Member Article

Catch to Consumer Technology Reinvents Fisheries Data Collection…

New, free to download app technology that provides fishermen with an easy-to-use, future proof means of digitally recording fishing activity as it occurs, as well as offering instant access to and ownership of personal data, has been launched by SuccorfishM2M.

Catch App is a revolutionary new fisheries management app that is being seen as a real solution to a growing need for much improved data evidence within global commercial fisheries. Designed by SuccorfishM2M and developed in conjunction with Blue Marine Foundation, it provides the industry with a complete, up-to-date, online digital diary that gives users access to their own fishing data as well as the ability to share it with whom they choose.

Catch App integrates seamlessly with the SuccorfishM2M SC2-iVMS system to provide a highly detailed, real time picture of vessel location and activities. Taking less than two minutes to complete, it digitally stores and submits catch entries that are typically recorded on paper and allows fishermen to compare gear, bait and season performance as well as calculate catch per unit effort in a bid to encourage efficient practices and fisheries sustainability.

The app promotes total traceability by allowing instant catch reporting prior to landing. It can manage quotas through efficient, real-time reporting, allows fishermen to configure the system according to local parameters and fully supports the need for documented fisheries.

Additionally Catch App can be configured to meet legal reporting requirements such as e- log and provides critical fisheries and environmental evidence for effective marine management.

Tom Rossiter, Head of Marine at SuccorfishM2M, explained, “The demand for improved evidence within global commercial fisheries is apparent and fishermen are the key to changing, implementing and improving data collection methods for the benefit of the whole industry as well as the wider community.

“Catch App has been designed specifically for fishermen and our first hand experience of the industry has allowed us to provide a modern solution that will eliminate many of the problems and concerns voiced by the parties involved. Its easy to use format allows

evidence to be submitted as soon as it is recorded and in less than two minutes, and this, in effect, will free up valuable fishing time. Fishermen will be able to log and securely store all personal data online in a few simple steps, and have instant access to it whenever they wish. This has never been possible before.

“Catch App is a major step forward for the fishing industry and its implementation could become the solution for effective data collection by fishermen and marine authorities in the future.”

Catch App is available to download from the App Store.

SuccorfishM2M is at the forefront of international commercial fisheries development and its robust, fit for purpose, machine-to-machine (M2M) hardware, software and data communication systems provide unrivalled industry solutions. The company’s marine products have led to worldwide agencies proactively delivering sustainable fisheries programmes as well as fishermen boosting livelihoods. For more details go to www.succorfish.com/fisheries

ENDS Nov 2015

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by George Henricks .