Oceaning: Governing Marine Life with Drones

Drones are revolutionizing ocean conservation by enhancing intimate contact between ocean scientists and activists and marine life, leading to new dependencies between nature, technology, and humans. Adam Fish's book "Oceaning" explores how drone conservation results in an ocean/culture that depends on and escapes the control of technologies.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 248 pages
Publication date: 23 February 2024
Publisher: Duke University Press

Drones are revolutionizing ocean conservation, enhancing intimate contact between ocean scientists, activists, and marine life. This leads to new dependencies between nature, technology, and humans, raising the question of whether we can have a wild ocean reliant on technology. In his book "Oceaning," Adam Fish explores this paradox through eight stories of using drones to prevent the killing of porpoises, sharks, seabirds, and to monitor the vitality of whales, seals, turtles, and coral reefs.

Drone conservation is not the end of nature but rather results in an ocean whose flourishing depends upon and escapes the control of technologies. Faulty technology, oceanic and atmospheric turbulence, political corruption, and the inadequacies of basic science hinder governance over nature. Fish argues that what emerges is an ocean/culture, a flourishing ocean that exists alongside humanity.

The use of drones in ocean conservation has several benefits. They allow for closer and more detailed observations of marine life, enabling scientists to better understand their behavior and habitats. Drones can also collect data quickly and efficiently, reducing the time and resources required for traditional ocean research methods. Additionally, drones can be used to monitor and protect endangered species and habitats, providing a proactive approach to conservation.

However, there are also challenges associated with drone conservation. One of the main concerns is the potential impact on marine life, particularly when drones are used for surveillance or hunting. The noise and vibrations produced by drones can disrupt marine ecosystems, causing harm to animals and disrupting their natural behaviors. Additionally, the use of drones for commercial purposes, such as fishing or tourism, can have negative impacts on marine life and ecosystems.

To address these challenges, it is important to implement strict regulations and guidelines for the use of drones in ocean conservation. These regulations should prioritize the protection of marine life and ecosystems, and should ensure that drones are used in a responsible and sustainable manner. Additionally, researchers and conservationists should work together to develop new technologies and methods that minimize the impact of drones on marine life and ecosystems.

In conclusion, drones are revolutionizing ocean conservation, providing new opportunities for research, monitoring, and protection of marine life. However, it is important to approach drone conservation with caution and to implement strict regulations and guidelines to ensure that the use of drones does not have negative impacts on marine life and ecosystems. By working together, we can create a thriving ocean that exists alongside humanity.

Weight: 368g
Dimension: 152 x 228 x 17 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781478030010