Combatting illegal, unreported, and unregulated fishing with emerging technologies: legal and regulatory challenges and opportunities in the Bay of Bengal

This article explores the multifaceted legal and regulatory challenges of illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing; the role of new technologies, including AI, in identifying ships and fishing vessels; and fishing detection algorithms and legal considerations in combating IUU fishing. The integration of AI-driven computational tools for data collection, along with advanced analytics such as machine learning, computer vision, and ecological informatics, plays a crucial role in monitoring and tracking trawlers operating in a state’s national jurisdiction, as well as on the high seas. These technologies significantly enhance the ability to detect illegal activities, offering more precise and real-time information on vessel movements and activities that were previously challenging to identify. Employing these cutting-edge methods can improve enforcement mechanisms and contribute to the sustainable management of marine resources. This article examines how international fisheries agreements, supported by openly accessible (automatic identification systems) vessel data, can enhance the detection of illegal fishing activities and strengthen global efforts to combat IUU fishing using emerging technologies. It argues that emerging technologies can help achieve a robust, sustainable, and resilient blue economy by strengthening maritime security through regional cooperation and improved ocean governance. It further argues that India should take the lead in utilizing technology-based solutions such as satellite–AI integration to addressing IUU fishing in the Bay of Bengal.