To provide a low-cost messaging and data communications service for fishing fleets, KVH Industries, Inc. and its TracPhone V7 satellite communications system, has introduced mini-VSAT Broadband service for affordable high-speed Internet connections and “crystal-clear voice calls.”

According to a press release, TracPhone V7 allows fishing vessels to trade data with fishing management centers at speeds reaching 2 Mbps shore to ship and 512 Kbps ship to shore.

Fishery management is all about data and administering the sale of the catch more efficiently, and on budget while simultaneously meeting regulatory requirements, such as reporting catch-share to the National Oceanic (News - Alert) and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA).

Christian Asay, operations manager for Trident Seafoods of Seattle said, “Without full-time broadband onboard, boats have to wait until they get in to find out bycatch rates and other pertinent data. Thanks to mini-VSAT Broadband, I feel our boats will have a distinct advantage by having full-time access to this data as well as blog sites to find and share information about the fishing grounds”.

The company said KVH's (News - Alert) mini-VSAT Broadband network provides fast data service, affordable, optimizing the ability to share important information about fishing conditions and the weather for effective route planning and fuel use. With the help of this network, co-ordination between captains and crew members can be established with onshore engineers and it facilities daily business issues or training, and periodically, telemedicine conferencing should an accident occur.

Harvesters and processors retain qualified crew members by outfitting their vessels with improved living quarters, and amenities such as television and the TracPhone V7 for Internet access so the crew can keep in touch with family, friends, and stay on top of the news.