Marport Developing New Broadband Acoustics Technology for Sonars and Echo Sounders

Historically, fishermen have used many different techniques to find and harvest fish. However, acoustic technology has been one of the most important driving forces behind the development of the modern commercial fisheries. Sound waves travel differently through fish than through water because a fish's air-filled swim bladder has a different density than seawater. This density difference allows the detection of schools of fish by using reflected sound. Acoustic technology is especially well suited for underwater applications since sound travels farther and faster underwater than in air. The properties of sound traveling through seawater are important to the communication of many marine creatures as well as to human navigation, finding and catching fish, and fisheries research.

Today, commercial fishing vessels rely almost completely on acoustic sonar (Sound Navigation And Ranging) and sounders to detect fish. The reflected sound pressure wave is received and converted into an electrical signal visible on the ships sonar / sounder screen. The elapsed time between transmit and receive signal provides range information, whereas the intensity of the receive signal can provide information on the

size and number of fish. Fishermen also use active sonar and echo sounder technology to determine water depth, bottom contour, and bottom composition.

February 1, 2006

Marport Developing Broadband Acoustics Technology for Sonars and Echo Sounders In 2003 Marport began researching and developing acoustic sensing, processing and

broadband communication technologies. These technologies are now being commercialized into new types of sonar and sounder instrumentation that may break new ground in the field of sustainable harvesting. In the fall of 2005 Marport released Trawl Explorer; the worlds most technically

advanced and flexible digital net sounder. The unit combines Marport's latest underwater acoustic, signal processing and software technologies into a powerful and cost effective

wireless net sounder. The all-new sounder can operate in dual frequencies and provides multi-function display modes. The unit is completely controlled by easy-to-use software

operating on a bridge PC and many of the acoustic receiver and digital signal processing techniques have been designed using the latest in software defined radio technology.

Screen shot of Trawl Explorer showing approximately 20 tonnes of redfish.

February 1, 2006

Marport Developing Broadband Acoustics Technology for Sonars and Echo Sounders Oskar Axelsson, Marport's Executive Vice President of Sales said, The technologies that

we've developed have been first deployed in our Trawl Explorer. This new product has a very long battery life, extended transmission range and significantly higher resolution of fish detection in and around the trawl opening. In addition, we've used signaling protocols that enable the Trawl Explorer's underwater unit to be 100% compatible with

Furuno's CN-24 bridge equipment. This is proving to be a very popular retro-fit. Karl Kenny, Marport's President & CEO said, Our customers are facing increased market demands for fresher fish, faster at-sea turnarounds and ways to lower their fuel and operating costs. These customers consider their acoustic products to be mission critical, and have looked to Marport for over 10 years to supply them with sophisticated

fish finding electronics. We are delivering on this requirement with the most advanced sensing, processing and communication technologies. Later this year, we expect to

announce a new series of broadband multifunction sounders and sonars for commercial fisheries as well as emerging opportunities in ocean science and defense. About Marport

Marport is a leading deep sea technology company that designs and manufactures a comprehensive range of sensing, processing and broadband communications products

for use in commercial fisheries, ocean science, offshore energy and defense. All Marport products are based on proven hardware with features to ensure error-free operation in the harshest of ocean environments.