The Icelandic Vaki-DNG TrawlTec system has proved to be a success for its users. The system monitors wire tension and wire length. According to Mr. Norman C. Anderson, Master of Seattle based trawler F/V Alaskan Rose, the use of this system has reduced the gear work and web cost as much as 1/3.
"Fishing in heavy currents we're able to always keep our net square to bottom, cutting down on bycatch and trawl/wing damage.
I'm keeping my deck crew in the factory making us money, not repairing gear endlessly because our gear was towing with wing down in heavy current. I would whole heartly recommend this system to anyone who does not have an autotrawl system. I call it my poor mans autotrawl, " says Norman C. Anderson.
Because of the sensitivity of the system the master or first mate are able to see hangs before the vessel slows and take immediate action to avoid damages on the gear.
Vaki-DNG has sold the TrawlTec system to over 100 satisfied customers around the world.
Vaki-DNG is constantly working on product developments and the catch sensor is one of the products that the company has recently launched.
The sensor operates on same frequencies as traditional catch sensors from other suppliers and can use the same receiver and monitor, or the one from Vaki-DNG. The frequency is adjustable in each sensor, so there is no need to have sensors with different frequency, because it can be adjusted at sea with simple operation. Furthermore, if vessel has installed the TrawlTec system, the catch sensor signal can be displayed on same monitor as the TrawlTec.
The sensor is rechargable and it takes only 2 hrs to recharge. The charge last up to 10-14 hrs.
