Advanced technologies enhance surveillance

Investment in a radar tracking system for broader monitoring of the area. The radar tracking system is real-time monitoring speed, and directional heading of the boat in the marine protected area's vicinity. The radar information can infer the type of activity of the boat is likely to be engaged in the sea. For example, a fish trawler boat that is trawling tends to move at a slower speed of 7-10 kph than a passing trawler that usually travels at a speed of 16 – 20 kph. Furthermore, five blast detectors were installed to monitor and analyse blast fishing activities within SIMCA. The blast detector's information enables the Reef Guardian enforcement team to do strategic sea patrol to increase enforcement presence in the hot spot where illegal fish bombing often occurred.

  • Investment from a partner organization (Conservation International Philippine) on a radar tracking system in 2009.
  • Joint partnership with Reef Defender from Hong Kong since 2014 in the mission to reduce fish bombing in the region.
  • Information from the radar reduces operational cost (boat fuel) where the team show enforcement presence on the hot spot areas, instead of patrolling the entire marine protected area.  
  • Radar information is best for night enforcement activities. The information giving a higher chance to intercept illegal fishing activities on the spot which lead to higher success on detection and detention rates.