TronTracker provides efficient tracking and monitoring of fishing equipment
12 March 2025 – On December 31, 2024, the international ban on using AIS frequencies for marking fixed fishing equipment came into effect. Authorities feared that increased AIS usage could cause confusion between vessels and fishing equipment, thereby threatening maritime safety.
Fishermen have long relied on AIS technology to keep track of their nets. Those who previously used AIS for this purpose must now find alternative systems to locate and monitor their fishing equipment.
To meet this need, Jotron is launching TronTracker – an innovative fishing buoy tracker that ensures a smooth transition to new monitoring solutions, and helps fishermen easily and efficiently locate their fishing equipment. The system consists of a transmitter and receiver unit that work together to provide precise positioning. This enhances safety and improves resource management in the fishing industry.
A robust and user-friendly fishing buoy tracker
The transmitter unit is equipped with a rechargeable lithium battery, offering long operational time and high reliability, even in low temperatures. It can be easily removed from its holder and placed in TronTracker’s wireless inductive charger.
The receiver unit connects seamlessly to the vessel’s fishing plotter, displaying the exact location of the fishing equipment on the screen. This allows fishermen to easily keep track of where their equipment is deployed.
TronTracker operates on the newly allocated 160.9 MHz frequency, replacing the AIS frequency previously used for such products. The system enables efficient and precise localization of fishing equipment, typically detectable at distances ranging from 5 to 7 nautical miles. Improved localization also helps reduce fuel consumption.
Tested in winter conditions
Marius Knudsen from the fishing vessel Sommarøy has had highly positive experiences with TronTracker during winter fishing off the coast of Vesterålen, northern Norway:
“TronTracker is a very robust fishing buoy tracker. The marker buoy has been pulled underwater several times, yet the transmitter continues to function flawlessly every time it resurfaces.”
Knudsen’s experiences throughout the winter also confirm the product’s excellent tracking capabilities.
“TronTracker is a reliable choice for year-round use in demanding conditions,” he concludes.
Sharing information among fishermen
With Jotron’s new TronTracker, fishermen can look forward to a more efficient and sustainable future at sea. Anyone with a TronTracker receiver onboard can view the fishing equipment of other fishermen using transmitters on the same frequency – not just Jotron’s transmitters. This enables the fishing fleet to collaborate more effectively, share information, and contribute to reduced waste and more sustainable fishing practices.
Norwegian Retailers’ Environment Fund
The development of TronTracker began in collaboration with the Norwegian Retailers’ Environment Fund. The Norwegian Retailers’ Environment Fund is the retail sector’s joint major initiative to address environmental challenges related to plastic. At the same time, it is Norway’s most significant contribution to fulfilling the EU’s plastic carrier bag directive. They support initiatives that reduce plastic pollution, increase plastic recycling, and contribute to more sustainable solutions. Read more about Norwegian Retailers’ Environment Fund.
For more information, please contact Sales and Marketing Director Maritime – Vegar Pettersen, tlf: 33 13 97 00
