Notus develops and supplies wireless sensors for monitoring trawls and purse seines (Photo: Notus)

Notus Celebrates 20th Anniversary

Picture it, Newfoundland 1992, Brad Henderson incorporates Notus Electronics Ltd. (Notus) with the goal of developing hydroacoustic equipment for the commercial fishing industry.

Then one of the most historic events ever in the worldwide fishery happens - the once great Northern Cod stock is called into moratorium. Now that event would be a challenge for a mature company much less a new one. However, 20 years later, Notus is thriving by staying focused on its products and customers.

First Notus system

Mr. Henderson says "Our company and industry were best described to me by an older Scottish Captain. He said the one constant in the fishery is change."So in 1992, the local industry was changing but there were still opportunities. Over the first number of years, a sophisticated transponder based wireless technology was developed. "This pure transponder based system was completely new to the fishing industry."

Managing Director Brad Henderson

A commercial product was ready after many years in development. Notus started to focus on the European fisheries due to their high adaption of technology. Later on, markets were developed in the USA, Asia, and New Zealand. Today, Notus has branch offices in the United Kingdom and Spain. Its products are sold and serviced to almost every major fishery in the world via a very active distributor network.

Notus systems started off very basic. Shipboard equipment communicated wirelessly to catch sensors on the cod-end. Mr. Henderson says, "Today, Notus systems are much more advanced with 24 sensors currently being offered. Today, on a trawl, Notus measures parameters like trawl wire length, doorspread, door angle, bottom contact, height, depth, temperature, catch, etc. Likewise, sensors for a seiner can measure depth, corkline/leadline alignment, sink rate and temperature."

"Our customers are the main reason for our success. In the beginning, they worked with us to perfect the system. Today, every important decision about product development is based on their feedback and contributions" says Mr. Henderson.

He also attributes Notus's success to "the increased focus of fuel reduction and quality coupled with proven pay periods of less than a year."

Notus today

Mr. Henderson says "Of course the fishery has always had its issues. However, people will always eat fish. That means there will always be opportunities for companies like Notus. We are extremely excited about the next 20 years!"

About Notus Electronics Ltd.

Notus Electronics Ltd. is a developer and manufacturer of advanced net monitoring solutions for the commercial fishing industry.

Established since 1992, the company has brought a number of sophisticated wireless monitoring systems to the market. The overall driving force behind development and marketing has been reliable products that remain affordable for all size vessels.

Source: Notus Electronics Ltd.

Margaret E.L. Stacey
Editor Companies and Products
[email protected]
www.seafood.media

Address:	West Empire Plaza, Unit 11, 391-395 Empire Ave
City:	St.John's
State/ZIP:	Newfoundland (A1E 1W6)
Country:	Canada
Phone:	+1 709-753 0652
Fax:	+1 709-753 0651
E-Mail:	[email protected]
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