The International Pole & Line Foundation and Furuno USA have come together to partner on trial of bird-tracking radar technology in sustainable tuna fisheries.
Commencing this week, the Maldivian pole-and-line tuna boat, Julie, manned by a crew of 15, began a comprehensive experimental trial of an onboard bird tracking radar to ascertain whether such a system can improve the efficiency of the country’s one-by-one tuna fishing boats, as has been the case in some pole-and-line fisheries elsewhere in the world.
It is a well-known fact that if you want to catch fish you need to know how to find them, and in order to find fish, you need look no further than seabirds – the undisputed masters of fish finding.
Furuno developed the world’s first bird radar in 1986. Although the technology is not new, it has not yet been widely applied across all pole-and-line fisheries.
Exploring the potential opportunities for such equipment in one-by-one tuna fisheries, the International Pole & Line Foundation (IPNLF) has teamed up with Furuno USA for the three-month trial programme aboard Julie. As well as providing all the equipment for the trial, Furuno USA has given the crew all the necessary training and advice needed to locate seabirds via radar.
‘Furuno USA is extraordinarily pleased to provide support to IPNLF and Maldivian fisheries. Furuno was founded on fishing technology and we’re compelled by the opportunity to contribute to sustainable and successful fishing practices. We are highly confident our UHD radar technology and the DRS6AX antenna with our TTZl12F multi-function display will prove to be a game changer in the Maldives,’ said Furuno USA’s Matt Wood.
Based in the Maldives, IPNLF Data Acquisition Officer Ibrahim Nadheeh is accompanying Julie’s crew during the trial to gather data to establish whether the bird-tracking radar makes a significant difference to tuna catch rates and fishing efficiency.
The trial is the latest project to come out of the longstanding memorandum of understanding (MOU) agreement between IPNLF and the Maldives Ministry of Fisheries and Agriculture (MoFA).
IPNLF is extremely grateful for the continued support of joint initiatives that it receives from MoFA and Dr Mohamed Shainee, Minister of Fisheries and Agriculture for the Maldives. Both Dr Shainee and John Burton, Chairman of IPNLF, are looking forward to reviewing the progress made during the trial’s first month.
‘For centuries, Maldivian vessel skippers have used seabirds to pinpoint the location of tuna schools, and yet this process alone can take fishing crews several hours at sea. Our hope is that radar technology will significantly reduce the time and resources spent seeking out fishing opportunities, thus making operations much more efficient and viable. While we are exploring the possible benefits that new technology can bring to the Maldivian fishery, the project gives a big nod to tradition and the special relationship these fishermen have with the local birdlife,’ John Burton said.
‘If the equipment trial on this vessel is successful, these systems could prove invaluable tools for one-by-one tuna fisheries in other locations. There are many instances where this sector is vital to the economy and culture of coastal communities, so it’s imperative we explore every avenue in order that they can continue to provide jobs, food and development opportunities for many generations to come.’
