About
CLS Fisheries is a global leader in sustainable fisheries management, offering a comprehensive suite of satellite-based monitoring, compliance, and intelligence solutions. Operating across 41 offices worldwide and certified as an IRIDIUM Service Provider, CLS serves both commercial fishermen and government administrations with tools designed to modernize and secure fisheries operations. For fishermen, CLS provides Vessel Monitoring Systems (VMS) through its NEMO beacon, enabling real-time fleet tracking and regulatory compliance. Their Electronic Catch Reporting (ERS) solutions streamline catch data management and traceability documentation. The CATSAT platform delivers real-time fishing intelligence, while ASTREE ANALYTICS offers deep performance and strategy analytics to optimize fishing operations. For administrations and Fisheries Monitoring Centers (FMCs), CLS offers THEMIS — a powerful platform for Monitoring, Control, and Surveillance (MCS) activities, including tracking vessel and catch efforts and fighting IUU (Illegal, Unreported, and Unregulated) fishing. CLS also supports small-scale and artisanal fisheries with integrated, sustainable management tools. Recent projects include a landmark contract to monitor over 2,000 artisanal fishing vessels in the Galápagos by satellite — a world first. CLS Fisheries is the go-to partner for governments, conservation bodies, and fishing fleets seeking to align compliance with sustainability goals.
Key Features
- Vessel Monitoring System (VMS): Real-time satellite-based fleet tracking via the NEMO beacon, ensuring regulatory compliance for fishermen operating in any zone worldwide.
- Electronic Catch Reporting (ERS): Streamlined digital catch data management and automated traceability documentation to meet international fisheries reporting standards.
- CATSAT Real-Time Fishing Intelligence: An advanced platform providing live fishing activity intelligence, enabling smarter, data-driven decisions at sea and on shore.
- THEMIS Fisheries Monitoring Center: A comprehensive Monitoring, Control, and Surveillance (MCS) platform for government administrations to track vessels, catch efforts, and combat IUU fishing.
- ASTREE ANALYTICS: A performance and strategy analytics platform that helps fishing operators optimize routes, efficiency, and sustainability outcomes.
Use Cases
- A national fisheries authority deploys THEMIS to monitor all licensed vessels in its exclusive economic zone (EEZ), detect unauthorized fishing activity, and generate regulatory compliance reports.
- A commercial fishing fleet operator uses NEMO VMS beacons and ASTREE ANALYTICS to optimize vessel routing, reduce fuel costs, and ensure compliance with regional fishing quotas.
- A government body in Ecuador partners with CLS to satellite-monitor over 2,000 artisanal fishing vessels in the Galápagos, protecting a UNESCO World Heritage marine ecosystem.
- Fishing companies in England use CLS's I-VMS solution to comply with MMO (Marine Management Organisation) inshore fisheries regulations for vessels under 12 meters.
- Marine scientists and environmental bodies leverage CLS's ecosystem study data and satellite tracking records to assess fish stock health and inform sustainable fisheries policy.
Pros
- Global Scale & Proven Track Record: With 41 offices worldwide and landmark projects like monitoring 2,000+ Galápagos vessels, CLS is a trusted leader in fisheries compliance globally.
- End-to-End Solution Suite: CLS covers every aspect of fisheries management — from vessel tracking and catch reporting to government-level MCS and IUU fighting tools.
- Satellite-Powered Reliability: Leveraging ARGOS and IRIDIUM satellite networks ensures continuous, global connectivity even in remote ocean environments.
- Sustainability-Focused: All solutions are designed to support sustainable fisheries management and international environmental compliance frameworks.
Cons
- Enterprise Pricing: As a B2B/government-focused platform, CLS Fisheries is not accessible for individual hobbyist fishers and likely carries significant enterprise costs.
- Specialized Use Case: The platform is highly purpose-built for fisheries; it has no applicability outside marine fisheries monitoring and compliance.
- Hardware Dependency: Full functionality requires installation of proprietary satellite communication hardware (e.g., NEMO VMS beacon), adding deployment complexity and cost.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a Vessel Monitoring System (VMS)?
A VMS is a satellite-based tracking system installed on fishing vessels that continuously reports the vessel's position, speed, and heading to fisheries authorities, ensuring regulatory compliance and safe operations.
Who uses CLS Fisheries solutions?
CLS serves two main audiences: commercial and artisanal fishermen who need VMS, catch reporting, and fishing intelligence tools, and government administrations that operate Fisheries Monitoring Centers (FMCs) for surveillance and compliance enforcement.
What is IUU fishing and how does CLS help combat it?
IUU stands for Illegal, Unreported, and Unregulated fishing. CLS provides monitoring and surveillance tools — including THEMIS for FMCs — that track vessel behavior, cross-reference catch data, and flag suspicious activity to help authorities enforce fishing laws.
What is the CATSAT platform?
CATSAT is CLS's real-time fishing intelligence platform that aggregates satellite and sensor data to provide live insights into fishing activities, helping operators and authorities make informed decisions quickly.
Does CLS support small-scale and artisanal fisheries?
Yes. CLS offers specialized solutions for small-scale and artisanal fisheries, including lightweight VMS hardware and simplified monitoring tools designed for traditional fishing communities with limited infrastructure.
