HYARKS And MARCO Announce Strategic Alliance To Launch The TF-100 For Safer And More Sustainable Tuna Fishing

MARCO and HYARKS have entered into a strategic partnership to introduce the Tuna Finder TF-100, an unmanned surface vessel (USV) designed to set a new benchmark in tuna fishing operations. This cutting-edge solution combines advanced technology, operational efficiency, and a strong commitment to sustainability.

The TF-100 has been developed to replace helicopters and speedboats traditionally used to locate tuna schools, streamlining on-board operations and eliminating the safety risks associated with manned scouting missions. This innovation represents a major step forward in making tuna fishing safer, more efficient, and more environmentally responsible.

Equipped with precision sonar and an advanced fish-finder, the TF-100 streams real-time data on fish location, school size, and biomass. This data lets captains making more informed decisions, allowing them to travel shorter distances, burn less fuel, and cut their environmental footprint, all while minimizing bycatch and protecting non-target species. Overhead, a high-performance drone equipped with an ultra-high-resolution camera delivers live aerial imagery, eliminating the need for costly helicopter patrols.

"Thanks to the TF-100, fishing operators can significantly lower their carbon footprint by eliminating fuel-intensive aerial and fast-boat scouting, while enhancing operational efficiency, crew safety, and environmental responsibility” stated representatives from HYARKS and MARCO.

With manual, semi-automatic, and fully autonomous operating modes, the TF-100 adapts seamlessly to a range of operational needs without requiring specialized training. Its robust and modular design is built to withstand the toughest marine conditions and includes redundant systems that ensure uninterrupted operation, even in the most demanding scenarios.

Through this partnership, HYARKS, a specialist in autonomous maritime solutions, and MARCO, a recognised leader in industrial fishing technologies, reaffirm their shared commitment to a smarter, safer, and more sustainable future for the fishing industry.