Advanced drones could be used to crack down on illegal fishing in the Great Barrier Reef

Hi-tech drones equipped with night vision and AI tracking are some of the new technologies being trialled to stop poachers flouting marine park conservation rules.

Rachel Janes and Kate Hatton with a hi-tech drone that are being trialed in the Great Barrier Reef to combat illegal poaching. Picture: Tim Little

Hi-tech drones equipped with night vision and AI tracking are some of the new technologies being trialled to stop poachers flouting marine park conservation rules.

The Reef Authority and Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service have joined forces to trial new surveillance methods and warn boaties to stay out of protected areas or risk fines up to $3000.

New technology implementation lead at the Reef Authority Rachel Janes said drones were already being used, but smaller far reaching models dubbed Drone In a Box were one of many technologies being tested for better surveillance.

“Drones can spot vessels in marine protected areas day and night, so they can provide evidence to enforcement teams,” she said.

“This method is smart, precise and reliable.

“The use of AI radar and automated tracking can ensure better capture of evidence and better protection for the reef.”

In the past few years drone surveillance technology has improved immensely.

Drone surveillance is already in use across the Great Barrier Reef providing essential reconnaissance for compliance teams. New technology hopes to make surveillance easier and further reaching. Picture: supplied.

QPWS Regional Director of Great Barrier Reef and Marine Parks Tina Alderson said new equipment being trialled could save time and protect greater sections of the reef.

“The Drone in a Box technology allows a drone to be housed within a protective box that’s also a landing pad and charging station,” she said.

“This means autonomous drone operations, including takeoff, flight, and landing, without constant human supervision.”

Despite making up only 30 per cent of the Reef, marine parks play a crucial role in stocking fish for the whole region.

Research published in February from the journal of Science Advances found that just under half of all coral trout caught on Great Barrier Reef came from marine parks.

Assistant Director of Compliance at the Reef Authority Kate Hatton said drones and surveillance technologies would be key tools deployed during upcoming school holidays when illegal fishing increases.

“School holidays is particularly busy time for us because we do have an influx of visitors coming to the reef and they’re wanting to get out there and have fun and fish which is fantastic,” she said.

“We want to make sure that people have a great time out there fishing on the Reef but we also need to make sure that they’re knowing where they can fish and that’s by knowing that there are marine park zoning rules.

“They can get that information at their tackle store, download the Eye on the Reef app or the Fishing 2.0 app.”

Originally published as Advanced drones could be used to crack down on illegal fishing in the Great Barrier Reef