Commercial fishing is a traditional industry, often passed down through generations. Yet, as the industry faces tighter controls and increased scrutiny, it must abandon its old ways and embrace new technologies to survive. SafetyNet Technologies is leading the way, working to integrate Precision Fishing tools and AI to transform commercial fishing and keep its traditions alive.
Innovative Technology Shaping the Future of Commercial Fishing
Innovation is not new to fishing. Fishermen all over the world are continuously innovating and improvising on a daily basis. However, digital technologies now play a greater role in fishing operations, helping deliver more precise and efficient fishing.
A Scottish fisherman explained it as: “We have no desire to be out at sea all day every day; if we can fish more precisely, everybody is a winner. The crew’s job on deck becomes easier, and the boat becomes more profitable as we will need to input less resources to catch the fish”.
SafetyNet Technologies products are built for Precision Fishing, and the CatchCam camera is a testament to that.
A Robust Camera for Fishermen's Needs
Since its launch in 2022, CatchCam has been making waves in commercial fishing. “Initially, It was a simple camera that could show the fishing gear in action. We knew we had to create something compact, sturdy and easy to use on the deck of a boat. However, tiny details you would take for granted in other industries became deal breakers on boats, and as design engineers, we had to learn fast,” shares SafetyNet Technologies’ CTO, Aran Dasan.
Since creation, CatchCam’s battery life has doubled, lamp brightness quadrupled, and new gear attachments have increased versatility. With an 800-metre depth rating and a 100-hour battery life, the camera is now a trusted tool for many fishermen not only throughout the UK, but also in locations such as the Falkland Islands, Bering Sea, and Australia. By recording underwater footage, it provides clear evidence of gear performance and catch behaviour. This helps crews monitor fishing gear, improve bycatch mitigation, and enhance operations for a better catch.
“The payback can be quick when you’re not fishing right. Seeing the problem lets you fix it straight away and I’ve seen us find and fix an issue in one haul. To someone like us that can be worth over £1,000 a day”, shares skipper Darren McClements, after integrating the CatchCam camera into his operations.
Collaboration Driving Innovation in the Fishing Industry
The key to these improvements is collaboration. Commercial fishermen like Darren bring experience and insights from aboard fishing vessels. But partners like fishery scientists and researchers are also part of the solution.
“Snagging and chaffing are two words that we were never taught in University, but now they are the first two that come to mind as we design products for fishing. Practicality is key to our customers,” adds engineer Jacob Boast as he guides us through the journey of manufacturing the CatchCam camera.
An example of collaborative approach, is the project with the Virginia Institute of Marine Science (VIMS) on the US East Coast, which aimed to develop bycatch solutions in the scallop fishery with skipper Billy Hullbig and his crew.
Another project was the creation of the ‘CatchCam Flyer.’ This, integrated CatchCam with Vónin technology to film gear interaction with the seafloor, overcoming challenges posed by weather conditions and higher headlines.
Independent initiatives are also growing. For instance, the Shetland Fish Producers’ Organisation (SFPO) recently adopted CatchCam cameras to improve catching techniques and save on fuel. These collaborations exemplify SafetyNet Technologies’ commitment to finding solutions for the unique needs of the fishing community.
Ocean Data and AI: The Next Step in Sustainable Fishing
With climate change influencing fishery patterns, and growing pressure from regulatory organisations, one thing is clear: the future of fishing lies in innovative technology and collaboration.
SafetyNet Technologies is helping to understand underwater conditions through visual evidence, with the deployment of CatchCam Cameras. But also through oceanic data, with the latest SeaSensor tool, which captures ocean data like temperature, salinity and turbidity to better predict and manage fisheries.
“The world is facing many challenges and often design and engineering is somewhat disconnected from the solutions to those challenges,’’ adds Aran Dasan.
SafetyNet Technologies has made significant advances in hardware and wear-and-tear components, and its software is just as important. CatchCam videos are now easier to retrieve and watch, comprehensive sensor technology is nearing launch, and the product team is currently working on their latest challenge: integrating AI.
This will enable scientists, conservationists, and industry professionals to efficiently analyse large underwater video datasets for habitat monitoring, biodiversity assessments, and industrial activities, ensuring reliable data for marine ecosystem monitoring and protection.
At SafetyNet Technologies, engineers, fishermen, and scientists work together to develop innovative solutions tailored to real-world fishing needs, making a measurable impact on ocean health and sustainability.
