New feature expected to help worldwide fishermen improve catch rates - Orbital Imaging Corporation (Orbimage) announced the launch of a new feature to its world renowned SeaStarSM Fisheries Information Service. Sub-Surface Temperature Information is now available to all subscribers of Orbimage''s SeaStarSM Service as an additional component to support the analysis of probable fishing grounds. Orbimage''s SeaStarSM Service is used to support fishing operations for tuna and swordfish as well as other surface dwelling fish such as mackerel, sardines, anchovy, and herring.
The new Sub-Surface Temperature information feature is offered at two depths, 50 meters and 150 meters, and is available worldwide.
This new information will further assist long liners and purse seiners to identify the best regions for locating tuna and other species when used in conjunction with other surface information already provided with Orbimage's SeaStarSM Service such as plankton con-centrations (derived from Orbimage's OrbView-2 "SeaWiFS" satellite), surface currents, sea surface temperatures, sea surface height and weather information.
These information layers are sent as data files by email to each fishing vessel where they are viewed and analysed in the form of maps using Orbimage's OrbMapTM software.
Sub-Surface Temperature in-formation is determined by modelling the sub-surface thermal changes that would cause the satellite-observed changes in Sea Surface Temperature and Sea Surface Height.
The predicted temperature distributions are calibrated with in-situ observations and historical records, as well as interactive techniques that help increase their accuracy.
