Make them use these stats in movement/sight/battle.
Make AI ships fight back if they are strong enough and/or angry enough with you.
IDEA: Let's say you have 3 ships and thus 3 different sea monsters in the game. Wouldn't it be fun if these were recognizable types? For example: the first sea monster is the speedy one, with a large advantage on speed and sight. The second is slow but strong. The third is hard to beat, but also gives you tons of loot.
This way, they become actual monster species you can learn about.
Give monsters and AI ships their own stats.
Make them use these stats in movement/sight/battle.
Make AI ships fight back if they are strong enough and/or angry enough with you.
IDEA: Let's say you have 3 ships and thus 3 different sea monsters in the game. Wouldn't it be fun if these were recognizable types? For example: the first sea monster is the speedy one, with a large advantage on speed and sight. The second is slow but strong. The third is hard to beat, but also gives you tons of loot.
This way, they become actual monster species you can learn about.