The Maritime Border Command (MBC) has deployed new underwater technology in the Torres Strait to combat illegal activity in the region.
The technology, developed by the Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisations (CSIRO) is particularly aimed at disrupting illegal foreign fishing.
A total of five hydrophones were dropped to the ocean floor in strategic locations across the region.
Commander MBC, Rear Admiral Lee Goddard said that in simple terms, a hydrophone was an underwater microphone that could be used in real time to listen to vessel traffic and behaviour and to assist in detecting activity.
“It is about 15cm long and is attached to a larger mooring device and submerged underwater so it remains completely covert,” Rear Admiral Goddard said.
“This new technology will be vital in assisting MBC in its mission to protect Australia’s maritime domain, particularly in regards to illegal foreign fishing.”
He said protecting Australia’s unique and rich maritime domain was one of the MBC’s core priorities.
“With illegal foreign fishing posing threats to sustainable fisheries management around the world, we are determined to do even more to protect Australia from this type of criminal activity,” Read Admiral Goddard said.
“The deployment of hydrophones in the Torres Strait will bolster and complement our strong presence in the region, and allow us to deploy resources quickly, and exactly where they are needed.”
He said the message to illegal fishers was not to even try — “we will catch you and you will face the full force of the law when we do”.
Principal Research Scientist, Oceans and Atmosphere at the CSIRO, Chris Wilcox said CSIRO was bringing together artificial intelligence and low-cost hardware to deliver real time monitoring of activities at sea.
‘This helps Agencies secure the marine environment from illegal fishing and other threats,” Dr Wilcox said.
