The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) is excited to announce a new online platform and mobile app designed to modernise fisheries data management in Bermuda. This innovative system streamlines the licensing process, simplifies catch reporting for fishers, and ensures that relevant information is easily accessible to support scientific research and enforcement activities.
As part of the Bermuda Ocean Prosperity Programme (BOPP), the Government of Bermuda worked with Shellcatch, an experienced developer of fisheries data management software, to customise their global cloud-based platform to address Bermuda's specific needs. This ambitious project was made possible with funding and technical support through the BOPP partnership.
The fishing community has long requested a user-friendly, app-based reporting system. In response, DENR worked closely with experienced commercial and recreational fishers to gather input on the app’s user interface and functionality. By incorporating their feedback, this new platform aims to streamline the submission of the catch data, which plays a vital role in guiding fisheries management.
Minister of Home Affairs, the Hon. Walter Roban, JP, MP, explained, "Being able to report catch data using a smartphone app will be easier and more convenient for fishers, and the new dashboard will allow them to track their catches and check that their reports are up to date."
“Furthermore, an efficient data management system is critical to advancing BOPP's goal of having sustainable commercial and recreational fisheries. The modular design of the Shellcatch platform allows for future upgrades, ensuring it can adapt to the evolving needs of DENR and the fishing community. In fact, there are some exciting upgrades in the pipeline already."
Key features of the new system include enhanced IT support for reliable access, integrated messaging between fishers and managers for important notifications and regulatory updates, and a framework designed to incorporate emerging technologies. This collaborative approach between fishers and scientists will improve and expand fisheries' data collection in the future.
While the formal launch of Shellcatch Bermuda is scheduled for this month, a soft launch has been conducted with recently licensed lobster divers, many of whom have downloaded the app. DENR staff will host information sessions for commercial and recreational fishers, offering guidance on using the new online portal and app to report fishing activities and catch data.
As a reminder, the current fisheries database will be offline by the end of September. Fishers who report their catch online must contact fisheries@gov.bm to ensure they are registered on the new platform.