HMS Stewards Ethical AI Usage Policy

Last Updated: September 20, 2026

Tracing the Vital Cycles with 21st Century Tools

At Headwaters & Marine Stewards^® (HMS), our mission is to provide high-resolution, lab-grade data on the critical arteries feeding the Great Bay Estuary. To achieve this, we practice “Lean Science” by utilizing advanced Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning models for geographic mapping, data visualization, and administrative efficiency. This ensures we maximize the environmental impact of every dollar while keeping our scientific output defensible, transparent, and legally compliant.

1. Transparency in Visualization

Our website and Field Reports feature visual assets designed to make complex watershed science intuitive and accessible. We transparently disclose that many conceptual illustrations and data visualizations are created using generative AI, operating under the direct curation and editorial control of HMS staff. For example, our high-resolution tributary maps are AI-generated but manually verified to ensure authentic geometry and accurate local context for the Seacoast region. By offsetting the high overhead of traditional cartography, we redirect those funds directly into our physical water-monitoring hardware.

2. The Human-in-the-Loop Principle

While AI drives efficiency, HMS operates under a strict “Human-in-the-Loop” mandate. AI is a tool, not a substitute for scientific judgment. All telemetry data captured by our ‘Ghost’ Marine Sampling Drone, all water quality reports, and all governance decisions are subject to rigorous human review and verification.

3. Privacy & Training Safeguards

To align with our strict data quality and privacy standards, HMS guarantees that your personal or donor information is never uploaded to, or used to train, third-party AI models. AI is our collaborator in mapping the watershed, but the final scientific truth and community stewardship are curated entirely by the human team at HMS.