It’s estimated that 100,000 marine animals die every year due to entanglement in these ghost nets.
The Problem of Ghost Nets
Ghost nets pose a significant threat to marine life, with devastating consequences for the ecosystem. The problem is multifaceted, involving not only the loss of marine animals but also the degradation of habitats and the economic impact on fishing communities. The ghost nets are not only a threat to marine life but also to human health. The nets can contain toxic chemicals and pollutants that can be ingested by marine animals and then transferred to humans through the food chain.
The GhostNetZero System
GhostNetZero is a cloud-based AI-powered system designed to identify and track drifting ghost nets in the world’s oceans. The system uses advanced sonar technology to scan the seafloor for the telltale signs of ghost nets, which are abandoned fishing gear that can harm marine life.
How it Works
The process begins with the upload of sonar data into the GhostNetZero platform. This data is then analyzed by the system’s AI algorithms, which scan the seafloor for the characteristic patterns of ghost nets. The AI is trained on a vast dataset of sonar images and can detect the subtle signs of ghost nets, including the presence of fishing gear, nets, and other debris.
WWF Germany’s Partnership Program
WWF Germany is a renowned environmental organization dedicated to protecting the natural world. As part of their mission, they have established a partnership program that aims to collaborate with industry partners to address pressing environmental issues. The program is open to any group with high-resolution sonar data to share, providing a unique opportunity for companies to contribute to conservation efforts.
