'IKE Solutions creates the future of fishing'

20% of the world population depends on fish as their primary source of protein in their food supply. Fish is also a crucial source of micronutrients such as vitamins, minerals and omega-3 fatty acids important for human health.

Fishing is about raising and catching fish. Fishing areas where fish are caught are threatened by overfishing, climate change, pollution and competing uses for fresh water. Fisheries management arose from the need to balance this supply and demand relationship. The biggest question is how fisheries can keep up with the growing demand for food without depleting natural resources.

In 2014, Matthew Carnes began working as a fish observer in the Gulf of Alaska and Bering Sea. The work was difficult; it was monotonous and required acute attention to detail. Matthew thought that in the future his job could be done better by a computer. With that thought, he began working on a way to modernize the fishery.

In 2019, 'IKE Solutions was founded after Matthew won a technology innovation competition from the Purple Maiʻa Foundation won. 'IKE Solutions creates electronic monitoring programs and systems designed for the fishing industry and fisheries management agencies. They specialize in working with stakeholders to create unique solutions for various fisheries-related applications.

'IKE Solutions' systems use cameras and sensors to collect data on fishing boats while at sea. Monitoring fishing activity in person is difficult and, more importantly, expensive. This technology provides an inexpensive way to track what fishing boats are doing after they leave port. It also provides more transparency for fishermen who can now sell their catch as a sustainably controlled product.

The company is currently involved in a wide range of projects that collect data to solve a specific problem in fisheries. For example, some systems are used to count how many fish are caught by a particular boat. Other systems are used in research projects to figure out how new fishing techniques can optimize fisheries or reduce potential adverse interactions with sharks and other protected species.

'IKE Solutions needed a system to control the cameras and collect the data for all the installations. The computers had to be robust enough to survive the harsh, salty environment aboard an active fishing vessel. They also needed to connect to PoE cameras, process incoming video data effectively, and secure data from several streams simultaneously.

Matthew explains that the biggest challenge was finding a compact and complete system that would not take up too much space in the wheelhouse or draw too much power from the generator.

We asked Matthew what it was like working with the OnLogic team.

In time, as the technology becomes more and more accepted, 'IKE Solutions hopes to become one of the largest suppliers of fishing technology around the Pacific. Their solutions help fisheries with better management for lower costs and with more transparency in the fishery production chain. They also hope to smooth out fluctuations in fish-supply logistics and allow fishermen to collect and analyze data on their past fishing behavior. The end result is to move toward more sustainable fish and aquatic life resources with successful fisheries that deliver more fish, feed more people and bring more prosperity.