Relevance of Industry 4.0 Technologies to Advancing SDG 14: Life Below Water

Publication Name: Sustainable Development Goals Series

Publication Date: 2025-01-01

Volume: Part F1068

Issue: Unknown

Page Range: 197-218

Description:

This chapter explores the critical role of Industry 4.0 technologies in fostering Sustainable Development Goal 14 (SDG 14): Life Below Water. It investigates how digital innovations, such as remote sensing, artificial intelligence (AI), big data analytics, drones, robotics, and autonomous underwater vehicles, reshape marine ecosystems’ monitoring, management, and conservation. The chapter details key applications, including smart aquaculture farms, AI-driven pollution monitoring, early warning systems for harmful algal blooms, and real-time data platforms for marine governance. It outlines the contributions of these technologies to specific SDG 14 targets, particularly in reducing marine pollution, regulating harvesting to end overfishing, and increasing economic benefits for small island and coastal communities. In addition to exploring the significant benefits, the chapter critically discusses challenges such as high implementation costs, data interoperability issues, digital skill gaps, and ethical concerns related to Industry 4.0 adoption. It concludes by calling for greater investment, cross-sector collaboration, and inclusive policy frameworks to ensure that the digital transformation of marine conservation is both practical and equitable. Finally, the chapter envisions a “digital oceans” future where real-time and data-informed management ushers in resilient and sustainable marine ecosystems.

Open Access: Yes

DOI: 10.1007/978-3-032-06527-8_10

Authors - 3