Technology

The key to ending this illegal practice is enforcement. Using re-purposed acoustic gunshot detection technology from SoundThinking™, SFB can provide local law enforcement an alert with the precise location of a blast within 60 seconds of an explosion. Suspected boats in the areas can then be tracked via marine radar for apprehension.

The Problem

Detection is possible due to the inherent nature of fish bombs. They are very loud. However, the sound of a bomb detonation underwater does not translate very well into the air. It is heard as a dull thud and only if one is very close to the explosion. Standing on a beach two hundred meters from a blast, one hears nothing. Standing on a dock or pier at the same distance, one hears the pier shake as the sound hits it. Likewise for boats.

For scuba divers or snorkelers with ears underwater, the sound is very loud, and can be heard from thousands of meters away. Up close, the sound pressure is so intense that it can cause injury or death.

Fish bombs do produce large plumes of water that splash down and are visible from far away. However, bombers like to do their work far from other boats. By the time that the sound reaches say, a police boat, the plume has already fallen, and cannot be witnessed.