UK-based fishing tech company SafetyNet Technologies (SNTech) are launching CatchCam, an underwater video camera designed for commercial fishing, at Pacific Marine Expo in Seattle in November 2022.
CatchCam allows mobile and static gear fishermen to easily record and review footage of their fishing gear in action. As a result, fishermen can gain insight into their fishing gear performance, such as catchability and the effectiveness of by-catch mitigation techniques. This provides opportunities to make quick alterations as needed to improve catches and save time and costs.
Fishermen and scientists can use CatchCam to monitor the effect of fishing on the marine environment, as habitat monitoring becomes an increasing prominent feature of fisheries management. CatchCam provides fishermen with the capability to gather valuable, direct evidence on the true impact of fishing on marine habitats.
The CatchCam kit includes a camera and LED lamp unit that attaches to the fishing gear. Both the camera and LED Lamp are controlled wirelessly via remote control. Once retrieved, the footage can be reviewed on the CatchCam app while the CatchCam is still on the fishing gear.
The system allows users to record 24 hours of footage between charges, making it ideal for commercial fishing operations. It is also completely wireless and eradicates the need to swap out memory cards or batteries. Both the camera and LED lamp are charged in a lock-and-load wireless charging station.
The camera has configurable settings allowing it to be tuned to fishing conditions, including variable frame rate, a delay timer and gain settings for low light conditions.
‘Now we have the opportunity to see how our nets are performing in the water. It means we can catch as much as we’re allowed in a shorter period of time,’ said Ian Wightman, skipper of fishing vessel Eilidh Anne, commenting on his experience of using CatchCam.
SNTech will be at Stand 926 at Pacific Marine Expo (17-19th Nov).
