Notus’ Seinemaster has been providing critical information on depth, sink rate and temperature for many years, and now major improvements in the system have been made to provide additional, critical information to purse seiners.
These improvements were made as a result of a relationship established with Marco Global of Seattle. Marco now supplies the Seinemaster to the west coast fleet of the US.
The most important feature added is the alignment of the cork line and lead line. This information coupled with depth and sink rate, gives the captain total geometry of the seine. If the lead line is behind the cork line (i.e. further away from the vessel than the cork line) fish can swim downward and escape. If the lead line is in front of the cork line, fish are deflected upwards and stay in the seine.
Furthermore, this alignment provides a better picture of exactly how the seine looks underwater. For example, captains can easily see if currents are taking the lead line away from the vessel. Up to three sets of alignment and depth sensors can be used simultaneously.
Skippers using distance have already remarked that this feature is just as critical as depth and sink rate, and Notus says that it is the only company to offer this capability.
Other features available in the new Seinemaster software include the ability to accept NMEA strings for sounder depth and RPM’s from the engine. The alignment feature is displayed graphically so the captain can easily detect misaligned gear.
