Norwegian company Fisknett AS has developed a new electronic recording and reporting system (ERS) called ''eCatch – electronic catch logbook''.
The system will primarily benefit the skipper and the vessel’s company staff onshore and, secondarily, will comply with upcoming requirements from Fisheries Authorities, such as EC regulation no 1566/2007. This regulation requires that all vessels larger than 24m must send daily electronic catch reports to the relevant Fisheries Authority from 1 January 2010.
eCatch is a software package to be installed onboard the vessel. The system integrates with all maritime communications systems normally in use onboard fishing vessels, such as Inmarsat C, B, Mini-M, F, Fleet Broadband, Iridium, Globalstar, GSM, VSAT and others.
The production/catch is recorded easily and efficiently, and the skipper sends electronic catch reports to its own company and the relevant Fisheries Authority by the click of a mouse. Also, the system contains electronic reports that are compatible with NEAFC, NAFO and CCMLR reporting schemes.
eCatch is also a very efficient and flexible documentation system that creates the necessary information easily for the skipper, the fleet manager, or the company’s sales representative.
eCatch has been developed in close cooperation with Aker Seafoods, one of Norway’s leading producers and exporters of fish products. eCatch has been in practical use on the company’s 14 trawlers for more than a year.
