Issue link: https://resources.esri.ca/i/747333
Challenge Based in Nova Scotia, Clearwater harvests, processes, markets and sells premium shellfish and seafood to a variety of markets worldwide. The company must balance a high level of production with a commitment to responsible fisheries management – a practice that draws on science to ensure sustainable exploitation. As a largely geographic undertaking, sustainable fisheries management requires the ability to intersect and analyze many layers of data including species abundance and composition, feeding and reproduction, historical fishing efforts and oceanographic/ ecosystem conditions. Forecasting and predicting where and what type of harvest will be available is also a key component of responsible fishing. This can be achieved through assessment models that predict the location, stage of growth and populations of various biomasses. Access to this information improves fishing success rates and also helps to protect the ocean's diverse ecosystems by minimizing impact on non-target species. In addition to resource analysis, fisheries must strategically route ships in order to ensure sustainability and reduce fuel emissions. With a large and diverse fleet of ocean-going vessels along with rising fuel costs, Clearwater decided to invest in technology that could serve as a platform to intersect and analyze diverse data. Global Seafood leader leverages technology for long-term sustainability Clearwater Seafoods Limited is a global leader in the seafood industry and the largest harvester of wild shellfish in Atlantic Canada. The award-winning company has built its business around a core commitment to long-term sustainability and responsible fishing. Always looking to improve operations, Clearwater invests significantly in technologies that enable top-quality seafood to be delivered from ocean to plate. A recent investment in GIS has resulted in significant cost savings, minimized impact on ocean ecosystems and promoted a sustainable approach to fishing. 1 Esri Canada | Clearwater Seafoods achieves sustainable operations through GIS