Project Sentinel: AI-Enabled Underwater Gliders for Real-Time Detection of Illegal Marine Discharges

Project Sentinel deploys AI-enabled underwater gliders to continuously monitor and detect illegal marine discharges in real time. Each glider patrols the water column autonomously for months, carrying sensors (e.g., fluorometers, turbidity meters) that look for oil, chemicals, and other pollutants. If the onboard AI flags suspicious readings, the system surfaces and transmits an instant alert—pinpointing the exact location, time, and pollutant signature. Cross-referencing this data with ship AIS tracks lets authorities quickly identify likely offenders. By providing round-the-clock, in situ surveillance—even at night or below the surface—Project Sentinel complements satellite and aerial monitoring, closing critical enforcement gaps and deterring polluters before significant environmental harm occurs.