Cordillera de Coiba is a marine protected area in Panama that is almost the size of Ireland. This region includes underwater mountains called seamounts that provide habitat for many species of fish, invertebrates, and other marine life. The area is also home to sharks, whales, and sea turtles.
In January 2025, the government of Panama used AI to help seize six fishing vessels that were illegally fishing for yellowfin tuna in the Cordillera de Coiba marine protected area. Investigators are examining several more fishing vessels.
Panamanian authorities used aerial and satellite images to track illegal fishing boats. They also used Skylight, an AI-powered intelligence platform, to help detect illegal fishing activity.
The marine protection authorities hope AI and satellite imagery will continue to be useful for detecting illegal fishing in marine protected areas.
David Brown adapted this story for Mongabay Kids. It is based on an article by Edward Carver, published on Mongabay News.
