Mustad Autoline will launch the SeaBird Saver™ at this year’s Nor-Fishing exhibition.
The Seabird Saver is the first effective laser solution, which has been patented for the commercial fishing fleet, to help prevent seabird bycatch and bait loss.
The product has been tested on board the Icelandic longliner Tjaldur, and the captain, Jónas Jónasson, was so impressed by the effectiveness of the SeaBird Saver™ that he bought it for the boat. The product has received a lot of positive attention, and has been pre-launched and sold to projects in Norway, Iceland and Australia. The Longline Fisheries Association Russia is also testing the product for their members. The Seabird Saver has also been nominated as one of the three candidates for this year’s Nor-Fishing Innovation Award.
At the exhibition, Mustad will also present an upgraded version of the Autoline LineController™ System with new hardware and software. The LineController™ System is a database system that allows the skipper to take control of the setting and hauling process when autolining. The system is able to monitor and control the power, speed, baiting percentage etc. from a touchscreen in the wheelhouse. The new version of the LineController™ System can also be operated by tablets via Team Viewer.
The Autoline HookSeparator SP2000-03 version that allows efficient and high speed re-racking of hooks and line will also be on display. Compared to the SP2000-02, the SP2000-03 version is raised by 150mm to enable the exit rail to slope. This modification allows the hooks to slide smoother and farther in the direction of the storage magazine which has been proven to be less labour intensive.
Finally, Mustad has launched the Mustad Autoline Service Agreement, as one of a number of initiatives aimed at continuously improving service. With this Service Agreement, one of the company’s technical supervisors inspects and evaluates the condition of the equipment every year, which means that operators are able to plan for and perform necessary maintenance.
