INFOMAR brings IT to fresh seafood production
The INFOMAR (An information network for the fishing industry) project brings state-of-the-art information technology to the service of Europe's fresh seafood production and trading infrastructure. By developing tools to let key players share information and trade over the Internet, information can flow electronically from vessel to buyer, while markets can link to form networks. INFOMAR provides three basic tools: - FishCast - an electronic information service, allowing markets to provide data on supplies and prices over the Internet; - FishTrade - gives professionals the opportunity to purchase fish through markets around Europe even though the produce might be on a vessel still at sea; - FishCatch - allows vessels at sea to communicate securely with their agents and markets, so that they can participate in FishCast and FishTrade. According to the contractors of INFOMAR, the most positive by-product of the project is improved market stability. With advance supply data, buyers can plan their purchases days in advance, thus avoiding the wild swings in price that are common in relatively isolated, local markets.