What is PinPoint Earth?
PinPoint Earth is shaking up the world of Vessel Monitoring Systems (VMS) by offering advanced solutions tailored for fishers, regulators, and scientists alike. This isn’t just about ticking compliance boxes — it’s about making VMS tools genuinely useful through enhanced data analytics. The system features a simple, unobtrusive, and cost-effective solar-powered unit that’s easy to install and built to last. Even when sunlight is scarce, internal batteries keep the unit running for up to three weeks, and optional vessel power ensures continuous operation. It’s a smart, reliable way to keep tabs on fishing vessels while opening doors to deeper insights.
Main Benefits of PinPoint Earth’s VMS
Here’s a quick snapshot of what makes PinPoint Earth stand out:
- Solar-powered, self-contained VMS units with up to three weeks of battery life without sunlight
- Auto-port feature reduces data transmission costs when vessels aren’t actively fishing
- Option to suspend the unit during inactive months to cut charges
- Base tracking software included with airtime at no extra cost, offering full control and valuable environmental data
- Integration of catch data analysis and environmental factors to predict prime fishing spots
- Affordable AIS and persistent radar satellite scanning to combat Illegal, Unreported, and Unregulated (IUU) fishing
- Traceability features in development to connect consumers with the fishing journey and crew
Advanced Technology for Smarter Fishing
PinPoint Earth’s technology goes beyond simple tracking. The software platform, NEXUS, combines real-time vessel data with environmental analytics, helping fishers predict the best fishing areas with high precision. This means smarter decisions, better catch rates, and more sustainable practices. Plus, the system’s tamper-proof GPR technology boosts safety and security onboard, preventing unauthorized access and ensuring compliance with fisheries authorities worldwide.
Supporting Fisheries Compliance and Sustainability
With many countries rolling out quota management systems (QMS), accurate catch reporting is more important than ever. PinPoint Earth’s VMS simplifies this process, reducing the administrative burden on fishers and helping them stay compliant with regulations. Failure to comply can lead to hefty fines or even loss of fishing licenses — so having a reliable, accurate VMS like PinPoint’s is a game-changer. It empowers fishers to manage their fisheries sustainably while meeting all regulatory requirements.
Enhancing Transparency and Traceability
One of the most exciting developments at PinPoint Earth is the traceability feature currently in the works. This aims to humanize the fishing process for consumers, letting them connect with the crew and follow the journey of their seafood from ocean to plate. This kind of transparency isn’t just good for consumers; it opens up premium markets for traceable seafood, rewarding sustainable and ethical fishing practices. It’s a win-win for everyone involved.
Project Impact on Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
- SDG 14: Life Below Water – Promotes sustainable use of marine resources
- SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production – Enhances seafood traceability and transparency
- SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure – Advances technology for fisheries management
- SDG 13: Climate Action – Supports monitoring of environmental factors affecting fisheries
- SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth – Improves safety and security for fishers
Global Reach and Future Vision
Currently, over 300 vessels in New Zealand are using PinPoint Earth’s technology, but the vision is much bigger — targeting a global market of over 550,000 fishing vessels. The mission? To transform fisheries management worldwide, securing marine ecosystem sustainability and ensuring healthier oceans. By providing affordable, solar-powered hardware combined with cutting-edge software, PinPoint Earth is helping to tackle illegal fishing, mismanagement, and traceability challenges on a global scale. The future of fishing is smarter, safer, and more sustainable — and it’s happening now.
