STM Products SRL is an industrial electronics company based in Verona, and the producer of the Dolphin Dissuasive Device - DDD®.
This device – pinger, acoustic deterrent - is tied to fishing nets and produces random ultrasound signals which dolphins dislike and so keeps them away, for the benefit the mammals and the fishing industry.
The DDD is activated at contact with water and is powered by rechargeable batteries.
The randomisation of the signals is very important to avoid the dolphins getting used to it.
Two models are available - DDD03 and DDD04i.
There are four versions of the DDD03: L for ports and aquaculture, N for long set nets, H for short set nets, purse seine, trawlers and longlines and U for squid fishing.
The new DDD04i – interactive - is equipped with a sensor for detecting the presence of the dolphins in the area and this signal activates the device which otherwise remains mute.
The DDDs are in use in the Mediterranean, North Atlantic, Indian and Pacific seas. Some customers have reported that it is also effective enough to care and protect from killer whales, sea lions, seals, otters and manatees.
