Oceans comprise three-fourths of the planet and still are enormous mysteries for us. The underwater life and scenarios are still unexposed. We know much better about Moon or Mars than our oceans due to various constraints that these deep oceans pose. Our oceans have various problems that need attention and resolution through technology. One such issue being pollution. 

Out of sight, out of mind; the lack of visibility of these oceans has led to ignorance around various issues such as pollution and degradation over the years. However, the precarious situation of these oceans is in dire need of attention. The gravity of the situation is such that it has now directly started affecting our lives in various ways, including food, livelihood, and trade.

Wondering how we have polluted our oceans? Cargo transport, offshore drilling, garbage dumping, illegal ways of fishing, and wildlife trading are few ways we humans have distorted these oceans' harmony and life. 

According to a study by World Economic Forum, the Ellen MacArthur Foundation, and McKinsey and Company, 32% of the 78 million tons of plastic packaging produced annually is left to flow into our oceans; the equivalent of pouring one garbage truck of plastic into the ocean every minute.

AI and related technologies are trying to resolve several pressing issues around ocean health. There is an abundance of data gathering through various initiatives. Deducing sensible results out of this data requires expertise in the field, which is oceanography and physics. This is where ML comes as a rescue; it clubs the required expertise and data into meaningful results. 

We are all witnessing various awareness drives to stop more plastic from entering our oceans. But it is also critical to make efforts to remove the plastic that is already inside and hence is entering the food chain and damaging ecosystems.

AI is also working in the direction of cleaning the ocean garbage. AI-powered autonomous floating garbage collecting system The Ocean Cleanup invented by Dutch inventor Boyan Slat is cleaning up the Great Pacific Garbage Patch. This patch has the largest accumulation of ocean plastic in the world at around 1.6 million square kilometres and is located between Hawaii and California.

The Ocean Cleanup follows the natural wind and ocean current the same way floating plastic does making it reach areas of the ocean where plastic waste accumulates in the ocean. The skirt beneath this float lets marine life pass while it collects floating plastic. 

AI and ML-powered drones are being trained to recognize trash and plastic waste in oceans and pinpoint the location so that people can target their clean-up efforts accordingly. Satellite observation, image detection of ocean plastics will encourage tech enthusiasts to put in efforts in the direction

According to scientists in EllenMacArthurFoundation, by 2025, there will be one ton of ocean plastic for every three tons of fish. 

The development of key technologies involving big data and machine learning is making it possible to measure and track Earth's resources possible. This will lead to better coordination and analysis of data. Data analytics and data visualization can assist scientists in gathering, sorting, researching, and analyzing existing data on plastic pollution. This will pave the way for better insights and actions with clear cause and effect relations communicated to people.

ML models can narrow down the key issues and make predictions based on variables that could streamline long-term strategies and efforts.

We all know that AI is no magic rather an approach that requires commitment from individuals, governments, and organizations to make a difference in people's life. Complex issues such as pollution and other environmental issues need faith and constant, coordinated efforts.

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