See the future of fishing.
Clear. Connected. Compliant.
AI-powered electronic monitoring for fleets of every scale. Virtual Observer combines onboard cameras, GPS tracking, and AI-driven event detection — giving fleet managers and regulators verifiable evidence of fishing activity, captured in the field and reviewed in the cloud.
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One electronic monitoring system, three working parts
Shellcatch is a complete REM (Remote Electronic Monitoring) solution. Each part can be deployed on its own or as one integrated, end-to-end service.
Vessel Camera & Uploader
Ocean-grade camera and uploader in one rugged, all-in-one unit. Continuous HD recording with an integrated GPS sensor, on-board processing and 24-hour battery autonomy.
Shellcatch Control Center
A compact on-board computer that connects cameras, sensors and VMS units, applies smart recording rules, and uploads data to shore over Starlink, 4/5G or any WiFi.
Virtual Observer Platform
The cloud platform where video and GPS are reviewed together — with AI-assisted species identification, role-based access and audit-ready compliance reporting.
Purpose-built hardware, ocean-grade specs
Every component is engineered for continuous operation in demanding marine environments — from small artisanal boats to large industrial fleets.
| Video Resolution | HD and Full HD video capture |
| Storage Capacity | 256 GB internal storage |
| GPS Accuracy | 5–10 m (16.4–32.8 ft) |
| Recording Mode | Continuous video recording |
| Environmental Rating | IP68 — water and dust resistant |
| Dimensions | 193.8 × 117.6 × 78.5 mm (7.63 × 4.63 × 3.09 in) |
| Weight | 900 g (1.98 lb) |
| Battery | Li-ion 19,200 mAh |
| Power Input | 12–36 V DC, PoE supported |
| Battery Autonomy | Up to 24 hours standalone |
| Wireless Range | Up to 8 m (26.2 ft) Wi-Fi |
| Data Transfer | Up to 4 MB/s |
| Interfaces | Ethernet with PoE support |
- Rugged, ocean-grade enclosure
- Continuous non-stop recording
- Wi-Fi, GSM, Starlink connectivity
- Configurable recording zones
- Mobile app configuration
- No-recording privacy zones
| Processor | Intel i5-1235U (10 cores, 12 threads, up to 4.4 GHz) |
| Memory | 2 × DDR5 32 GB RAM |
| Storage | Up to 8 TB internal + external SSD expansion |
| Data Transfer | 4G/5G, Wi-Fi 6, Starlink, satellite |
| Dimensions | 22.5 × 17.5 × 5.5 cm (8.86 × 6.89 × 2.17 in) |
| Weight | 1,700 g (3.75 lb) |
- Small footprint, efficient power
- Optimized for fisheries operations
- Expanded video + sensor storage
- Wireless shore data transfer
- Camera, sensor, VMS integration
- Remote access and diagnostics
- Customizable per fleet needs
One system that scales with your fleet
From a single small-scale vessel to a fully instrumented industrial operation, Shellcatch grows with your monitoring needs — no need to change platforms.
Single Vessel Camera
A self-contained Vessel Camera & Uploader for straightforward, single-angle monitoring — ideal for small and mid-sized vessels.
Multiple Cameras + Control Center
Several cameras and sensors managed by an on-board Control Center for full-coverage monitoring of larger or more complex fishing operations.
The eMonitoring platform
Cloud-based, multi-user and built for confidentiality. Everything review teams and authorities need to turn footage into verified, audit-ready records.
AI-assisted review
Automatic species identification and set scoring speed up video review and cut analysis time.
Synchronized video & GPS
Play video alongside the vessel track, zoom in and out, and share specific trip segments.
Compliance reporting
ICCAT / RFMO-ready reports, automated report generation and audit-ready exports.
Roles & reviewer tools
Role-based access, custom dashboards, third-party review integration and certification workflows.
System diagnostics
Monitor camera connectivity, storage status and upload progress; download GPS coordinates and functioning logs.
Secure architecture
TLS/HTTPS, encrypted storage, RBAC and full audit trails — with multilingual support for global teams.
An intuitive app to configure and check your system
An additional tool that puts system status and customization in the crew's hands, right on the vessel.
With the mobile app you can review:
- Camera status and more
- Remaining battery percentage
- Storage percentage
- Image resolution
- Frames per minute
- Upload status and connectivity
Reliable monitoring where observers can't go
For small-scale and remote fisheries — particularly in developing countries — on-board human observers are often impractical and prohibitively expensive. Virtual Observer serves as either a standalone solution or a complement to traditional observer programs, providing reliable monitoring where it was previously out of reach.
Its effectiveness has been independently validated in peer-reviewed research — published in Biological Conservation as a viable alternative to on-board observers for small-scale fisheries. This evidentiary foundation distinguishes Shellcatch in a market crowded with unverified claims.
Deployed and trusted across the globe
From artisanal gillnet fisheries to industrial trawl operations, Virtual Observer adapts to each context — proving reliability under the most demanding conditions.
Mexico — End-to-End Service at Scale
Supporting Mexico's gillnet and shrimp otter trawl fleets — 300+ vessels operating in remote coastal regions. Acting as Managed Service Provider, Shellcatch coordinates fisher onboarding, custom bracket fabrication, installations, and training across the fleet.
- 300+ vessels equipped
- 60,000+ fishing trip videos reviewed
- Supporting Mexico–NOAA collaborative initiatives
Barbados — National Tuna Fleet Compliance
Partnering with the Barbados Fisheries Division on the national pelagic tuna longline fleet — from a 10-vessel pilot to 40+ vessels equipped across artisanal and semi-industrial boats.
- 40+ vessels equipped
- RFMO and ICCAT compliance
- FAO REBYC bycatch programme support
Norway — Where Our AI Gets Its Edge
From a single-vessel pilot scaled to 28 vessels — operating in freezing, sub-zero waters across mixed gear including trawl fisheries. Norway is where Shellcatch validates AI under the most demanding conditions.
- 28 vessels in sub-zero waters
- AI species detection and bycatch categorization
- AI validated here strengthens deployments worldwide
Installation and ongoing support
Shellcatch is offered as individual apps or as a complete managed service — from first vessel survey through to live remote support.
Installation
Our team gathers vessel layout, gear and workflow details, designs a tailored installation plan, then installs every component on board.
- Information gathering — vessel layout, gear, catch-handling workflow
- Installation plan — component placement, cable runs, calibration
- On-board installation, system configuration and calibration
- Full testing of all systems and equipment
Remote support
Once the system is live, we keep it running with continuous remote monitoring and a responsive technical team.
- Remote system verification
- Real-time alerts and camera views
- Daily system reports
- Live remote technical support
