Autolining has become the preferred method for harvesting cod for Glen Best, one of the owners of four family-operated fishing vessels, including two rigged with automated longline systems.
‘Our goal is simple – to deliver high quality seafood from sustainable fisheries with minimal impact on the environment we rely on, and achieve the best possible value for our catch,’ he said.
The family’s two multi species vessels Donald’s Legacy and Nautical Prince are outfitted with Mustad Autoline Coastal Systems, and there’s no doubt the technology has made an impact.
‘In 2025, we had exceptional year in our cod fishery, with a 300% increase over our best year since acquiring the Mustad technology. With cod quotas expected to rise I feel our business is well positioned with the investment we have made into Mustad Coastal Systems,’ he said, commenting that for some years they have been anticipating the return of a commercial cod fishery.
‘This is a clean and bottom-friendly gear with minimal bycatch. When a trip ends, all gear is back on board and ready for the next trip. The system gives us the flexibility to switch between fisheries within a day – a major advantage on a multi-species vessel.’ Glen Best commented that the decision to invest in the Mustad Autoline system came at a pivotal time, with cod stocks returning after moratorium of more than thirty years – and they knew that diversification would be key to continued success.
‘Today we operate with crew of seven. While we are still learning and still figuring out ways to become better, the system runs very efficiently. Our vessels fish up to four days out of Newfoundland, setting approximately 12,000 hooks per day. Auto lining is an efficient and responsible way to fish,’ he said.
‘We are continuously improving. We visited experienced fishermen in Iceland and Norway to learn how to enhance our harvesting and processing through new technology with the goal of quality and efficiency.’
