Overview

Fisheries research, assessment and management rely heavily on basic information from population, landings and catch sampling. This sampling is both labour intensive, and, in common with most data collection exercises, can be vulnerable to human error.

Cefas has been using an Electronic Data Capture (EDC) system to record its research vessel fisheries data for the last 15 years. The system is now being re-developed to expand it's capability to include on-board catch and discard sampling and a variety of field sampling activities.

Hardware – key features

• Portable, can be carried in a backpack, utility belt or with carry handle
• Ruggedised – intended rating to IP 67
• Power input – from 6 to 50 v DC, internal 10 min backup battery
• Hot swappable power sources, allowing multiple battery units to be carried
• Interface with digital scales, callipers and GPS
• Arm or unit mounted LCD display for portable use
• VGA Flat screen connection for permanent installations
• USB port for keyboards, data backup and transfer via memory sticks
• Capture unit internal components are off-the-shelf industry standard
• Integrated waterproof keyboard/rollerball option
• RFID wand
• 2 RS232 ports
• Network port
• Audio o/p

Software – key features

• Windows XP o/s
• Management of sampling targetsMultiple profiles allow one unit to be used in a multitude of sampling situations without configuration changes
• Autonomous units with data interchange and updates via network connection or USB
• Multiple language options
• Live help for species identification and maturity stage evaluation
• Data checking and validation on collection
• Sample summary data presented in the field, allowing operator to sample to prescribed levels of precision
• Structured or free data collection gives flexibility of use or controlled data capture
• Sample distribution data can be size or weight based
• As the EDC runs Windows XP the customer can write their own applications

Robustness and reliability of the Cefas tag technology comes as standard.

Specifications mentioned in this publication are subject to change without notice. This publication supersedes and replaces all information previously supplied.