Fishery 1 Fishery

2 FISHERY FISHERY 3 COMPANY PROFILE 10 Sharing knowledge through trainings and services 7 12 They put their trust in us SEAPIX 16 3D Volumic sonar 18 A next generation fishery acoustic system 20 Fishery hydro acoustic systems 14 22 SeapiX range 24 Biomass discrimation 26 Fish finding 28 Fish classification 30 Seabed description 32 Fishing operation management

APPLICATIONS 37 Pelagic trawling 43 Bottom trawling 49 Tuna & purse seining 35 55 Fishery research

4 FISHERYFISHERY FISHERY 5 COMPANY PROFILE

6 FISHERYFISHERY FISHERY 7 iXblue stands as a global leader in the Combining Making Trusting iXblue design and manufacturing of innovative iXblue stands as a solutions for the navigation, imagery and the mastery of technology experts to positioning markets. Using its unique technology and accessible & implement technologies, the company offers its agility to solve adapting it tomorrow’s global leader in customers turnkey high-technology solutions, enabling them to address our customers’ to individual solutions the design and increased challenges and carry out issues customer needs. their operations with optimum efficiency and safety. At iXblue, we strongly It is our responsibility not only iXblue has always been manufacturing of believe that mastering to push technology forward an avant-garde high- iXblue is recognized throughout the technology is key to finding but also to make it accessible technology company: it is in industry for its expertise and products the answers to unsolved to our customers, In addition our DNA. By working with innovative solutions in underwater imaging, for its questions. We believe it is to adapting it to their very our experts, you choose acoustic positioning systems, and our responsibility to provide specific needs we must make to rely on our unique its range of fiber-optic gyroscope our customers with clear it easy to use, and easy to expertise and be visionary. for the navigation and (FOG) inertial navigation systems solutions. To that end, we master. That is why we strive You implement today’s (INS) which has revolutionized are capable of pushing to make our solutions: innovative solutions which subsea navigation in the last decade, technology beyond its will become tomorrow’s positioning markets. providing unequalled performance existing limits. • Tailored to customers’ standards. You embrace and cost of ownership benefits. Mastering technology also specific needs technological breakthrough. means being agile: in a • Easy to integrate The trust you place in iXblue complex and changing and deploy allows us to always go environment, iXblue is • Compatible with further and push technology convinced that our flexibility third-party sensors beyond its limits. allows us to find the • Easy to use solutions that best fit our • Reliable customers’ needs. • Cost-efficient

88 FISHERYFISHERY FISHERY 9 SeapiX, 3D Multi- beam Echo Sounder SHARING KNOWLEDGE in qualibration tank THROUGH TRAINING AND SERVICES

Extensive expertise A dedicated team of experts Training 24/7 Support in subsea imagery Both manufacturing and Based in La Ciotat (France), our At iXblue, we care about your Underpinned by extensive assistance in implementing team of skilled professionals peace of mind and we stand experience in the field of iXblue technology is led provide customers with regular behind our products and subsea imagery, iXblue has by a dedicated team of training courses throughout solutions. Our trained support developed a complete range experienced experts on the the year, including: teams offer 24/7 assistance, of imagery solutions to meet fishery market. • Fishery acoustic theory, made easy thanks to the the operational requirements Combining both theoretical • Operation theory remote control of the SeapiX of fishermen. knowledge and on-hands • Fish classification operation consoles, and provide you with Based on a strategy of offshore experience, iXblue • Fishery research theory, top quality service, helping excellence and constant team of experts has formed • Operations at sea you meet your day-to-day innovation, iXblue systems close ties with fishermen • Scientific data processing, objectives. leverage the most advanced which enables them to come • Installation and and proven imagery up with the most relevant maintenance technologies for efficient and and innovative products reliable operations at sea. and solutions for the fishery market.

10 FISHERY FISHERY 11 They trust iXblue

1212 FISHERYFISHERY FISHERY 13 SEAPIX

14 FISHERYFISHERY FISHERY 15 3D VOLUME SONAR

Complete fishery ecosystem monitoring, from water column fish discrimination to seabed mapping and classification

As a military technology SeapiX generates one or more Its accuracy achieves an SeapiX is a new proven covered by a number of scan swaths along or across a unparalleled level, thanks to its technology, which will be vessel’s axis, providing total narrowest beams (1.6° x 1.6°), its updated every year with new patents, SeapiX is the first three-dimensional coverage advanced acoustic modulation features. It has been compact civilian system of the water column (in principles (resolution +-7.5 developed to provide comprising a dual Mills Cross order to provide metrological cm only) and its embedded fishermen and scientists with multibeam sonar transducer. target strength and volume motion sensor (each array has a next generation acoustic This technology provides backscattering strength) as stabilizing beams with a micro- instrument for more accurate unique volume coverage well as a bathymetric profile electric-mechanical systems biomass assessment. of the seabed and sediment (MEMS) sensor included in the Its advanced hardware and the highest volume identification analysis. sonar head)). Its transducer technology allows permanent resolution. generates several multibeam development of new Each detection operation in transmissions and acoustic processing operations the water column is referenced processes to yield quantitative and functions offering in 3D and is automatically and qualitative measurements new indicators. represented on a map created of the marine environment. To meet the requirements in real time, including local Its multiple advanced of the field, iXblue offers a bathymetry. According to IHO modulation modes, including complete range of SeapiX standards, SeapiX’s bathymetry, CHIRP, combined with pulse versions dedicated to fishery, when combined with external compression, guarantee the research and industrial high-quality motion reference highest possible detection applications. units, is “Special Order” level. performance, even in harsh environments.

16 FISHERY FISHERY 17 A NEXT GENERATION FISHERY ACOUSTIC SYSTEM

Downward-looking 120° 120°121200°0° Facing constraints in of instrument for the fishing The SeapiX’s very high “3D 120°12020° productivity and fish stock industry and research: 3D pixel” resolution and its large management, the fishing MBES based on steerable volume coverage are two industry has to compromize symmetrical Mills Cross arrays, main conditions for making between selectivity and called “3D Sonar”. fish species classification profitability in their operations. As in standard MBES, The and realistic abundance Therefore new expectations original architecture of the assessment possible. have arisen for the SeapiX makes it possible to development of an innovative analyze a cross-section of the instrument capable of: water column and seabed and also to steer these sections • Searching a high water in the fore or aft direction of volume and a large area the vessel as well as swath of seabed in real-time analysis of the water column • Providing the highest spatial and bottom fore-and-aft resolution possible for sections. individual discrimination Side-looking Forward-looking • Analyzing a large number Steering capability in of individual fish transmission and reception allows120°12020° a volume of 120° × 120° 120°12020° 120° 120° 120°121200°0° 120°121200°0° Neither standard single/ to be covered below the ship split beam sounders or with a 1.6° × 1.6° beam aperture MBES provide this type of on the antenna axis mapping. information, due to the Three simultaneous angle- reconstruction time in the adjustable echograms from fishing zone’s volume. . the desired swath To address this need, iXblue are processed. has developed a new type

18 FISHERY FISHERY 19 FISHERY HYDROACOUSTIC SYSTEMS

Since 1950, fisheries have For a more realistic Volume resolution and range operated using hydro assessment, new advanced Key features acoustics systems to assist in features in hydroacoustic (At 100 m Having high resolution 3D fish abundance evaluation. instruments are required: Depth/distance) pixels in water, SeapiX provides Very simple time-distance 1 – The highest volume unexpected operating vertical sounder systems were resolution possible in order to • 3D pixel resolution range according to its hight installed on board fishing distinguish individual fish, even of volume: 0,6 m3 frequency. Its provides the vessels. Later, search light when scattered. • Water volume search: best of systems: Range similar and omni sonar systems 2 - The capacity to fully were developed to locate describe a shoal of fish in 4 Million m3 ah lower Frequency system, shoals. By the 1980s, scientists order to provide realistic fish while it provides unique had also developed a new abundance and behaviour. high resolution for realistic method to determine biomass To comply with these fish discrimination and using a vertical sounder demanding requirements, classification. with “echo-Integration”. The iXblue has developed latest development for both a genuine ”three-way” Typical range (m) scientists and fishermen acoustic system, i.e. the was the introduction of fish 3D volume sonar. 750 target analysis by “split beam” Based on a dual steerable processing in vertical sounders. multibeam echo sounder 600 This technology has been used (DS-MBES), SeapiX achieves 450 for the last 35 years to determine both very high volume 380 Water column coverage (m ) 3D Pixel (m ) fish stocks and quotas. resolution and a wide water 0 100 200 300 400 500 600 700 800 Fish stock evaluation and column volume description. 4 500 000 30 management is a complex SeapiX offers an ecosystem. 4 083 333 4 000 000 Water column coverage (m ) 30 3D Pixel (m ) field of research, and several It provides 1000 times more 25 ■ Bottom echogram ■ Pelagic Fish 3 500 000 parameters need to be taken water column volume control 4 500 000 30 ■ Bathymetry ■ Near-bottom Fish 3 000 000 4 083 33320 in account, such as fish vessel to assess fish compared to 4 000 000 30 2 500 000 25 avoidance, aggregation modes, classic CHIRP sounders. 3 500 000 15 2 000 000 single-multiple fish target In addition, 3D discrimination 3 000 000 20 confusion, etc. These parameters of an individual fish is 10 1 500 000 10 2 500 000 6 are observed by fishermen times greater than normal 1 000 000 15 2 000 000 5 and scientists, and fisheries CHIRP sounders. 500 000 0,6 3770 1 500 00064 628 10 occasionally face difficulties in 0 0 6 reliably assessing stocks. 1 000 000 Classic CHIRP HF omni sonar SeapiX Classic CHIRP HF5 omni sonar SeapiX sounders 500 @000 120° side sounders 0,6 3770 64 628 0 0

SeapiX seek 1000 times moreClassic CHIRPwater volumeHF omni sonar SeapiXSeapiX has 10 times more resolutionClassic CHIRP for ﬁshHF detectionomni sonar SeapiX sounders @ 120° side sounders 20 FISHERY FISHERY 21 SeapiX seek 1000 times more water volume SeapiX has 10 times more resolution for ﬁsh detection SEAPIX RANGE

SeapiX-F SeapiX-R SeapiX-P

APPLICATIONS Fishery Fishery Research Marine science, fish farming

FREQUENCY 150 Khz

MODULATION CW and CHIRP

ACROSS TRACK MULTIBEAM SWATH 64 channels, stabilized

ALONG TRACK MULTIBEAM SWATH 64 channels, stabilized

BEAM STABILIZATION TX + RX, built-in MRU

BEAM RESOLUTION 1,6° angular / 7,5 cm radial

TRIPLE ECHOGRAMS FROM ALL SWATH Adjustable from 1° to 120° each

TYPICAL RANGE Biomass 400m, Bathymetry 600m

VOLUME RESOLUTION 0,6m3 @100m

VOLUME COVERAGE 120° X 120°

SIGNAL PROCESSING SV, TS, NORM, calibrated

SED FISH EXTRACTION Up to 200.000 single fish detections

TRANSMISSION POWER 2KW (4KW as an option) 4KW 2KW (4KW as an option)

SCIENTIFIC PACK (Option)  

SONAR ANTENA UNIT (SAU) CABLE 20m 20m 10m

SAU WEIGHT 58 Kg 58 Kg 24 Kg, floating

22 FISHERY FISHERY 23 BIOMASS DISCRIMINATION

TS TS TS TS TS TS TS TS TS

TS TS TS TS TS TS TS TS

TS TS TS TS TS TS TS TS Relevant technology for fish analysis TS TS TS TS TS TS TS TS

TS TS TS TS TS TS TS TS Fish discrimination and its providing research institutes As resolution is a key feature To comply with this classification is one of the most with the ability to carry out to the “fish by fish” process, requiremnt, SeapiX provides challenging goals for fishery classifcation through post- the 3D sonar concept brings elementary voxels of 0.6 m3 acoustic devices. processing operations. unparalleled “Volume Echo each, ensuring a realistic fish Integration” (VEI) of an entire backscattering echo level Due to scientific requirements, By developing innovative shoal into very small 3D pixel related to each individual. over the last 30 years 3D sonar technology, iXblue boxes (called “voxels”). manufacturers have developed wanted to provide the fishing The smaller the voxels are, several technics to discriminate community with quicker and the more individual fish SeapiX true target strength (TS) Standard split beam sounder, confusion fish species. The well-known easier methods to discriminate measurements are accurate. measurements of individuals in each of TS measurements of individuals, “split beam” method was the species and the weights of the 128 narrow split beams providing volume backscattering developed and improved, of fish. strength (SV) values most of the time

Revolutionary “Volume Split Beam” technology Proven classification

Split beam sounders usually amplitude signals, target Standard "split beam fish volume water pixels (10 Deployed in many fisheries the performance of SeapiX in 3 demersal species classification results have 4 quadrants to process fish positioning is extremely sizing" sounders on the market times smaller than CHIRP worldwide, SeapiX provides species discrimination. Based 100 target strength (TS) in its 7-10° accurate (+/-0.15° only, while the have shown their limitations in splitbeam sounders) from unique sea-tested classification on 1200 metric tons caught ■ Raw fish SeapiX estimations conical beam. value for standard split beam terms of reliability. the largest statistical sample results, for both pelagic and through 45 tows, the SeapiX by Tows sounders is +/- 0.6°). Volume sonars such as SeapiX in real time (can assess 1000 demersal fish species. GBA classification tool achieved ■ Raw fish observer estimations by Tows SeapiX operates its four half Scientists and fishermen provide a very innovative way times more water volume) ,i.e. a 11% accuracy rate for Atka 50 antennaes (4x32 beams) to can take advantage of these to process classification up to 200.000 single target The SeapiX support team prefers mackerel, 6% for redfish and 5% Provide a split beam calculation most accurate split seam TS realistically. It calculates the processing operations. to carry out survey services on for Pacific cod. For every for its entire volume coverage calculations for single fish most sophisticated single behalf of fishing companies in tow, the results were compared of 120° X 120°. Thanks to its species in an entire shoal fish split beam measurement order to train crews in species to National Oceanic and acoustic array features and in real time. based on the smallest 3D classification. Atmospheric Administration 0 processing of both phasic and Here is an example of an Alaskan (NOAA) scientific findings and MAC RED COD fishing trip on board the fishing Geographical Biomass Analyzer vessel “Alaska Victory”, showing (GBA) samples.

24 FISHERY FISHERY 25 FINDING FISH

Entire biomass in column Single fish Shoal behavior Fish finder echograms

High volume resolution and One or several swaths can be SeapiX simultaneously processes Acoustic signals from all running Volume extraction of biomass, Having the widest coverage each with a suitable angle. coverage enable accurate selected to provide classic both whole shoal and individual swaths are processed thanks to produced by all-directional run- with the highest resolution, A unique featuring of SeapiX is assessments to be made. SeapiX echogram presentation. From detection operations. At any a “single echo detector” (SED) ning swaths, provides a skipper SeapiX is capable of creating its ability to provide trawlers with shows 4 multibeam swaths, a 1° to 120° beam angle, the moment a skipper can choose capable of extracting individuals. with a 2D and 3D understand- fish-finder echograms from forward-looking and backward- searching the entire water SeapiX echogram can obtain the the most relevant signal This feature provides a skipper ing of the acoustic signal of each swath according to the looking echograms in order to column and seabed. These same resolution as a 1.6° beam processing method and thereby with a 2D and 3D volumetric biomass. In addition summary operator’s needs. The echograms anticipate and understand shoal multibeam swaths show regardless of the echogram have a real-time comparison summary representation of all biomass extraction shows time- created in SeapiX provide the behviour while the trawaler is “sonar multibeam” images in opening chosen, thereby between “SV” (shoal gain) the available biomass around scaled fish points in 3D for a full best resolution using the 1.6° approaching the shoal to catch it. 4 sections of a water column ensuring an unparalleled high and “TS” (fish gain). In addition, the vessel. understanding on how shoals beams to create the desired according to the operator’s resolution echogram compared iXblue has developed special aggregate and move. SeapiX’s sectors, and the best coverage Installed as side/forward-looking wishes. This provides volume to normal fish sounders. ”normalized” processing for unique high resolution graphi- obtaining up to a 120° pattern modes, SeapiX provides up to a shoal evaluation and enables fish special applications such as cally shows “shoal polarization” in real time. Regardless of how 0° tilt near-surface looking behavior to be understood. thermocline plankton, shrimp related to each species, SeapiX is installed, it offers up to echograms to below-keel triple and thermocline layer detection 6 echogram arrangements. echograms. For purse seiners (detectable up to 250m). and tuna seiners it performs Traditionally, by using an across 100% control of the shoal from track swath, SeapiX provides the surface to the deeper layers. three echograms from port to starboard covering 2° to 120°,

26 FISHERY FISHERY 27 FISH CLASSIFICATION

Calibrated acoustic fish responses GBA biomass processing

A “single echo detector“ for Each fish detected gives its The GBA (Geographic Biomass A skipper can finely adjust his SeapiX is capable of recovering own acoustic response (TS and Analyzer) algorithm manages fish classes by correlating his a single detection thanks to SV fish response), entered into a and filters all the biomass catch samples and the GBA fish its high acoustic dynamics of large database with time/ points shown in 2D and 3D class adjustments. 139 dB. Every SeapiX system is position/acoustic response tags. mapping views. factory-calibrated to provide SeapiX then carries out unique The use of the GBA function an absolute acoustic value on “Geographical Biomass Analysis” The “Fish Class” editor allows a is highly popular in order to targets during fishing operations. (GBA) capable of sorting skipper to characterize species discriminate species by keeping Combined with unique volume biomass detection by area/ according to acoustic responses only the desired species or layers coverage, it detects thousands layers/ species. related to the individuals on the screen. It also allows and thousands providing similar responses. targeted shoals to be selected of individuals. A statistical calculation is and located by using the performed on large detection echogram or the navigational 2D values (up to 200,000) in order to map. Gear manoeuvring can to show the percentage also be improved. of each fish class in the selected area or layer.

28 FISHERY FISHERY 29 SEABED DESCRIPTION

60° 50° 40°

BS Seabed discrimination

Rock Bathymetry Seabed hardness and classificationSand Side scan imaging Mud

Each multibeam swath can This unique feature is a game As for a water column, seabed An innovative40° and robust50° 60° TheDegres measured BS profile is To create comprehensive provide accurate bathymetric changer for near-bottom acoustic detection is calibrated, method used to classify compared to classified seabed roughness images, measurements in real time. trawling or seining operations, as offering accurate hardness seabeds uses the longitudinal BS profile values in order to SeapiX operates its across track Just as standard hydrographic bathymetric measurements are values while bathymetry is in swath providing a full back discriminate seabed type in swath on both side with various

multibeam sounders do, taken around the vessel, even if it progress. scatter60° strength50° 40° (BS) profile real time. grazing angles. SeapiX builds its starboard-port is not moving or is just drifting. Skippers can evaluate changes measurement (+/- 60° fore bathymetric values by operating between hard and soft bottom and aft aperture) on each In order to build shadowing across track vessel swaths.. Bathymetry measurement areas in real time to enhance insonified pixel at the nadir effects of the seabed material, SeapiX also offers the unique stream is available for their fishing operations. point (below the keel). rocks and objects appear as capability to run long track Olex processing. light areas and shadows in a swaths to generate fore and aft monochrome image bathymetric values of the vessel, providing a skipper with an BS unparalleled bathymetric view of the environment.

Rock Sand Mud

40° 50° 60° Degres

30 FISHERY FISHERY 31 FISHING OPERATION MANAGEMENT

u u u u

Full image of fishing 2D Fishing navigation operations and database Selective fishing strategy Targeted species spot

For faster and clearer decision- From the early stages of A powerful fishing time SeapiX’s volume description SeapiX users in pelagic and making, SeapiX provides acoustic processing, biomass database (tracks, routes, marks, of the whole ecosystem makes demersal fisheries like to follow skippers with a real-time tactical assessment is linked to SeapiX’s areas, etc.) can be managed in it possible to select the desired the classification and fish Locate Classify Steer fishing situation, displaying Geographical Information order to safely perform standard species according to quotas mapping displayed in order to all relevant parameters in an System (GIS) . This allows fishing navigational operations. and regulatory requirements as enhance fishing efficiency or to End Start immersive 3D view. skippers to conduct fishing well as the targeting of the most dramatically reduce discards. tow tow Showing all-seafloor dangers operations on a genuine, profitable resources. and the fish species to target advanced electronic chart together with vessel and system (ECS) fishing plotter Skippers can develop and gear behaviour, SeapiX provides while all fish data is correlated apply genuine “fishing a unique “comprehensive with the navigational pattern strategies” including surveys of 3D fishing view. and gear monitoring systems, fish spots to locate shoals and if available. to analyze and classify species in order to turn back and catch targeted fish.

32 FISHERY FISHERY 33 APPLICATIONS

34 FISHERYFISHERY FISHERY 35 PELAGIC TRAWLING

36 FISHERYFISHERY FISHERY 37 PELAGIC TRAWLING

All-range pelagic fish Whole shoal evaluation assessment Species discrimination

Thanks to its wide coverage, In the early stages of the fishing Known for its unique capability SeapiX has demonstrated According to their allocated SeapiX provides pelagic season, fish remain scattered to assess fish near the surface, its exceptional deep-range quota and area, pelagic trawlers trawler skippers with a realistic in the water column. Having SeapiX also offers deep- capacity for blue whiting, must target the most valuable assessment of shoals. very narrow beams and a high range pelagic layer detection, offering both the range and species and avoid discards. Pelagic species such as mackerel volume resolution, especially with its 4KW version. the high resolution required for By deploying a GBA biomass or herring are heavily impacted SeapiX shows scattered fish and Until now, skippers have discrimination and classification, classification tool, a skipper can by the presence of vessels and the thermocline depth, thereby operated using low frequency estimate the percentage of a noise and some valuable shoals facilitating profitable catches. sounders to reach a suitable defined class of species, and swim past without Demersal species (cod, hake, depth. The disadvantage of can, for example, evaluate if he is being detected. pollock…) are at the bottom. this technology lies in its poor dealing with herring or SeapiX provides side, aft and resolution and thereby its mackerel. Then, only the fore shoal estimations around inability to provide realistic targeted fish are shown in 3D to the vessel while omni sonars information on abundance and improve maneuvering in order and sounders have neither the species discrimination. to place the targeted shoal in relevant coverage or resolution the net. for approaching pelagic shoals.

38 FISHERY FISHERY 39 120° whole shoal of Mackerel, detailled shoal structure with 7 cm resolution. PELAGIC TRAWLING

In practice Installation Key features

Evaluating real abundance SeapiX can be installed as a • 120° X 120°volume coverage is crucial. Assessing the upper normal, “downward-looking” all around the vessel layer of waters is impossible echo sounder to cover 120° • 5m near-surface detection with traditional sounders which port-starbord and 120° fore • Species classification only have a 7° visibility under the and aft. keel and whose very short range • Species range detection capacity is poor. SeapiX shows a For pelagic vessels also - Mackerel: 5 to 250m much more realistic abundance deploying the purse seine - Herring: 5 to 300m of pelagic fish, even when technique “side-looking” - Blue whiting: 5 to 450m located close to the surface, installation is recommended, thanks to its 120° aperture and which allows perfect control its detection capability from a of an oncoming side shoal distance of 2m. and classification of fish before shooting. During purse seining, Often the surface layer contains a skipper can follow the shoal’s quite a good abundance of behavior and gear to optimize scattered fish, and tows can be operations. profitable. SeapiX shows - when to shoot the gear. In many cases, pelagic fish avoid vessels and are not visible in vertical sounders. SeapiX offers the unique ability to evaluate this effect and whether or not it is worthwhile towing.

40 FISHERY Catch of clear Mackerel FISHERY 41 BOTTOM TRAWLING

42 FISHERYFISHERY FISHERY 43 BOTTOM TRAWLING

Realistic near-bottom biomass evaluation Seabed and biomass correlation

As all skippers know, bottom SeapiX combines high to “bottom” mode to provide Bottom trawling operations multibeam sounder, from In addition to seabed trawling layer fish estimation is volume resolution and very relevant fish classification of require accurate knowledge starboard to portside, but also morphology, SeapiX supplies usually inaccurate. Sometimes concentrated high acoustic the trawling layer only. of the seabed to avoid gear maps fore and aft bottom bottom analysis in terms of sounders show very dense power in its 164 beams and incidents and to increase trawling in the vessel’s absolute hardness analysis and “red” marks but give poor can thereby offer a deep fish catchability. In addition longitudinal axis by using its roughness estimation with side catch results, and sometimes operating range. to water column biomass along track swath. imaging representation. the opposite occurs. evaluation, SeapiX provides Bottom trawlers operating at real-time bathymetry mapping This unique forward-looking Under the heading “Option” the Indeed, usual sounder around 150m to 330m take to correlate biomass, gear feature provides a skipper skipper can take advantage of technologies are limited advantage of this valuable and vessel navigation within with advanced warning of an the unique advanced real-time by their resolutions (low abundance/species a unique and synchronized oncoming obstacle, giving more seabed classification tool. This frequencies) or their range distribution (such as cod, representation. time to react on gear behaviour. computes and shows the type (high frequencies) in order to pollock, red fish, hake, deep A dedicated “hook alarm” of straight seabed material assess the real abundance of mackerel species, etc.) in order Thanks to its original array process also warns the skipper of contouring layer over a 2D and biomass in deep and bottom to decide when to tow, saving geometry, it not only maps oncoming obstacles. 3D bathymetry representation. trawling layers. To make this costs and discards. The GBA bottom profiles in the same way evaluation more reliable, fish class analyzer can be set as a conventional hydrographic

44 FISHERY FISHERY 45 Near bottom mapping of Red fish at 130 Ftm. BOTTOM TRAWLING

In practice Installation Key features

Bottom operation requires SeapiX is installed as a normal, • 30°X 30° all directions a perfect understanding of “downward-looking” echo near-bottom biomass seabed morphology to reduce sounder and covers 120° port- coverage (100m wide risk of gear damage, and starbord and 120° fore and aft for at a depth of 200m) the positioning/depth and demersal fish control. • Bathymetry, bottom classification of hardness, seabed fish concentrations to ensure classification profitable and sustainable • 1 m above-bottom detection operations. • Species classification SeapiX carries out real-time bathymetry and can be • Species range detection interfaced with trawl monitoring - Horse mackerel: 250m systems to correlate seabed and - Hake: 250m gear behavior. - Atka mackerel: 280m Near-bottom fish, located in - Northern rockfish: 300m the vertical trawl’s 6m opening - Atlantic cod: 300m above the bed is detected - Pollock: 330m and mapped by SeapiX at 60° - Pacific cod: 380m port-starboard and fore-aft. At a depth of 200m it provides 100m coverage of the trawling layer in both directions. With its very narrow beams and high volume resolution Seapix allows close extraction of bottom fish. The acoustic response provided is much more realistic compared to traditional low frequency sounders, thereby making it possible to identify fish species.

46 FISHERY Alaskan and Greenlandic bottom trawlers classifying and selecting bottom species. FISHERY 47 TUNA & PURSE SEINING

48 FISHERYFISHERY FISHERY 49 TUNA & PURSE SEINING

Species classification Approaching shoal and mapping Shooting decision Seining control

Thanks to the SeapiX A seiner can travel full speed Skippers can start processing A pelagic seiner can easily Fish behavior and distribution “side-looking “installation, tuna ahead while approaching shoals at an early stage, when a identify desired species and can are still measured accurately and seining vessels can control and estimating shoal shoal enters inside the SeapiX’s optimize vessel track to shoot at during seining by SeapiX. Fish the entire shoal in the earliest displacement. SeapiX allows 120° side volume sector. the right place, even close to leakage below the keel is also stages of fishing operations. skippers to be reactive and to Information about a shoal’s shores, thanks to bottom monitored as well as seine The world’s first 3D volume make a decision on the way in abundance estimation, depth profiling on the side. profile and depth in order to sonar, SeapiX provides skippers which to start circling a shoal. and species composition is Tuna seiners have to optimize make the right decision as to with 1000 times more water SeapiX provides control of an provided to the skipper. their operation on free shoals whether or not to keep sinking volume coverage than omni entire shoal from 5m below GBA fish species classification or on FADs. A skipper has all the mesh or to speedup hauling sonar or vertical/side sounders. the surface without any vessel provides a percentage ratio of the information he requires in order to close the gear. wake turbulence. Skippers fish species and discard fish regarding a shoal, its behavior SeapiX images show entire can circle fish several times and its location. A skipper can and its species composition shoals in 3D as well as changes without losing the shoal, while activate the “Class of fish” in order to make the relevant in fish aggregating behavior in sonars are jammed by the “red filter to sort mixes and locate shooting decision. real time. stripes” representing vessel wake. desired shoal.

50 FISHERY FISHERY 51 TUNA & PURSE SEINING

In practice Key features

Depending on tuna fisheries, can save much operational • 120° X 120° volume side-looking vessels have to distinguish time in terms of bait fish or coverage from the surface the largest authorized fish or non-profitable shoals. • 5m near-surface detection without tuna species. SeapiX’s very vessel wake turbulence accurate and fully stabilized Even when a shoal’s behavior • Shoal behavior, direction and depth beams, along with its built-in changes fast, rapidly changing • Species classification motion sensor, enables the its depth or coming very close fish very close to surface to be to the vessel, SeapiX ensures • Species range detection controlled without any wave full control in all situations. - Mackerel: 200m interference, at a perfect range, 2D and 3D views presenting - Anchovy: 230m in order to assist the skipper catch situations without vessel - Herring: 250m in the trawler’s final approach propeller wake secure catches! - Sardine: 300m and shooting manœuvre. The - Yellowfin Tuna: 450m practical range reported by - BigEye Tuna: 450m skippers is more than 400m - Bluefin Tuna: 450m for isolated tuna fish.

The major difference in fish detection is in its representation (1dot=1 fish) and is a huge improvement for operators compared to traditional sonars or sounders. The clear abundance value for each class allows a skipper to make the right decision and

52 FISHERY FISHERY 53 FISHERY RESEARCH

54 FISHERYFISHERY FISHERY 55 SeapiX shoal extraction in Echoview. Single fish target tracking in Echoview. FISHERY RESEARCH

An advanced tool for scientists

Acoustic systems have been secondary lobe reduction enable coverage as well as angular identified as among the most near-bottom fish to be detected. and range resolution promising tools available to significantly increase the scientists for the Ecosystem By developing a more number of individual echoes in Approach for Fishery (EAF), as advanced concept of 3D comparison with standard well as the characterization and volume DS-MBES (Dual SBES. This higher detection identification of targets in the Steerable Multibeam Echo value allows statistical water column or benthic habitat sounder) with SeapiX analysis of fish echoes to mapping. offering both athwartship be considered. This may and aperture, the use of provide a new insight into fish In fishery acoustics, acoustic these systems opens up new shoals in terms of density or techniques are well known opportunities for research in multi- species composition and used daily for biomass addition to the usual echo- [Stanton, Scalabrin,]. Finally, assessment by fishery scientists integration and isolated fish volume analysis of the school through echo-integration and target strength measurements and its evolution over time isolated fish target strength using split beam. allows school dynamics to be measurement with split-beam studied and to evidence some techniques, such as single beam For example, three- collective behavior such as echo sounders (SBES) calibrated dimensional analysis of the avoidance strategies. All these by standardized methods geometric parameters of fish features for water column schools that further develops and bottom analysis and the Multibeam echo sounders the geometry-based school building of 3D space and (MBES) have considerable identification methods already time-referenced databases, advantages over conventional in place for single beam echo provide scientists with new fishery SBES. First, they offer a sounders [Scalabrin]. These relevant information for much larger volume coverage morphological indicators may fish classification and entire (120° athwartship aperture be height, width or elongation ecosystem management. for the MBES versus 7° to 12° of the school, the volume for the standard SBES). This backscattering coefficient then allows precise positioning [Scalabrin], or, more recently, of athwartship fish detection the internal density structure thanks to a small angular beam of the school as the rate of aperture of, between 0.5° to 2°. vacuoles [Gerlotto, Guillard]. Finally, small beam aperture and Improvement in volume 4D analysis of herring shoal close to seabed in Echoview.

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An all-purpose scientific tool Key features

Whatever the purpose of It can be hull mounted • Water column echo-integration survey, echointegration or with it high-seas tried and and target strength measurements target strength split beam tested stainless steel housing with split beam, fully stabilized in measurements , SeapiX provides (SeapiX-R), or used in a TX and RX the highest level of sensitivity, mobile configuration with its • 120° X 120°, volume coverage, directivity and accuracy. lightweight composite materials downward-looking or side-looking Split beam is processed in all and fanless compact PC for near-surface survey individual beams with both (SeapiX-P). This configuration • 3D shoal behavior and fish real-time phasic and amplitude has been specially designed for avoidance study measurements. Thanks to its opportunity vessel surveying • Real-time species classification array geometry, it provides and in situ monitoring stations • Factory calibrated, in situ calibration, a unique target positioning (buoys, ASV, etc...). • Raw data recording, HAC and EVD accuracy of +/- 0.15°, making its exports for Echoview post processing split beam calculation the most Factory calibrated, SeapiX-R • Acoustic dynamics of 139 dB accurate in fishery acoustics. also offers an in situ calibration • Hull mounting (SeapiX-P) or mobile utility to perform calibration transducer configurations (SeapiX-P) SeapiX-R provides the scientific on a reference sphere target. community with the first 3D Raw data recordings and replay PhasisPhasic and and Amplitude amplitude DS-MBES sounder for an entire capabilities as well as HAC Split Beam split beam calculationcalcula3on ecosystem, integrated into a exports and latest EVD Echoview compact housing containing format export are available. its dual array, its transceiver and its built-in MRU motion sensor. SeapiX-R can be deployed for usual downward-looking water column studies, as well as side- looking analysis of the upper near-surface biomass layers.

58 FISHERY FISHERY 59 VIKMAR MOLTECH TEKNOMAI S.L. SIMBIA SeapiX Fishery distributors Vestara bryggja 15 Borgundfjordvegen 68 Axular Ibiltokia Hiribidea, 0 4A, Verhneozernaja St FO-110 TORSHAVN Ålesund 6017 20750 Zumaia Kaliningrad, 236008, Faroe Islands Norway Spain Russia [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] 298 22 2182 +47 91 10 70 84 +349 43 57 20 74 +7 4012 95-74-42 www.vikmar.fo www.moltech.no www.teknomai.com www.simbia.ru

WOODSON TECHNIMER ELICA SRL Electromaritima Uruguaya Goval House, Dyce Terre Plein Du Port Via Lungaterno Sud Guatemala 1260 Aberdeen AB21 0HT 29750 Loctudy 65126 Pescara PE 11800 Montevideo UK France Italy Uruguay [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] +4412 24 72 28 84 +33 2 98 87 91 33 +39 085 69 45 18 +5980 99 61 36 75 www.woodsons.co.uk www.teleradiocecamore.it www.electromaritima.com.uy

SEATECH WNL Marine Electronics Ship Electronics, Inc. Nautusma Baadehavnsvej 1, Trawlerkade 88 1824 NW 201st Street Agadir DK-4220 KORSOER 196 CC Ijmuiden Seattle Morocco Denmark Netherlands USA +212618 53 0807 [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] www.electromaritima.com.uy +45 58 37 47 11 +316 10 75 99 54 +1 206 819 3853 [email protected] www.seatech.dk www.wnl.nl www.shipelectronicsinc.com

SONAR ehf NMA Nautica G&M Soluciones S.A.C. Hvaleyrarbraut 2 Av Puerto, 19 Av. La Marina 316 220 Hafnarfjorour 03710 Calpe CALLAO Iceland Spain Peru [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] +35 48 22 19 10 346 59 39 32 83 +511 637 7462 www.sonar.is

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