How can we harness artificial intelligence to detect wildlife trafficking? World Ocean Day 2026 saw a groundbreaking study published in Frontiers in Ocean Sustainability by a team of experts including JGI’s Dr Zara Bending. The study shows how artificial intelligence can be deployed as a complementary tool to detect marine wildlife trafficking at international airports and mail facilities. The study is a world first using AI algorithms to detect shark fins, seahorses, and sea cucumbers. 

Wildlife trafficking has been detected in 162 countries and territories and affects around 4000 species, including marine wildlife. With the ocean covering more than 70% of Earth’s surface, addressing trafficking in marine species is a vital part of turning the tide against organised crime.

Read about the study here.