.svg)
The “Blue Economy” may be a new concept to some, but the idea of using the vast aquatic resources of Earth in a sustainable fashion is growing in importance as nations realize untapped economic and ecological value above and beneath the waves. The Blue Economy
emphasizes responsible and innovative utilization of marine resources, including fisheries, aquaculture, shipping, renewable energy and even tourism — all while safeguarding the marine environment.
The Blue Economy seeks to create a balance between economic prosperity and ecological resilience by promoting sustainable practices to ensure the long-term health of our oceans and coastal communities. As E-Space works toward the goal of sustainable space, we also have our eyes on the waters of Earth because our satellite-enabled Smart-IoT solutions have the power to help ensure the sustainability and productivity of the Blue Economy. Adding artificial intelligence (AI) capabilities provides a major boost to data collection and analysis efforts to create a complete real-time picture from the field — no matter how remote.
With this timely, actionable data in hand, the ability to monitor aquatic conditions is vastly enhanced and is empowering for governments, industry, scientists and others looking to better understand the interaction between human activity and the aquatic environment. Even a small fishing operation can benefit, since the E-Space solution is designed to be affordable to all.
So what parts of the Blue Economy will benefit from Smart IoT? The short answer likely is all of them, but here’s a sampling of use cases:
- Ocean monitoring: Connected buoys can collect data on ocean conditions, such as temperature, salinity and pH levels. Connected devices can be attached to near-surface animals to track their movements, behavior and health. They can also be used to track the movements of ships and identify potential hazards, such as oil spills or collisions.
- Defense and coastal monitoring: Connecting remotely operated vehicles (ROVs) and autonomous underwater vehicles (AUVs) open new tools for maritime situational awareness and surveillance. Ubiquitous connectivity extends mission range and longevity.
- Ocean observation/research: IoT sensors provide powerful tools for monitoring the marine environment for pollution, climate-change effects and other human impacts.
- Fish farming: Monitoring water quality, fish health, controlled feeding and escape prevention are just a few examples of how IoT aids in aquaculture enterprises. Sensors and cameras monitor fish behavior, health and feeding habits while data analysis optimizes feeding and minimizes stress on the fish for healthier and more productive farms.
With so much of the Blue Economy located outside the reach of terrestrial networks, it’s easy to see how satellite will play a major role. And when combined with real-time data made almost immediately actionable by AI, the E-Space solution is poised to be a big part of the story.
