Katchi - Precision Fish Harvesting

We’re on a mission to give fishers a better alternative to traditional trawling.

The world doesn’t just deserve balance – it needs it – and soon. We help steady the scales between economical and ecological interests by marrying the rich history of fishing with modern, sustainable practices.

In the News

Canada’s Ocean Supercluster announces $3.3M Precision Fish Harvesting Project

One of five Ocean Supercluster projects announced Feb. 4, 2022

Read the Press Release

Ready for commercial sale in 2024

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It’s all pros, no cons.

With our system, fishers improve their catches with less work and time; the ocean floor isn’t damaged and fewer greenhouse gasses are emitted; by-catch is reduced and fish stocks are given a chance to rebound; and the world enjoys a sustainable source of ocean protein.

Reduction in search time

Fuel efficient & environmentally-friendly fishing

Increased catch efficiency/
reduction in by-catch

Reduced equipment maintenance costs

Dynamically Controlled Net

Computer controlled winches will dynamically move the net up and down the water column.

This is important because fish do not stay in one location in the water column.
Eliminates the need for multiple gear types and assures harvesters can continue to fish no matter their location.

Depth sounders will communicate with the winches to ensure the net does not touch the seabed.

Removes the impact on fish habitats.

USV Scouting

Uncrewed Service Vessels will be used to scout for fish and will deliver hydroacoustic data to the fish harvesters.

Fish harvesters are able to better plan and adapt trips, getting
to the targeted species faster and more efficiently.

Herding and Deterrence

Lights and bioacoustics will herd targeted species and deter unwanted species.

Marc d’Entremont

CEO & Founder

Read Marc’s Bio

Marc was previously a co-owner of a Fish harvesting and processing company, that has three 65-foot fiberglass trawlers, owns groundfish quota in both NAFO areas, 4x5y and 5z. Marc was the controller and managed the vessels for 10 years. His experience includes working in the industry, specifically the harvesting side, understanding the complexity of the science (employed by DFO determine quota levels and stock health), the restrictions placed on harvesters (i.e MPA’s), the increasing difficulty to fish cleanly without by-catch, and the challenges faced in re-building fish stocks. Front line experience at the harvester level is necessary for the evolution of a practical solution. The end user needs must be considered in all steps of design and implementation

Mark de Jonge

CTO

Read Mark's Bio

Mark is a professional engineer with a background in industrial design, manufacturing, and R&D. He is well-known as an Olympic sprint kayaker, having competed in three Olympic Games. Mark won numerous accolades in his 24-year career in sport, including an Olympic bronze medal and two World Championship titles, which he attributes to his scientific approach to training and race preparation. He was a contributor and subject of several Team Canada R&D programs, designed an innovative new kayak paddle, and co-founded a sport technology company that made sensors and software for use in high-level sport. Mark completed a BEng. (civil) at Dalhousie University and worked as a geotechnical EIT at Stantec Consulting. He designs and manufactures wristwatches and other products under his company de Jonge Watch and speaks professionally about his Olympic experience and pathway to success. Mark recently retired from high-level sport and aims for continued success in ocean technology.

Angie Greene

CPA CA & CFO

Read Angie’s Bio

Angie obtained her CPA designation with PwC in 2004, her tax specialist title in 2009 and has 21 years of experience in the field of business consulting and accounting. Currently co-owner of a public practice firm in Yarmouth (Conrad Hurlbert LeBlanc Inc.) and employing 19 people, she serves as Partner. Her background consists of a wide range of industries, with most in the fishing industry. She has a working understanding of the quota system, business and financing side of the industry. She also serves as director on the Yarmouth & Area Chamber of Commerce, the WREN and the Yarmouth Hospital Foundation. She is currently enrolled in the MIT Regional Economic Accelerator Program as 1 member of a 10 member team representing the Western NS region.

Jim Hanlon

P.Eng. MBA FCAE – Director

Read Jim's Bio

Jim Hanlon is an experienced technology entrepreneur with specialized knowledge of marine and naval defence markets. He was the founding CEO of the Centre for Ocean Ventures & Entrepreneurship (COVE), a $30 million 70 tenant ocean technology hub in Halifax, Nova Scotia. Jim is a 40-year veteran of the tech industry, having lived and worked in Atlantic Canada, Ontario and New England. He has experience in the defence sector as well as the marine monitoring field. He has held senior roles in engineering, marketing and general management. Jim was formerly the President of Ultra Electronics Maritime Systems in Halifax; he and his partners having sold their company to Ultra in May of 2008. Ultra Electronics Marine Systems is one of the oldest continuously operating electronics design and manufacturing operations in Canada and the largest electronics product design company in Atlantic Canada.