A Fishing Gear Analyzer and a Fish Analyzer have been incorporated into a “Fish Network” application as a solution that provides key inputs into national marine resource management and provides guidance to local fisher folk on ways to increase their operational efficiency. The Fish Network is also an important resource for visitors from abroad who wish to fish locally or to adhere to local marine resource management guidelines. The solution has been implemented as a web-based application for use by fisher folk and local fisheries and marine-related agencies, including the Trinidad and Tobago Coast Guard, as well as tourists.

The use of inappropriate fishing gear (i) impacts the marine resource through by-catch and (ii) reduces the efficiency with which small scale fisher folk catch target species. While applicable policies and regulations exist, damaging practices prevail through ignorance and will.