For some time, the Notus Trawlmaster has been the trawl monitoring system of choice for several European and Canadian fisheries.
Now more and more US trawlers are installing Notus. In 2006 Notus installed systems in Maine, Massachusetts, Connecticut, Rhode Island and New York.
A typical system installed in the US monitors doorspread, headline height, temperature and measures the trawl wires. The unique feature of accurately measuring each trawl wire is critical to ensure proper gear geometry.
Skipper David Haggerty of FV “Harmony” comments: “We’ve had great success with Notus floundering as I can keep my net straight on harder bottom.”
By keeping the doors square and measuring other crucial trawl parameters, the Trawlmaster increases fishing. If there is something wrong with the gear, the system indicates it immediately. Skipper Vincenzo Russo of FV “Miss Trish” says: “I’m catching more with Notus because I know my gear is right all the time.”
Many US customers have limited days at sea. Notus ensures that the trawl gear is working efficiently on every tow. The results are better catch rates at a reduced fuel consumption.
Smaller US trawlers are also seeing benefits. Skipper Charlie Brayton of FV “Kelsi & Morgan” comments: “We put the Trawlmaster on and found a door problem immediately. We would have never found the gear problem without the system as the shine on the doors looked OK.” Surprisingly, this problem was discovered by the warp measurement and was not as apparent by just observing doorspread.
Notus also offers solutions for twin riggers (the Notus UK office specialises in this type of fishing). Skipper Gary Yerman of US twin rigger FV “Mystic Way” comments “We are more than satisfied with the Notus equipment and service. We’ve been improving our trawl gear.” On a twin rig, Notus monitors the spread on each net, measures all three trawl wires and calculates a middle wire adjustment.
