MCS&E Technologies
MPAs require diverse MCS&E technologies to safeguard marine biodiversity. The choice between high-tech and low-tech tools depends on the specific needs of the MPA, including its size, location, and available resources. High-tech tools are generally suited for large-scale or offshore MPAs, where advanced technology is required to cover large areas. Conversely, low-tech tools excel in small-scale or nearshore MPAs, particularly in regions with limited resources or community-driven initiatives. ref
Key tools for monitoring and enforcement in MPAs include:
- Sensors: radar, cameras, and acoustic systems
- Collection methods: satellites, drones, and underwater vehicles
For example, vessel monitoring systems provide near real-time tracking of vessel activities, while radar and electro-optical imagery sensors deployed on satellites enable vessel detection in areas where tracking systems are unavailable. Drones can carry cameras or other sensors to monitor nearshore areas, offering flexibility in data collection. Similarly, underwater vehicles equipped with cameras can be used to study ecological changes and detect illegal activities below the surface. By combining these technologies, MPA managers can effectively address monitoring and enforcement challenges across different marine environments. ref
Example: Revillagigedo National Park
The location and extent of the Revillagigedo Biosphere Reserve, Mexico. Source: Revillagigedo National Park.
In 1994, the Mexican government established the Revillagigedo Biosphere Reserve in the Revillagigedo Archipelago and surrounding waters (about 400km south of Cabo San Lucas in the Mexican Pacific). In 2016, the Revillagigedo Archipelago was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and in 2017, the Reserve area was declared a national park. The area is also recognized as an Area of Importance for the Conservation of Birds by BirdLife, is a Ramsar site, has been awarded the Blue Park Award by the Marine Conservation Institute, and is a part of the Eastern Tropical Pacific Corridor (CMAR). In order to maximize ecological protection, the park prohibits all fishing, making it the largest no-take zone in North America.
Satellite surveillance platforms allow park managers to consistently monitor the vessels that enter the Park's boundaries, including vessel speed, trajectory, and geolocation. Managers use this information to generate and send complaints to appropriate authorities to enforce park regulations. In combination with strong regulations, on-the-water patrols, and a robust reporting program for illegal activities, digital surveillance technologies enable the effective enforcement of the park’s boundaries.
Surveillance imagery showing the drastic reduction in industrial fishing vessels in Revillagigedo from 2011 to 2020, especially after the declaration of the National Park in November, 2017. Source: Global Fishing Watch
Emerging technologies are advancing the capabilities of MPA MCS&E. For instance, acoustic monitoring systems are increasingly used to assess biodiversity and track species presence. Radio-frequency detection enables the identification of vessel activities, even when traditional tracking systems are disabled, providing an additional layer of security. More details on emerging technologies are available from the Pacific Data Hub and the WWF’s report on AI in conservation. ref
No matter the extent of technologies available, their effectiveness ultimately depends on having the capacity to interpret and act on the data. For example, a pair of binoculars with a set of human eyes behind them can often be more effective than a stream of satellite data sitting on a server awaiting analysis. To gain a full picture of what non-compliance looks like and ensure MCS&E efforts are effectively targeted, technology needs to combine with training, collaboration, and continuous enforcement monitoring.
Common MCS&E Technologies
- OceanMind has partnered with the Department of Fisheries and Oceans Canada, enforcement authorities in Costa Rica and Senegal, and unmanned aerial vehicle organizations Marble and Aeromao to test how underwater autonomous vehicles (UAVs) would contribute to enhancing monitoring, control, and surveillance of coastal and offshore areas. Watch this video to explore how this initiative is making an impact.
- Radar systems can provide continuous, high-resolution tracking of vessels, even in challenging weather conditions or remote areas. This fine-scale monitoring enhances enforcement capabilities by identifying potential illegal activities, such as unauthorized fishing or poaching within MPA boundaries.
- The M2 vessel tracking systems, designed for nearshore environments, provide 24/7 situational awareness of vessel traffic in the nearshore marine environment. It has demonstrated significant success in enhancing the monitoring and enforcement of MPAs. These systems have been deployed in various locations around the world, including American Samoa, Ecuador, and Costa Rica.
- The Hydrus micro-AUV from Advanced Navigation is a compact underwater vehicle with sonar, a 4K camera, and AI-powered features, Hydrus excels in tasks such as reef monitoring and marine biodiversity studies. This technology is better suited for targeted, resource-intensive applications like offshore monitoring.
- Advanced Vessel Monitoring Systems, often integrated with satellite technology, these systems track large commercial fishing vessels in real time. They are most effective in large-scale MPAs or where industrial fishing is prevalent but less useful for small-scale, nearshore contexts without large vessels equipped with VMS.
- Visualization tools, including Global Fishing Watch's Vessel Viewer, Skylight, and Skytruth's Cerulean, utilize satellite imagery and other remote sensing technologies to allow users to efficiently identify and track vessels and events, enabling a range of analyses around vessel history, patterns, and other actions.
- Hand-held GPS devices, binoculars, and well-maintained logs remain vital for monitoring and recording activities in regions with limited resources. Their simplicity makes them effective for smaller MPAs. Low-cost data management tools include EarthRanger or SMART.
- Community-led patrols, where local fishers or community members often organize and carry out patrols, providing consistent surveillance for nearshore MPAs at a low cost.
- Local ownership and involvement can help ensure that enforcement aligns with local values and priorities, increasing compliance and long-term sustainability.
- Integration with traditional knowledge where combining local practices and knowledge with low-tech tools can enhance effectiveness of monitoring and enforcement.
- Cameras and night vision devices enhance monitoring, particularly for nearshore MPAs with limited infrastructure.
The MPA Enforcement Toolkit was developed in partnership with the Blue Nature Alliance, a global partnership to catalyze effective large-scale ocean conservation, and WildAid, a US-based non-governmental organization with over 20 years of on-the-water experience in marine enforcement. Additional insights and resources were provided by our friends at Conservation International, MPAConnect, MedPAN, and OneReef.
