8th september 2011 iXBlue Public Relations

P ress Release

Tel: +33 1 30 08 88 88 anne.colliou@ixblue.com www.ixblue.com

SeapiX
the 3-dimensional sonar for fishing applications

SeapiX - the strategic option for the smarter skipper

iXBlue is pleased to announce the launch of SeapiX. The result of extensive research and development by Sodena and other group companies, SeapiX is the first 3D sonar designed specifically around the needs of the modern fishing industry. SeapiX provides detailed information about both the fish stocks beneath the boat and the condition of the surrounding seabed in real time, without the need for calibration, and with unequalled range and accuracy. For boat skippers, this means the opportunity to fish in a far more targeted and strategic fashion than before, with resulting economic benefits. SeapiX trials carried out so far indicate trawl times may be reduced by up to 50% and overall fuel consumption cut by up to 40%. Catch sizes may be up to 20% higher and discard levels down by as much as 30%. Thomas Buret, Sodena CEO said, We have succeeded in developing a high-performance sonar that combines the advantages of omni-directional sonars with those of single- and multi-beam units. In addition, SeapiX has the ability to merge acoustic data with the outputs of a range of fishing information systems, in 2D or 3D, as appropriate. We can bring in fishing plans, catch results, bathymetric and oceanographic data, navigational data, information about seabed conditions, and the output of fish identification and shoal morphology and dynamics systems to provide skippers with the intelligence necessary to make outstanding fishing decisions. The new product has benefitted from around 30 years of iXBlue experience of working on hydrographic and military underwater acoustics and geographical information systems. It has also drawn on five years of research carried out in conjunction with several leading institutes in France, as well as on the findings of both the ACSYS and OPTIPECHE international research programmes. From the outset, iXBlues objective was to come up with a radically new sonar that would enable skippers to target fish more effectively the key to cutting the time it takes to catch fish, increasing catch sizes and improving species selectivity. The motive for coming up with a smarter, more energy-efficient way of fishing could not be stronger than today, when economic constraints, diminishing resources and stringent regulatory controls have combined to make the business of fishing challenging, to say the least. Thomas Buret says, SeapiX is a massive step forward in fishing sonar technology for skippers used to systems with limited discriminatory powers and coverage. We have enjoyed a constant dialogue with the industry
www.ixblue.com

Press Release

during the development phase and this has resulted in a product that stands to revolutionise the way people fish, or specifically the way that people make crucial decisions about just where, when and how to fish. SeapiX will be on show for the first time on the IxBlue stand at the Icelandic Fisheries Exhibition, Smarinn, near Reykjavik, 22-24 September 2011.

Key technical features: SeapiX enables total 3D coverage of the water column, generates a bathymetric profile of the seabed and provides details of the sediment conditions. It is the first compact civilian sonar system to employ a Mills Cross multi-beam transducer. More normally found in high-spec military systems, the transducer provides unusual freedom of control. The transducer generates several multi-beams simultaneously to yield quantitative and qualitative measurements of the marine environment. Its multiple advanced modulation modes, including SHIRP, combined with Doppler processing, are guarantees of the highest possible detection performance, under all conditions. An advanced control system allows the unit to act as four exclusive multi-beam sonars each capable of being set to their own work mode, and each delivering information in 2D or 3D, as appropriate. This permits specific combinations of settings (scale, tilt, power, gain, modulation, etc.), enabling the skipper to fish effectively in even the most difficult environments. For maximum performance and sensitivity, all wired connections (sources of electronic noise) between the acoustic transducer and the signal processing module have been eliminated. All the electronics are integrated within the transducer body, which also includes its own high-accuracy attitude control unit.
About iXBlue

The iXBlue group is built around companies, well known for their continuous innovation. The group provides a range of fine, high technology equipments, systems and turn-key solutions in the areas of navigation and surveillance, underwater positioning and communication, seabed imaging and surveying. iXBlue is able to combine its unique technologies, products, systems and services from across its subsidiaries to provide the kind of solutions that cannot be found anywhere else in the industry. In 2010, iXBlue counts 500 employees for a turnover of 95 M. To learn more about about iXBlue, visit the companys website at www.ixblue.com

About Sodena

Sodena, a company of the iXBlue group, is a supplier of high technologies software and PC-based hardware builtin solutions for sea trades. Sodena provides a range of integrated solutions for bridge control, safety and security, off-shore as well as turn-key solutions for fishing and hydrography, involving either its own superior products and equipments, or third partys. To learn more about about Sodena, visit the companys website at www.sodena.eu

www.ixblue.com