IUU FISHING ENFORCEMENT WITH USV FLEET
This operation deployed three DataXplorer™ USVs to patrol remote Bahamian waters, using visual and acoustic sensors to monitor for illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing and other violations of marine protected areas (MPAs). These USVs operated autonomously, powered by solar energy, streaming near real-time data using satellite communications to enhance maritime domain awareness (MDA). The mission also collected data to improve the EnhancedHorizon™ and UnderwaterListener™ software for vessel detection, ensuring continuous, intelligent surveillance while minimizing environmental impact and operational costs.
Monitoring vast, remote areas of Bahamian waters where illegal fishing activities are rampant is difficult to perform and respond to in real time. Traditional methods using crewed vessels are not sustainable because of the high operational costs and limited coverage, making it hard to maintain continuous surveillance over such expansive maritime regions
CHALLENGE
SOLUTION
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The innovative use of mobile USV fleets.
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Small size and grey appearance allow for low profile, covert operations that minimize detection by IUU vessels.
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Scalable, improves functionality, significantly lowers costs, emissions and safety risks, and increases the quality of evidence gathered.
Objectives
HIGHLIGHTS
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Three USVs collectively achieved a total of 32 days patrolling ~ 780 nautical miles of Bahamian waters.
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Enhanced Horizon™ detected small non-AIS vessels fitting IUU descriptions as well as larger vessels at distances of over 9 nautical miles.
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Underwater Listener™ made acoustic recordings and reported vessel noise before the Enhanced Horizon™ detections.
RESULTS
Operational Optimization
DataXplorer™ demonstrated suitability for continuous operation while maintaining a discreet presence, which is imperative for observing illegal fishing activity. Operational costs and environmental impact were significantly reduced relative to crewed vessel operations.
Remote Observation
The three USVs were operated by shore-based pilots based in both the Bahamas and in Victoria, BC, with visual and acoustic data transmitted in near real-time to Open Ocean Robotics’ XplorerView™ portal. Multiple non-AIS and AIS vessels were detected throughout the deployment with Enhanced Horizon™ software.
Object Detection
Using the Enhanced Horizon system, the USV’s 360° electro-optical and thermal cameras employed AI processing for day and night detection, classification, and tracking. As well Underwater Listener™ detected some vessels ahead of the visual cameras, providing early indicators of vessel activity. The DataXplorers successfully identified vessels, including non-AIS vessels matching the characteristics of illegal, unreported, and unregulated activity.
BENEFITS DEMONSTRATED
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Reliable & seaworthy for high sea state operations
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Real time satellite and cellular comms
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Enhanced object detection capabilities
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Images, acoustic signatures, and AIS detections provide vessel monitoring
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Easy to use interface to operate USV and share information
CLIENTS & PARTNERS
"The OOR team has been a willing and able partner in helping to develop and deliver technology that will enhance our ability to protect MPAs and increase our ability to monitor important ocean resources." - Aldo Simone, Marine Program Director
