A pair of CatchCam gear-mounted cameras have been acquired by the Shetland Fish Producers’ Organisation for use by member vessels, and these have already returned positive results.
Developed by SafetNet Technologies, the CatchCams are rigged to the trawl gear, allowing recorded footage to be retrived and when the gear is hauled, and for skippers to then make alterations to improve efficiency and to filter out by-catch, as well as reducing drag to minimise fuel consumption.
‘Using the CatchCam meant you could see if your net was properly on the bottom, if the hoppers were hard down or bouncing along. If your net is light on the bottom you are not going to be catching species like monkfish, and you are just wasting fuel. We were able to make adjustments to correct this,’ reported Ellis Fullerton, skipper of Angelina LK-377.
‘For me the best thing about using it was peace of mind. It answered a lot of questions that I have had for many years of fishing. There is nothing like seeing what goes on with your own eyes via the camera. It’s great that the PO has invested in these, giving everybody in the fleet a chance to make their fishing more efficient. It’s much needed as fuel is so expensive.’
Ian Shearer, who skippers Courageous LK-470, said that after some trial and error, he and his crew were able to make some alterations to their towing to improve their technique.
‘We found them really good, easy to use, and would certainly like to have another go again in the future,’ he said.
‘Our fishing crews in Shetland are committed to sustainable and efficient fishing methods, and our investment in this technology will support them in understanding and adapting their fishing gear with even greater confidence than was previously possible,’ commented SFPO chief executive Brian Isbister.
‘Early uptake from our member vessels has been encouraging, and we’re confident that these CatchCams units will be an excellent tool in continuing to work towards the long-term aspirations that we in Shetland have for our fisheries, and our community.’
