General Project: Development and Application of Marine Detection and Ecological Survey Technology under Climate Change, Sub-Project D: Research on Social Impact and Legal Promotion for Marine Issues

1. Commissioning Unit

Ministry of Science and Technology (National Science and Technology Council, NSTC)

2. Execution Period

November 1, 2021 – October 31, 2023

3. Project Budge

First Year: NT$ 1,750,000

Second Year: NT$ 1,450,000

4. Project Overview

In 2020, the Taiwanese government launched the "Salute to the Seas" policy, guided by five principles set forth by the Executive Yuan: openness, transparency, service, education, and responsibility. Based on the Ocean Basic Act and the National Ocean Policy White Paper, the Ocean Affairs Council coordinates various maritime-related agencies to formulate and implement policies, promoting effective management, diverse utilization, and sustainable development of ocean resources. The 2020 National Ocean Policy White Paper outlines six key policy directions: "Maritime Rights and Governance", "Maritime Safety and Security", "Marine Conservation and Environmental Protection", "Marine Industry Development and Innovation", "Marine Education and Talent Cultivation", and "Marine Science and Technology Development."

This research project aligns with the National Ocean Policy White Paper and the "Salute to the Seas" initiative, focusing on four major areas: "Marine Conservation and Environmental Protection", "Marine Industry Development and Innovation", "Marine Science and Technology Development", and "Marine Education and Talent Cultivation." The study investigates policy and legal frameworks for artificial intelligence (AI) applications in the maritime sector, covering four key aspects: "AI for Marine Pollution Prevention and Control", "AI for Marine Ecology and Environmental Conservation", "AI for Marine Industry Development", and "Legal Reconstruction for AI Applications in the Maritime Sector."

This research will assess the policy and legal implications of AI applications in these domains. It will examine regulatory adjustments and policy planning as soft infrastructure, evaluate the integration of AI into maritime regulations, and propose solutions to inform AI-driven maritime development.

Our previous research from 2022 and 2023 has emphasized the human and social impacts of AI applications. By organizing AI & Maritime Law and Policy Experience Competitions, we aim to raise public awareness of risk management related to AI’s influence on maritime law and governance, while encouraging young scholars to engage in this emerging field. Additionally, through media publications and public discourse, we provide policy recommendations to the government, addressing AI challenges in maritime research, specific applications, and regulatory frameworks.

Furthermore, we will conduct comparative analyses of domestic and international maritime regulations to prepare for drafting a "Ocean Artificial Intelligence Law". This initiative will bridge AI with humanities, social sciences, and legal perspectives. By publishing SSCI journal articles, hosting international conferences, and fostering dialogue with leading maritime nations and regional organizations, we aim to position Taiwan at the forefront of AI-driven maritime law research. Additionally, we will publish a specialized book to educate the public on the legal and policy implications of AI applications in the maritime sector