FloatLocator
GNSS tracking for lost fishing gear
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Proactive and reactive applications
The Redes Fantasma radio system supports both proactive prevention and reactive recovery.
The following applications for the FloatLocator are under development:
Application 1 – Proactive prevention
The FloatLocator is attached to the fishing gear and activated before fishing begins. This assembly is deployed at the fishing site and the buoys always stay on the water surface. Since the FloatLocator sends its position via radio signal, the assembly becomes traceable from now on. When the fishing gear breaks free after an incident, the FloatLocator signals the sudden change in location and the community is alerted via an app: Accidental loss is turned into a recoverable event, and drifting gear can be located and retrieved easily while still on the surface.
The assembly of fishing gear and FloatLocator buoy (white box on the right) is deployed at the fishing site. The anchor buoy (striped cone on the left) holds the assembly in place.
When the net breaks free from the anchor buoy, the FloatLocator sends its position to trigger an alarm on the App. The net drifting on the water surface can be recovered.
Application 2 – Reactive recovery of floating gear
Every vessel should carry a FloatLocator on board. Not only for its own gear, but to secure any drifting net or object encountered at sea. If someone encounters floating fishing gear on the surface, the FloatLocator can be activated and attached. It then transmits its position. Retrieval can be carried out by the owner (the fisher) or coordinated with NGOs and maritime authorities.
A lost floating net is found and is getting tagged with a FloatLocator. It starts sending a signal and can be retrieved.
For those interested in the technical challenges, solutions and implementation details, we welcome inquiries via the contact form.
Read also about the DeepLocator.