US based Western Marine Electronics (WESMAR) has received an order for its Model HD860 sonar for installation on the second largest fishing vessel in British Columbia (BC), the ‘FV Raw Spirit’.
The 44m factory trawler, which recently underwent extensive work, is owned by Andersen Seafoods Ltd, Fisher Bay Seafood Ltd and Canadian Fishing Company.
WESMAR’s Model HD860 sonar with 10 inch soundome has been ordered to improve the vessel’s fishing efficiency. It will enable the vessel to see fish close to the surface and close to the bottom of the seabed.
The sonar incorporates electronic beam stabilisation technology which has been developed and refined by the company – a precision electronic gyro is mounted on the sonar transducer. WESMAR’s active stabilisation ensures the beam is constantly corrected for pitch and roll whenever it is scanning. This ensures it stays on the fish even in rough seas.
The 931 tonne FV Raw Spirit will be used to fish for Pacific hake, pollock and arrow tooth flounder on the western coast of BC, Canada.
Fishing trips will vary between 10 and 13 days due to the vessel’s capacity of 327,000 kg of fish and accommodations for a crew of 22.
