“It’s a big step towards a future where catch selection starts before the gear even reaches the surface”, said CatchCam Technologies in their recent LinkedIn post.
Precision Seafood Harvesting and Bioeconomy Science Institute collaborated with CatchCam Technologies to test a prototype imaging system placed inside the FloMo codend enabling the team to see a live catch in close to real-time.
Hook & Net covers the innovative trial conducted in the Tasman Bay of New Zealand onboard the 40-foot trawler, Okarito. Using an acoustic link, CatchCam transmitted images from the codend to the wheelhouse every few seconds, giving the skipper information needed to assess the catch before hauling. If required, the FloMo codend allows the skipper to remotely release, allowing the catch to escape at depth before hauling.
Every fisher knows the challenge of not being able to see unwanted catches and protected species until it’s too late so this is a significant innovation for the fishing industry.
While the imaging gear is a prototype, further development is taking place so it can become commercially ready, bringing the industry a big step closer to being able to detect and release.
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FloMo. A better way to fish.