World Ocean Day: AI to fight marine wildlife trafficking

Wildlife trafficking is often associated with elephants, rhinos, and other land animals, but marine species are increasingly becoming targets of this global criminal trade. From shark fins hidden in luggage to seahorses and sea cucumbers shipped through the mail, illegal marine wildlife trafficking is a growing concern that can be difficult to detect.

My team and I published our world first use of AI for the detection of marine wildlife in Frontiers in Ocean Sustainability. We developed world-first AI algorithms capable of identifying trafficked marine wildlife using 3D X-ray scans. By training computers to recognize shark fins, seahorses, and sea cucumbers, the system can automatically flag suspicious luggage and mail items for further inspection.

The results are impressive. The AI achieved detection rates of 95% for shark fins, 95% for seahorses, and 85% for sea cucumbers. While the technology is not perfect, it provides an additional layer of support for border officials and biosecurity teams.

Importantly, AI is not intended to replace human inspectors or biosecurity dogs. Instead, it acts as a powerful tool that can improve detection efforts, help identify trafficking routes, and strengthen the fight against wildlife crime.

As illegal wildlife trade continues to threaten thousands of species worldwide, innovative technologies like AI could play a crucial role in protecting marine ecosystems and preventing the exploitation of vulnerable ocean life.

Read the paper here: https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/ocean-sustainability/articles/10.3389/focsu.2026.1776978/full