in developing digital tools to support the WWF Southern African Sustainable Seafood Initiative (WWF-SASSI) is being used to drive ocean conservation, sustainable seafood consumption and ocean literacy.

An example of this is the WWF-SASSI Fish ID digital platform which helps consumers and those in the seafood industry to make informed choices about the best choice of seafoods, such as farmed mussels which are on the SASSI green list.

“As part of our commitment to ensuring we have a healthy planet for generations to come and accelerating the Sustainable Development Goals set by the United Nations, Vodacom has been working with the WWF to help conserve this precious (ocean) resource through our capabilities as a technology provider, says Sitho Mdlalose, Chief Executive Officer, Vodacom South Africa.


PHOTO SOURCE: Adobe Photostock

Print
191

UNLOCK MARITIME OPPORTUNITIES

We’re offering a massive 25% discount on our annual Maritime Tender Alert Subscriptions as part of our extended Black Friday sale.


🚤   Receive real-time alerts for maritime tenders worldwide, giving you a head start on opportunities
🚤   Our comprehensive database covers everything from port services to vessel maintenance contracts
🚤   Stop manually searching multiple sources - we aggregate all relevant tenders in one place
🚤   Easy to access bid documents with a simple click through
🚤   Track trends in maritime procurement in Africa
🚤   Monthly spreadsheet of all tenders (Premium subscribers only)

SUBSCRIBE NOW

 525 TENDERS PUBLISHED IN 2024


SAVE AND WIN     |    SUBSCRIBE BEFORE 30 NOVEMBER

DOUBLE PRIZE DRAW: Subscribe before November 30th 2024 and you will automatically  be entered into our exclusive draw to win one of TWO amazing prizes!


One lucky new subscriber will WIN THEIR SUBSCRIPTION FREE - receiving a full refund on their fee.*

PLUS, you could be the subscriber that wins a premium THREE-MONTH ADVERTISING BANNER (valued at R12,000) on the Maritime Review Africa website. *


WINNERS WILL BE ANNOUNCED ON MONDAY, 2 DECEMBER 2024. 

* Only subscribers who sign up AND pay by 30 November 2024 will qualify for the prize draw. 
Discount and prizes do not apply to the Trial Subscription


image

LATEST NEWS

No content

A problem occurred while loading content.

Previous Next

Subscribe to newsletter

You can change your mind at any time by clicking the unsubscribe link in the footer of any email you receive from us. We will treat your information with respect. You agree that Maritime Review may process your information in accordance with its terms.
We use MailChimp as our marketing automation platform. By clicking below to submit this form, you acknowledge that the information you provide will be transferred to MailChimp for processing in accordance with their Privacy Policy and Terms.

CONTACT US

EMAIL:  editor@maritimesa.co.za
PHONE: +27 21 914 1157

Terms Of UsePrivacy StatementCopyright 2024 | More Maximum Media - publishers of Maritime Review Africa
Back To Top