A Study on the Radar Image Analysis According to the Material and Shape of the Equipped Reflector

Abstract

According to Article 13 of the「Regulations on Permission and Reporting of Fishing」, the fishing gear used in coastal fishing should be equipped with a fishing buoy or flagpole, indicating the location of the fishing gear. Installation of the fishing buoy enables the fishermen to check the location of their fishing gear. Furthermore, the ships sailing in the vicinity of the fishing gear can be informed of its precise location to avoid damage to the fishing gear. The materials used in most fishing buoys are Styrofoam, bamboo, or PVC, and the flag is made of a varied cloth or nylon. Such fishing buoys have a short radar detection range owing to their weak radar radio wave reflection; moreover, owing to the small size of the buoy, the ships sailing around cannot detect the fishing buoy in advance, resulting in a collision with the fishing gear. To prevent such accidents, research on the early detection of fishing gear through radar image or the naked eye is necessary. Although research on improving the performance of radar equipment is in progress, studies on the early detection of fishing gear to reduce collisions with the ships sailing nearby are limited. This study conducted radar image analysis experimental research to prevent collisions between ships and fishing gear by improving the material & shape of the fishing buoy and the installation method of the reflector to improve the radar detection range of the fishing buoy. It was found that changing the material through aluminum tape and the triangular trihedral corner reflector were effective in increasing the detection distance. Based on the results of this study, further research on the stable expansion of the radar detection range of the fishing buoy will be conducted.