According to a recent article in the Basque newspaper 'El Correo', the Basque Government is going to carry out a significant technological upgrade for its Fisheries Inspection Services. Among the measures being considered, according to the newspaper, is the implementation of drones or UAS (Unmanned Aerial Vehicles) for surveillance and prevention tasks.
Drone by Drone, a drone operator, was contacted by 'El Correo', and our Technical Director's comments included in the article highlight the value of using unmanned aircraft for these types of tasks.
The Directorate of Fisheries and Aquaculture, in its responsibilities to supervise fishing and monitor illegal activities related to coastal exploitation, could significantly increase its capabilities by equipping itself with drones. Whether in cliff areas, beaches, rivers, or shallow waters, or in deep waters far from the shoreline, drones are tools to be seriously considered for this type of work. Their flight capabilities and deployment flexibility make them ideal for monitoring the 246 km of coastline, estuaries, beaches, and cliffs without endangering inspectors or personnel involved in these tasks.
Their stealth, flight autonomy, ease of deployment, versatility, and powerful sensors, including thermal imaging sensors, make drones indispensable tools for these duties. Operating both from the shore and from the Fisheries Inspection Service's own vessels, they will expand the capabilities of the SIP, which, under the authority of the Basque Government's Directorate responsible for maritime fisheries, is responsible for inspecting fishing, shellfish harvesting, and aquaculture activities within the jurisdiction of the Basque Autonomous Community.
At Drone by Drone, we offer our perspective and extensive experience in drone operations along the Basque coast and from vessels in coastal areas to the relevant authorities. We understand that appropriate procedures will need to be drafted, personnel who intend to operate as pilots will need to be trained, and the department will need to equip itself with the tools (drones) best suited to its tasks.
We must protect our fishing resources, especially now, when environmental sustainability is essential and catch quotas and closed seasons are established. For this reason, having drones for preventative surveillance seems indispensable.
You can read the article in 'El Correo' at the following link, where you can also read our brief contributions:
https://www.elcorreo.com/bizkaia/gobierno-vasco-utilizara-drones-perseguir-pescadores-furtivos-20251214000534-nt.html
