GOST (Global Ocean Security Technologies) announced that its Nav-Tracker 3.0 VMS has been adapted for use by the Indian Ocean archipelago nation of The Maldives to prevent illegal encroachment on protected island fisheries and preserve special areas for traditional fishing techniques.
GOST in conjunction with both The Maldives Ministry of Fisheries and Agriculture and the Maldives government-owned telecom company developed a custom-tailored solution to address the country’s specific maritime protection tracking needs. Providing real-time satellite information, Nav-Tracker is being used by the Ministry to ensure all local fishing vessels limit their fishing activities to safeguard the country’s fragile ecosystem. By designating specific areas as fishing grounds for particular types of vessels, The Ministry hopes to reduce dredging of the islands’ sea bottom by large commercial fishing vessels and limiting competition with traditional pole fishermen, ensuring a continuation of the traditional local way of life.
Using an advanced web-based monitoring application modified to accommodate the specific requirements of vessel identification and classification of up to seven types of vessels – from longliner to pole-fishing boat – The Ministry can easily monitor pre-defined geo-fenced areas and alert enforcement agents if vessels enter a protected area intended only for traditional fishing methods.
“Our clients come to us with problems they are trying to solve, and we take great pride in assisting them by providing solutions that meet and exceed their expectations,” said Jay Keenan, president and CEO of GOST. “We strive to achieve client goals through our innovative style of open collaboration, both internally among our team and with our clients. It’s gratifying to help provide a much-needed solution to protect a critical part of the Maldives economy and way of life.”
The GOST Nav-Tracker is a marine grade, water resistant, tracking system that provides reliable, remote global Inmarsat satellite-based vessel tracking and management from anywhere in the world. Replacing the need for expensive or impractical solutions, the system also incorporates a critical panic button safety feature that crew members can push to alert authorities in the event of an emergency.