34 st / May 2016 www.sea-technology.com
Conclusion
Modern towed systems are multipurpose and multi-
functional platforms that allow fast and cost-effcient de-
ployment in numerous applications. With the integration
of state-of-the-art sensors and equipment, these systems
can be deployed autonomously or with live operation.
Due to modern power supplies and microelectronics,
towed systems are experiencing a comeback in many
operations. ST
assessment of benthic and demersal biodiversity, estima-
tions of abundance (density) and mapping of fshing re-
sources. This information is also used to identify areas of
high ecological sensitivity where there is the presence of
species vulnerable to the impact of fshing gears. With
this knowledge, the design of spatial management mea-
sures (i.e., non-take fshing areas) is possible.
The Observer III is also used as a complementary tool
to hydroacoustic systems measuring the dynamic param-
eters (i.e., distance between wings, vertical opening) and
3D deployment of trawl nets. Video records obtained dur-
ing fshing trials allow identifcation of the performance
of different structural designs and the effectiveness of
various selectivity devices such as square mesh panels
and selective grids. These studies aim to reduce environ-
mental impact and improve the effciency of fshing gear
and selective devices. For these activities, the Observer III
is also attached to the fshing nets and operated autono-
mously or with an umbilical connection to the surface.
Christian Haag is a physical oceanographer who
founded Mariscope Meerestechnik in Kiel, Germany
in 1994. He is also the founder of Mariscope Ingenie-
ria in Chile in 2001 and of Mariscope Argentina in
2013.
Christian Dreyschultze is a development engineer at
Mariscope Meerestechnik and specializes in automa-
tion processes and robotics.
Raúl A. C. González is an independent researcher at
the National Council of Scientifc and Technological
Research, School of Marine Sciences, National Uni-
versity of Comahue in Argentina.
"When searching for something in a
high-current environment, a towed
system can be the better choice."