Sub-Surface Temperature Information is now available to all subscribers of Orbimage's SeaStar Service as an additional component to support the analysis of probable fishing grounds.

Orbimage's SeaStar Service is used to support fishing operations for tuna and swordfish as well as other surface dwelling fish such as mackerel, sardines, anchovy, and herring.

The new Sub-Surface Temperature information feature is offered at two depths, 50 meters and 150 meters, and is available worldwide.

This new information will further assist long liners and purse seiners to identify the best regions for locating tuna and other species when used in conjunction with other surface information already provided with Orbimage's SeaStar Service such as plankton concentrations (derived from Orbimage's OrbView-2 "SeaWiFS" satellite), surface currents, sea surface temperatures, sea surface height and weather information.

These information layers are sent as data files by email to each fishing vessel where they are viewed and analyzed in the form of maps using Orbimage's OrbMap software.

Sub-Surface Temperature information is determined by modeling the sub- surface thermal changes that would cause the satellite-observed changes in Sea Surface Temperature and Sea Surface Height.

The predicted temperature distributions are calibrated with in-situ observations and historical records, as well as iterative techniques that help increase their accuracy.

"Our satellite-derived oceanographic information has already greatly enhanced the fisherman's ability to interpret surface patterns to find fish," says Greg Hammann, Director of Product Development.

"But the Sub-Surface Temperature information helps to interpret ocean patterns beneath the surface that will improve catches even further by showing vertical patterns that affect fish distribution," he added.

"Our subscribers to the SeaStar Service are very excited to receive this leading edge information product," adds Chris Wilson, Director of Sales and Marketing. "The feedback we receive from the boat captains is that it is an important, and even critical, component to their fishing operations."

Orbimage is a global provider of Earth imagery products and services, and currently operates the OrbView-2 ocean and land multispectral imaging satellite (launched in 1997), and a worldwide integrated image receiving, processing and distribution network.

Currently under development, Orbimage's OrbView-3 satellite will offer one-meter panchromatic and four-meter multispectral digital imagery, and is planned for launch in 2002.

Orbimage offers the SeaStar Fisheries Information Service, which provides oceanographic maps derived from OrbView-2 satellite imagery of the world's oceans to commercial fishing customers worldwide.

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