A Nelson IT company is on the verge of “greatly improving” the fishing industry, with a fixed camera that captures a 360 degree view of an entire fishing boat.
Those behind the technology say it will replace the need for an on-board observer, allow companies to improve their business and provide proof they are fishing in an environmentally sustainable way.
The cameras are part of a joint project between Trident Systems and the Ministry of Fisheries, which is being led by Nelson-based Colin Williams. The aim of the project is to use technology to better monitor what happens on fishing boats.
That led to Nelson’s SnapIT getting involved and they’ve created a camera called FishEye, which has been trialled for the past 18 months on boats from Timaru, Auckland and Fiji. The research and development phase is almost over and SnapIT’s chief executive Chris Rodley says the cameras will be ready for the market at the start of next year.
Colin, who is a contractor to Trident Systems – a cooperative funded by 14 commercial fishing companies – says it’s the most exciting development the fishing industry has seen in years. “It’s massive, it’s a giant step for the industry. With this technology we can get ultimate sustainability, well-managed fisheries and well-behaved people. It’s truly collaborative between the industry and the government.”
Colin has 25 years’ experience in the fishing industry and says its been his job to be the link between those running the fishing boats and Chris and his team, the “tech geeks”.
“Because I work from the same office as the SnapIT guys, we have a great collaborative approach and way of solving problems and making the product better.”
Chris says the project has consumed his company. While they already had the technology to shoot the footage needed, they’ve completely redesigned the camera to make it smaller, lighter and cheaper, and they are now working on ways to trawl through the “tonnes” of data the cameras collect.
“We’ve taken on three new designers and have had great support from the Nelson EDA and the government for grants.”
The innovation has also led to Snapit HD being named a finalist in this year’s New Zealand Innovator Awards.
To vote for Snapit in the people’s choice section of the awards, see fluidsurveys.com/s/Peo ples-Choice-Awards-2014/
