Catchwise launches modelled food concentration for pelagic fishing

Food hotspots during the mackerel fishery in the Norwegian zone, 1–7 September

The video follows the mackerel fishery in the Norwegian zone from 1 to 7 September, and how the fishery relates to Food hotspots over that week. Several areas of fishing activity lie within or close to the zones highlighted by the layer.

This is the relationship the layer makes easier to explore. It gives you another piece of information to consider alongside temperature, where the fleet is fishing and what the area has produced in the past.

Food hotspots on the map

Where food gathers is an important part of assessing where fish may be. Catchwise now brings several ocean signals together in one map layer, highlighting areas where food for fish is likely to concentrate.

The layer combines chlorophyll fronts, temperature fronts, eddy activity and zooplankton concentrations. You will find the layer under Conditions as Food hotspots.

How the factors fit together is explained in Why does food gather right here?.

Adjust the view to the species you target

Food hotspots with chlorophyll fronts, eddies and fishing activity. The Atlantic mackerel preset is selected here.

The factors are weighted differently depending on the species you select. You can also adjust the weights yourself and display fronts and eddies to see more of the conditions behind the calculation.

The same relationship worldwide

The layer works worldwide, not only in the Norwegian Sea. Along the coasts of Spain and Portugal we see a clear relationship between Food hotspots and pelagic fishing activity. Where the layer highlights food, parts of the fishery are there too.

Try the layer in Catchwise

Open Conditions and select Food hotspots. Choose the species you target and view the layer alongside activity in the area.

Use it alongside temperature, catch history and your own experience, and let us know how it compares with the conditions you encounter on the fishing grounds.

Food hotspots is currently available only for pelagic species.