ThayerMahan's NOAA Demonstration Validates Anti-IUU Fishing Technology and Solutions

ThayerMahan, located in Groton, Connecticut, has made significant strides in combating illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing through its recent successful demonstration, supported by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). Conducted over 18 days in the Gulf of Maine, this demonstration showcased ThayerMahan's state-of-the-art maritime surveillance capabilities, further establishing the company as a leader in the field of autonomous maritime security.

During the operation, ThayerMahan employed its advanced Outpost® acoustic sensing platforms, which are equipped with cutting-edge linear arrays and classification systems. These unmanned systems provided continuous monitoring and actionable intelligence throughout the challenging maritime environment characterized by high winds and heavy seas. Importantly, the Outpost platform demonstrated its ability to detect vessels that were not transmitting automatic identification systems (AIS), thus identifying potential illegal fishing activities that might otherwise go unnoticed. The information collected during the operation was securely transmitted to the U.S. Naval Research Laboratory’s PROTEUS COP Maritime Domain Awareness (MDA) system, facilitating near-real-time analysis by NOAA analysts.

Greg Sabra, ThayerMahan's Vice President of Offshore Programs and a retired Coast Guard officer, emphasized the significance of the demonstration, stating that it is crucial for "our maritime national security and the preservation of U.S. marine resources." He explained how the advanced sensing and data collection capabilities of ThayerMahan’s technology establish a dependable, scalable solution for monitoring protected waters without the need for crewed vessels. This operational capacity empowers federal agencies to tackle IUU fishing effectively and efficiently.

Dr. Kevin Lopes, Vice President of Marketing and Sales at ThayerMahan, highlighted the revolutionary impact autonomous systems can have on maritime activity observation. The ability to extend detection beyond traditional visual ranges and provide detailed acoustic characterizations allows for a depth of situational awareness that was previously unachievable. This enhanced data-driven monitoring model reinforces efforts to protect marine resources and supports informed compliance and enforcement decisions.

Moreover, the operation successfully confirmed that unmanned platforms can effectively bridge enforcement gaps within marine protected areas and the expansive U.S. Exclusive Economic Zone. The Outpost system did not just identify vessels; it also discerned behavioral patterns associated with fishing activities, including trawling and loitering. As a result, NOAA analysts were able to follow the entire identification and interdiction process in real-time, ensuring timely reporting conducive to on-the-spot enforcement actions.

Chris Glander, President of ThayerMahan Offshore, reiterated the operational readiness of their technology across various federal mission domains, from fisheries enforcement and marine sanctuary protection to coastal security and counter-trafficking initiatives. He underscored their commitment to deploying full-stack autonomous operations and highlighted the viability and capability of their technology.

The outcomes of this recent demonstration pave the way for the integration of unmanned systems in ongoing enforcement operations. ThayerMahan's technological capabilities observed during their Gulf of Maine operations are adaptable to different regions and applications. Their systems offer an ambitious yet necessary framework to achieve persistent maritime awareness that aligns with national strategic priorities.

ThayerMahan is not just a technology provider; it is a pioneer in unmanned acoustic intelligence solutions. Their mission focuses on delivering comprehensive surveillance through innovative software and technologies designed to enhance operational efficiency and performance. By harnessing the power of their TransparenSea® software and various platforms like Outpost® and SeaPicket®, ThayerMahan is at the forefront of establishing secured maritime environments vital for the future of preserving marine life and enhancing national security.

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