Seahorses and shark fins are illegally trafficked. An AI tool could help stop this crime

New study published in the journal Frontiers in Ocean Sustainability demonstrates how artificial intelligence (AI) can assist in detecting illegal marine wildlife trafficking at international airports and mail facilities.
Illegal wildlife trafficking is a global crime generating billions in illicit revenue annually and often associates with other forms of criminal activity such as drug, arms, and human trafficking.
The UN Office on Drugs and Crime identifies five main sources of demand for wildlife trafficking: food, medicine, pets and ornamental plants, specialist collections, and adornment.
A significant portion of wildlife trafficking involves marine animals, including seahorses and shark fins, affecting around 4,000 species globally.
The study developed world-first marine wildlife detection algorithms using a library of 3D X-ray images of dead marine animals like shark fins, seahorses, and sea cucumbers.
The developed algorithm achieved successful detection rates of 95% for shark fins, 95% for seahorses, and 85% for sea cucumbers, highlighting its potential in detecting illegal marine wildlife trade.
While AI will greatly enhance detection capabilities, it must be used alongside human inspectors and biosecurity dogs to ensure accurate identification and verification of any flagged items.

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