Marine Protected Areas. Monitored.
Millions of fishermen rely on the ocean’s bounty to provide for their families. In order to sustain the ecosystems that provide the biodiversity needed to maintain consistent fishing yields, marine protected areas have been established. While fishing is most often allowed in these areas, some species are protected. Various species are links in a complex web of interdependencies, and it is important to keep these ecosystems stable so that millions of families can continue to put food on their tables. McMurdo Group’s RPMA-enabled vessel tracking application allows for monitoring of fishing and other vessels that enter these areas. This provides a simple and effective solution to monitor geozones and violations within them.
Stranded at Sea.
Saved by RPMA.
More than one million artisanal vessels are used for navigating ocean waters even today. Because they are artisanal fishing vessels, when they run into trouble, they do not have the means for state-of-the-art satellite tracking and distress signaling. So, if they overturn in rough seas, which happens often, they have limited means for obtaining help. At best, a nearby ship may see the distressed vessel and offer help, but unfortunately, that is usually not the case. Through a device that McMurdo Group is building, for first time these vessels will have a mayday button to alert authorities and their communities of emergencies. To do this, the McMurdo Group is taking advantage of RPMA®’s 40-mile range out over the ocean, giving these fishermen a life-line so when tragedy strikes they have means for getting help.
Poaching. Prevented by RPMA.
Because fishing plays such a central role to so many nations along the ocean it has become very important to make sure that everyone is playing by the rules. When fishermen fish outside of their nation’s boundaries without a license, it is poaching, and poses a serious threat to the economic and ecological livelihood of all nations using those waters. McMurdo Group’s tracking application improves the ability of national fleets to be identified so when coastal authorities are out on patrol, they can know who should, and who should not, be fishing in their maritime space. This helps preserve important species and maintain a sustainable fishing practice for everyone’s benefit.