Locating fish bomb blasts in real-time using a networked acoustic system
- Resource Type
- Authors
- S.C. Wilson; C. Dunson; R. Showen; T. Lim; G.H. Woodman; S. Christopher
- Source
- Marine pollution bulletin. 128
- Subject
- 0106 biological sciences
Conservation of Natural Resources
Fisheries
Explosions
010501 environmental sciences
Aquatic Science
Oceanography
Bombs
01 natural sciences
Computer Communication Networks
Law Enforcement
Animals
Reef
0105 earth and related environmental sciences
geography
geography.geographical_feature_category
Blast fishing
Acoustic location
Coral Reefs
010604 marine biology & hydrobiology
Malaysia
Effective management
Acoustics
Pollution
Gunfire locator
Environmental science
Fish
Software
Marine engineering
Environmental Monitoring
- Language
- ISSN
- 1879-3363
Results are presented of a demonstration of real-time fish blast location in Sabah, Malaysia using a networked hydroacoustic array based on the ShotSpotter gunshot location system. A total of six acoustic sensors - some fixed and others mobile - were deployed at ranges from 1 to 9 km to detect signals from controlled test blasts. This allowed the blast locations to be determined to within 60 m accuracy, and for the calculated locations to be displayed on a map on designated internet-connected computers within 10 s. A smaller three-sensor system was then installed near Semporna in Eastern Sabah that determined the locations of uncontrolled blasts set off by local fishermen. The success of these demonstrations shows that existing technology can be used to protect reefs and permit more effective management of blast fishing activity through improved detection and enforcement measures and enhanced community engagement.