Multi-beam sonar is a key tool in planning how to deploy an innovative scallop harvesting strategy in Norwegian waters.
Ava Ocean’s converted supply vessel Arctic Pearl has been outfitted to operate a high-tech gentle harvesting method for scallops, and was granted a licence on the basis of its low-impact method of operation. Conventional scallop fishing with dredges has been prohibited for many years in Norwegian waters.
The vessel is expected to harvest around 15,000 tonnes of scallops in the Barents Sea, and are using a WASSP multi-beam sonar supplied by Furuno Norge to streamline and optimise their operations.
‘We use WASSP as a planning tool and for mapping the seabed. We have to be gentle and take care of the seabed and WASSP is a useful tool to use ahead of catching. Based on bathymetry and backscatter information in WASSP, we find the safest and densest areas of scallop shells,’ said skipper Preben Molnes.
It’s integrated with Arctic Pearl’s Time Zero Professional chartplotter.
According to Furuno Norge, this system has all the features needed for fishing and navigation. It includes full BarentsWatch integration, 3D depth database and fishery charts for Norwegian waters. TimeZero Professional consists of a processor with support for up to three screens. A wide selection of integration licenses is offered for Furuno equipment, including easy network connection to Furuno network radar and sonar modules, camera solutions.
‘This makes TimeZero Professional a very flexible integration platform for navigation and fish tracking,’ A Furuno Norge representative commented.
Arctic Pearl is fishing in depths of 80-120 metres, with the scallops picked from the seabed and placed in a container to be brought to the surface with minimal damage and an insignificant by-catch level.
To make this operation as gentle as possible, they use the WASSP F3X multi-beam sonar in the planning phase.
This enables Arctic Pearl’s wheelhouse team to avoid damage to the seabed, as well as to the highly sophisticated and expensive harvesting system. WASSP F3Xis a multi-beam sonar designed for the fully digital DRX transducer. This gives them a maximum depth of 500-600 metres. With broadband CHIRP technology and multi-beam, it provides a 120° visual representation of the vertical section.
