According to the US Coast Guard’s Strategic Outlook on IUU Fishing released earlier this year, illegal fishing has replaced piracy as the leading global maritime security threat.
Operating off Cape Cod and Key West, ThayerMahan showed its systems could detect and pinpoint fishing vessels based on their acoustic signature and electronic information. A persistent unmanned search, detection, and reporting capability can dramatically reduce costs compared with manned ships and aircraft such as those owned and operated by government and law enforcement agencies. Persistent surveillance such as that provided by ThayerMahan systems can help counter illegal fishing activities that threaten natural resources and economic livelihoods. Operating unmanned systems at scale provides extensive geographic coverage at a fraction of the cost of traditional monitoring capabilities.
ThayerMahan President and CEO, Mike Connor, stated:
“Operational testing verified our unmanned systems can detect, localize and monitor IUU fishing vessels. Our systems provide a cost-effective way to deter illegal, unreported, and unregulated fishing that threatens our ocean’s ecosystem and sustainable fisheries. ThayerMahan is proud to use its cutting-edge technology to enhance food security and the welfare of maritime habitats and coastal communities around the world.”
