INNOVACIÓN EN SERVICIOS IA: Innovation in Artificial Intelligence-based Services for Marine Spatial Planning and Environmental Assessment

The project ‘Innovation in artificial intelligence-based services for marine spatial planning and environmental assessment’ aims to integrate advanced artificial intelligence (AI) technologies in the management of marine resources, promoting the sustainability of the blue economy in the Canary Islands. This approach responds to the uniqueness of the Canary Islands’ marine ecosystems and the need for agile processes for environmental impact assessment in the context of the expansion of offshore renewable energies.

The motivation for the project arises from the richness and fragility of the Canarian marine environment, as well as the need to optimise traditional processes. AI facilitates the handling of large volumes of complex data from marine sensors, satellite images and climate models, allowing for more accurate and efficient analyses. This addresses problems such as the accumulation of human pressures on ecosystems and generates tools for informed decision-making in areas such as marine spatial planning, environmental impact assessment and continuous monitoring.

The project builds on previous experiences funded by the Cabildo de Gran Canaria, where a technological base for marine data management was established. On this infrastructure, generative AI tools and intelligent agents will be implemented to automate the integration and analysis of data, optimise coastal management and facilitate the preparation of technical reports. Applications include specialised agents for marine environmental analysis, offshore environmental monitoring, coastal management and automatic reporting.

The initiative is aligned with European strategies such as the Resilient Blue Economy and the Biodiversity Strategy 2030, reinforcing the role of AI in the protection and restoration of marine ecosystems. In addition, technical training in AI will be enhanced, collaborating with universities and technology companies to strengthen local capacities and attract new talent.

The implementation of this project will consolidate PLOCAN as a benchmark in the application of AI in the blue economy, enabling efficient and sustainable management of the Canary Islands’ marine space. It will also contribute to the training of local talent, the development of strategic collaborations and the generation of innovative technological solutions applicable in areas such as offshore renewable energies, sustainable aquaculture, marine conservation and environmental monitoring.