Federal Government trials uncrewed surveillance vessels, named Bluebottles, to stop illegal fishing off Jurien

Fishers taking part in illegal activity in the Jurien Marine Park are in the crosshairs of “Bluebottles”. Not the stinging sea creatures, but rather new uncrewed marine vessels, which are being used by the Federal Government to clamp down on illegal fishing in Australian marine parks. The areas where Bluebottles will be patrolling are Jurien and Two Rocks marine parks. Federal Environment and Water Minister Tanya Plibersek said Parks Australia was testing the efficacy of two uncrewed surface vessels during a 30-day trial through January and February. The trial will capture 24/7 real-time imagery of activity in the two WA marine parks to see if it can be used in the future to monitor and prevent illegal fishing. Australian company Ocius developed the 22-foot solar, wind and wave-powered vessels, which look similar to a small yacht. They are equipped with 360-degree day and night infrared cameras, radar and satellite communications, with the ability to autonomously monitor designated areas for months at a time. Parks Australia said this technology would make it easier to monitor two important marine parks that had previously been difficult and costly to patrol. The surveillance technology will help protect species in the marine parks, including western rock lobsters. Some areas in the marine parks are designated “no take zones” to help species survive. Ms Plibersek said: “Whilst most fishers do the right thing and stay in legal fishing zones, we aren’t afraid to crack down on those doing the wrong thing by fishing in the ‘no take’ areas. Fishing is not allowed in the national park zones of Australian Marine Parks. “The new Bluebottle vessel technology will enable large marine areas to be monitored over longer periods of time. “We’re testing the Bluebottles as a cost-effective addition to the current monitoring and surveillance tools we’re using. They join drones and sound traps as the latest technology we’re testing.” Suspicious or illegal activity in marine parks can be reported to 1800 852 975 or via email to marine.compliance@environment.gov.au