Innovative Aerial Support for Marine Conservation

Schiebel has partnered with Earthrace Conservation to deploy its CAMCOPTER S-100 Unmanned Aerial System (UAS) for maritime conservation efforts aimed at safeguarding the environment and wildlife globally.

Operational Deployment in South America

Currently stationed aboard the Earthrace vessel M/Y MODOC, the CAMCOPTER S-100 is actively engaged in various operations across south America. Its primary responsibilities include detecting and monitoring illegal fishing activities, tracking wildlife trafficking, apprehending poachers, identifying unauthorized gold mining operations, and rescuing animals that are being held unlawfully.

Monitoring Illegal Activities

In a notable operation in July 2022, the vessel monitored a fleet of Chinese squid fishing boats operating in international waters near the Galapagos Islands. These vessels have faced numerous allegations of illegal conduct, including:

• Unauthorized fishing in the territorial waters of Ecuador and Argentina
• Manipulating the Automatic Identification System (AIS) by sending false GPS signals
• Violations of human rights

advanced Surveillance Capabilities

Equipped with a Trakka TC-300 Electro-Optical / infra-Red (EO/IR) camera gimbal and an AIS receiver, the S-100 has become an invaluable tool for the Earthrace team. Its regular flights enable thorough monitoring and evaluation of the fleetS activities beyond the Ecuadorian Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ).

Impact of Aerial Surveillance

Captain Pete Bethune, founder of Earthrace, remarked, “The Chinese squid fleet is among the largest globally, comprising approximately 500 vessels. The S-100 substantially enhances the operational range of M/Y MODOC, allowing us to maintain vigilant oversight of the fleet.” He noted that the mere presence of surveillance has already contributed to a decrease in illegal activities.

Commitment to Environmental Protection

Hans Georg Schiebel, Chairman of the Schiebel Group, expressed his satisfaction in supporting Earthrace with their advanced UAS technology. “Utilizing an Unmanned Air Vehicle (UAV) to detect illegal activities from the air is crucial for Earthrace’s mission to protect the environment and wildlife for future generations,” he stated.