# Shadow Fleets: A Growing Challenge in Global
## 6 Conclusions  
The fight against clandestine maritime operations, including dark and gray fleets, necessitates robust international collaboration. Given the transnational nature of these illicit activities, no single nation can effectively address the challenge alone. Strengthening international cooperation is paramount to closing regulatory gaps and enhancing enforcement capabilities. Concrete mechanisms to improve this cooperation include the establishment of a global maritime surveillance system that leverages satellite technology and AIS data to detect suspicious vessel activities. Harmonizing maritime laws and standards across jurisdictions will further ensure consistent enforcement and reduce the avenues for regulatory evasion. By prioritizing these collaborative efforts, the international community can more effectively safeguard the integrity of global maritime commerce and protect the marine environment from the risks posed by these covert operations. The economic disruptions, geopolitical intricacies, environmental risks, and regulatory challenges emanating from covert maritime operations demand a holistic and multi-pronged approach. The journey towards robust ocean governance involves not only fortifying regulatory measures but also harnessing the potential of advanced technologies, fostering international collaboration, nurturing public-private partnerships, and prioritizing environmental sustainability. The diversity of shadow fleet operations--from North Korean sanctions evasion to Chinese fishing fleets and Russian oil transportation--underscores the need for a nuanced and adaptive regulatory response. While these operations share common characteristics, their varying objectives and methods require targeted enforcement strategies. The convergence of artificial intelligence, satellite imagery, and collaborative frameworks emerges as a beacon of hope in the quest to illuminate the shadows of maritime covert activities. By leveraging the collective intelligence and capabilities of nations, private entities, and technological innovators, we can construct a resilient and adaptive governance framework capable of withstanding the clandestine maneuvers of dark and gray fleets [68]. In this pursuit, it is essential to recognize the interconnectedness of global maritime activities and the need for a united front against illicit operations. The collaborative efforts of nations, supported by the ingenuity of private enterprises, hold the key to dismantling the shadows that threaten the transparency and security of our oceans. As we chart the course forward, the lessons learned from the covert world of maritime operations serve as guideposts for a future defined by resilience, accountability, and sustainability. The endeavor to illuminate the shadows is not only a matter of safeguarding economic interests but also a collective responsibility to protect our oceans, preserve our environment, and fortify the foundations of a secure and interconnected global maritime ecosystem. In the journey towards secure seas and transparent waters, the commitment to innovation, collaboration, and ethical stewardship will serve as the compass guiding us through the maritime shadows into a future where the seas are not just navigated but protected, ensuring the prosperity of generations to come. **Author Contributions:** Conceptualization, E.R.-D.; methodology, E.R.-D. and J.I.A. ; software, N.E. ; validation, E.R.-D., J.I.A. and N.E. ; formal analysis, E.R.-D.; investigation, E.R.-D.; resources, J.I.A. ; data curation, N.E. ; writing--original draft preparation, E.R.-D.; writing--review and editing, J.I.A. ; visualization, N.E. ; supervision, J.I.A. ; project administration, E.R.-D.; funding acquisition, J.I.A. All authors have read and agreed to the published version of the manuscript. **Funding:** This APC was funded by University of Cadiz and QUALIFICA Project (QUAL21-0019, Junta de Andalucia). **Institutional Review Board Statement:** Not applicable. **Informed Consent Statement:** Not applicable.