SFB Creating The First-Of-Its-Kind Integrated Reef Protection System
The Integrated Reef Protection System (IRPS) uses the cloud to connect underwater acoustic arrays, the M2 smart radar with high resolution camera and drone, covert hydrophones, real-time hydrophones and sound traps, and boat mounted sensors with the smartphone "Respond App” to displays blast location in minutes for enforcement officials to protect fragile Marine Protected Areas.
Acoustic Arrays: Stop Fish Bombing USA (SFBUSA.org) and SFB Malaysia (SFBMY.org) in partnership with ShotSpotter Labs (ShotSpotter.com) developed underwater bomb detection technology to alert marine law enforcement for rapid and precise response. The system forms the IRPS backbone and is deployed in the State of Sabah Malaysian Borneo to stop fish bombing that destroys fragile reefs in Marine Protected Areas.
M2 Marine Smart Radar (Donated by Anthropocene Institute): ProtectedSeas integrates with IRPS and alerts when blasts are detected. The high resolution camera tracks and photographs targets and activities. Installation of the M2 radar on Salakan Island Semporna is underway. Salakan is in the middle of a fish bombing hotspot where up to 132 blasts were detected on one day. Once the radar is fully operational, Anthropocene Institute may donate a drone that will also be integrated into the M2 IRPS system.
Covert Hydrophones: A Collaboration Agreement is in place with Australia’s National Science Agency National (CSIRO) to evaluate covert real-time Unit Hydrophone side by side with SFB units. CSIRO is working with Indonesian Fisheries Ministry who we also plan to partner with. You can view Covert_Hydrophones_Two_page.pdf.
Boat Mounted Sensors: Initial test detected blasts during Semporna array installation. We will repeat in Kota Kinabalu waters once travel restrictions are lifted.
There has been high interest from Sabah State Marine Police and SFB MY’s Terence Lim has met with Sabah State Marine Police Chief to brief them on SFB capabilities. We are also working closely with Cabo Pulmo Mexico M2 Marine Radar team to absorb any critical lessons learned.