Each year, up to 26 million tons of fish are caught illegally—up to 30% of all global catches. These actions devastate biodiversity, deplete fish stocks, and damage the livelihoods of millions.
To respond, ocean conservation efforts are turning to Passive Acoustic Monitoring (PAM)—a technology that listens to underwater environments to detect both marine life and illegal human activity.
From Military Tech to Conservation Tool
Originally developed for submarine detection during World War II, sonar technology evolved into what we now call Passive Acoustic Monitoring. Its transition from defense to marine protection has opened new possibilities for tracking illegal fishing and safeguarding ocean habitats—especially in sensitive areas like coral reefs and marine protected zones.
What Is Passive Acoustic Monitoring (PAM)?
PAM uses hydrophones—underwater microphones—to "listen" to the ocean. Unlike active sonar, it does not emit signals, making it completely non-invasive. Instead, it detects and records natural and artificial sounds: vessel engines, fishing gear, marine animals, and more.
By identifying unusual or suspicious acoustic patterns, PAM becomes an essential tool for conservationists and enforcement agencies to detect and act on illegal activity in real time.
Detecting Illegal Fishing with PAM
PAM detects distinctive sound signatures made by vessels and fishing gear. When deployed near marine reserves or no-fishing zones, it can:
Identify illegal trawling, net dragging, or longline fishing
Capture vessel activity in protected areas
Alert authorities instantly when suspicious patterns are detected
Real-World Initiatives Using PAM
British Ocean Acoustic Monitoring Network:
In the British Indian Ocean Territory, PAM is used to track vessel activity, assess marine health, and prevent poaching in fragile ecosystems.
Telemetry for Shark Protection:
Researchers track tagged gray reef sharks to analyze movement, habitat use, and interactions with human activity—essential for designing effective protections.
NGO & Government Collaborations:
Global collaborations now use PAM to model illegal activity patterns, improve marine law enforcement, and raise awareness of ecosystem threats.
Innovations Shaping the Future of PAM
PAM is evolving rapidly, with innovations that make it smarter, faster, and more efficient:
AI-Powered Detection
Artificial intelligence identifies suspicious activity and species vocalizations faster than ever.
Automated Processing
Massive acoustic datasets are processed in real-time, allowing instant alerts.
PAM now works alongside remote sensing and vessel tracking systems.
Sinay's Acoustic Monitoring Solutions
At Sinay, we combine cutting-edge acoustic technology with expert data analysis to support sustainable marine operations.
PAM buoys
with broadband hydrophones
Real-time alerts
when thresholds or protected zones are breached
dashboard
Comprehensive dashboard to visualize noise and activity
BAG/BACI protocol
Full BAG/BACI protocol compliance for environmental surveillance
Underwater noise
Underwater noise modeling for predictive risk assessments
Whether you're managing a port, protecting a marine reserve, or overseeing a coastal development, Sinay's PAM tech ensures protection, compliance, and sustainability.
