Archipelago Marine Research

What Archipelago Marine Research does

Archipelago Marine Research is a Canadian fisheries monitoring and electronic monitoring (EM) company founded in 1978 and headquartered in Victoria, British Columbia, with regional operations across Canada, the United States (Sitka, Newport), and Australia (Deakin). The company serves government fisheries regulators (DFO, NOAA, PSMFC), industry associations (ALFA), commercial fishing operators across gear types including trawl, longline, gillnet, and pot/trap, and environmental clients. Archipelago delivers an integrated FishVue platform spanning onboard hardware (FishVue Vantage for full-fleet deployments, FishVue LIME for coastal/inshore fisheries, FishVue Mobile as a tablet/phone-based entry tier, and FishVue Micro forthcoming) and onshore software (FishVue Interpret for data review, FishVue Fleet for real-time vessel monitoring, FishVue FLOAT electronic logbook, and FishVue AI for AI-assisted multi-camera review). The AI layer applies proprietary object-detection models validated at 90%+ accuracy for longline event detection, with a multi-stage pipeline and AQUA in-platform training tool for continuous model improvement.

The company earns revenue across four streams: hardware sales and leases of EM systems; recurring software subscriptions and AI-assisted review services (LIME monthly subscriptions starting at $59 CAD, FishVue Mobile under $1,000 USD annually); professional services including at-sea certified fisheries observer deployments (5,000+ seadays per year), dockside monitoring, and catch verification; and environmental services covering coastal planning, habitat assessments, scientific diving, and long-term marine monitoring for government and defense clients. Distribution combines direct enterprise sales to government agencies and fishing associations with channel partnerships, most notably a 2017 strategic alliance with Marine Instruments (Spain) for global EM hardware manufacturing and distribution, supplemented by regional partnerships with SINAY, ISIFISH, Ai.Fish, and Barnacle Systems. The firm is employee-owned following a May 2020 management buyout led by President and CEO Gord Snell, CFO Wes Wong, and Vice President Scott Buchanan.

Archipelago reports 1,500+ cumulative EM systems deployed, 500+ active vessels globally, and operations spanning 30+ countries, with 45+ years of operational history and a 1985 origin in at-sea observer services. Customer outcomes are quantified in the input data: the Pacific whiting EM program achieved 96-99% fishery activity profiling success and a 90% reduction in discards, while EM costs ran approximately $180 per sea day versus $500/day for human observers. Recent strategic activity has centered on AI capability commercialization (FishVue AI launched June 2022; SmartEVENT longline event detector), Alaska market expansion (NFWF-funded project covering 300+ vessels through ALFA partnership), and international pilot deployments in France and ASEAN-region markets through SEAFDEC engagement.

Name

Archipelago Marine Research

Legal name

Archipelago Marine Research Ltd.

Website

https://archipelago.ca

Company type

Private

Founded year

1978

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

101–250 employees

Short description

Archipelago Marine Research is a Canadian fisheries monitoring company providing electronic monitoring hardware, AI-assisted review software, at-sea observer services, and dockside monitoring for government fisheries agencies and commercial fishing operators across 30+ countries.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Fisheries Monitoring Services

NAICS

Support Activities for Water Transportation (4883)

akta.pro primary industry

Aquatic Ecology & Fisheries Assessments (EUAHAHAB)

akta.pro secondary industries

Marine Sensors, Instrumentation & IoT (Condition Monitoring) (IMAJAJAI), Coastal & Marine Resources Administration (Oceans, Fisheries, Shorelines) (BPAIAMAI)

Keywords

• Fisheries electronic monitoring
• At-sea observer services
• Dockside catch monitoring
• Marine environmental services
• AI video analytics

Headquarters

HQ city

Prince Rupert

HQ country

Canada

HQ region

North America

Offices8 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Technology or R&D, Operations, Supply Chain, Marketing or Sales, Infrastructure

Revenue model

1. Electronic Monitoring Hardware Sales: Sale and lease of EM hardware systems including FishVue Vantage, FishVue LIME, FishVue Mobile, and associated sensors and cameras. Hardware is installed on commercial fishing vessels for continuous monitoring.
2. EM Software Subscriptions and Licensing: Subscription-based access to FishVue Interpret, FishVue Fleet, and FishVue AI platforms. Monthly data subscriptions for LIME devices starting at $59 CAD. AI-assisted review services through FishVue AI platform.
3. At-Sea Observer Services: Training and deployment of certified fisheries observers for domestic and international vessels. Includes observer services for groundfish, shellfish, and experimental fisheries with rapid data turnaround.
4. Dockside Monitoring Services: Independent verification of landed catch through trained and certified dockside observers. Includes data collection, validation, and integration of new monitoring technologies.
5. Environmental Services: Coastal planning, habitat assessments, environmental monitoring, and scientific diving services for government and industry clients.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels4 records

Marketing channels7 records

Core offering

Archipelago Marine Research provides electronic monitoring (EM) systems, at-sea and dockside fisheries observer services, and marine environmental services for commercial fisheries, regulators, and coastal clients. Its integrated FishVue platform combines onboard hardware (cameras, sensors, GPS) with onshore review software and AI-assisted analytics to deliver end-to-end fisheries data capture, compliance verification, and reporting.

Product overview

Archipelago Marine Research offers FishVue, an integrated electronic monitoring (EM) platform with onboard hardware products (FishVue Vantage, FishVue LIME, FishVue Mobile, FishVue Micro) and onshore software tools (FishVue Interpret, FishVue Fleet, FishVue FLOAT, FishVue AI). The platform provides end-to-end monitoring solutions from data capture on vessels through to review, analysis, and reporting. FishVue AI adds AI-assisted workflow for computer vision-based video review. Archipelago also provides complementary fisheries monitoring services including at-sea observers, dockside monitoring, and environmental services (coastal planning, habitat assessments, scientific diving).

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• FishVue: Integrated electronic monitoring product platform including hardware (FishVue Vantage, FishVue LIME, FishVue Mobile, FishVue Micro) and software products (FishVue Interpret, FishVue Fleet, FishVue FLOAT, FishVue AI) for fisheries monitoring, data review, and fleet management.

Products and services

• FishVue Vantage Latest generation electronic monitoring system supporting multiple HD cameras and industrial gear sensors with real-time data transmission via cellular or satellite, designed for a wide range of vessel sizes, gear types, and operating modes. For commercial fishing operators and fisheries regulators.
• FishVue LIME Zero-touch, real-time fisheries data collection platform (Lite Integrated Monitoring Equipment) with compact footprint and ultra-low operating cost for coastal and inshore fisheries. Includes BRNKL vessel security integration. For commercial fishing operators and regulators.
• FishVue Mobile Tablet and phone-based EM platform allowing users to capture single-camera imagery and positional data on their own devices, designed as low-cost way to explore video-based EM through short-term deployments. For fishing operators trialing EM.
• FishVue Micro Compact onboard EM hardware product (Coming Soon) designed for smaller vessel deployments in the FishVue lineup. For commercial fishing operators on smaller vessels.
• FishVue Interpret Comprehensive analysis tool for reviewing electronic monitoring data; runs on standard PC for visualization, event examination, observation recording, and large dataset navigation to increase efficiency of the data review process. For fisheries reviewers and analysts.
• FishVue Fleet Real-time visibility platform for compliance and performance monitoring, providing technical users across agencies, industry, skippers, and service providers with current and historical vessel activity data and notifications. For fleet operators and regulators.
• FishVue FLOAT (ELOG) Electronic fishing log application (Fishing Log on a Tablet) for Android tablets; allows vessel operators to enter and submit fishing log information electronically with access to audits, species identification materials, and trip history. For commercial vessel operators.
• FishVue AI AI-assisted review platform running object-detection models across up to 10 simultaneous camera feeds, flagging moments of interest and integrating outputs into FishVue Interpret for analyst validation. For fisheries reviewers and program managers.
• At-Sea Observer Services Training and deployment of certified fisheries observers for domestic and international vessels since 1985, supporting compliance monitoring, in-season management, stock assessment, and scientific research. For government fisheries agencies and commercial fishing operators.
• Dockside Monitoring Services Independent verification of landed catch through trained and certified dockside observers, including data collection, validation, and integration of new monitoring technologies. For government fisheries regulators and commercial fishing operators.
• Coastal Planning and Design Integrated planning and design services combining environmental analysis, spatial planning, and stakeholder considerations to support sustainable coastal development. For government agencies, defense departments, and environmental organizations.
• Habitat Assessments Habitat assessment services based on biophysical and fisheries resource inventory information, using innovative tools including standard classification methods for nearshore inventory. For environmental assessment and planning projects.
• Environmental Monitoring Marine environment monitoring before, during, and after construction activities to minimize disruption to marine habitats and species, including long-term monitoring for mitigation and ecosystem health evaluation. For government agencies and industry.
• Scientific Diving Scientific dive programs delivered since the 1980s across British Columbia, the rest of Canada, and international waters; includes jet-probing, sediment coring and sampling, and surface-supply dive biophysical surveys. For government and research clients.

Quantifiable outcome

• 90% discard reduction in Pacific whiting fishery under EM program
• +4 more outcomes

Named customers11 records

Segments3 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed Yes

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration1 record

AI capability6 records

Feature8 records

Partnerships

Twelve partnerships are on record, tiered secondary, core and minor.

• University of VictoriasecondaryStrategic or Co-development Partner · 23 January 2026Research collaboration with UVic including fishing activity detection, species classification, trap tracking, discard action detection, and computer vision development. Archipelago developer Jacob Lower (UVic alum) leads technical presentations and student engagement.
• Alaska Longline Fishermen's Association (ALFA)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 28 July 2025$485,000 NFWF-funded project partnership with ALFA and PSMFC to enhance FishVue AI for Alaska sablefish and halibut fixed gear fisheries. Will expand FishVue AI technology to over 300 vessels in North America.
• Pacific States Marine Fisheries Commission (PSMFC)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 28 July 2025Partner in Alaska halibut AI EM project bringing EM expertise in Gulf of Alaska. PSMFC provides regional coordination and technical support for fleet-wide EM deployment.
• OnDeck AIsecondaryTechnology or Integration · 28 July 2025ALFA collaboration with OnDeck AI for Universal Species ID project funded through NFWF grant. OnDeck AI developing automatic species classification across all EM footage, cameras, and conditions.
• SINAYsecondaryStrategic or Co-development Partner · 6 January 2022Marine technology and AI startup (France) leading Bay of Biscay EM project. SINAY provides data analysis using Archipelago's EM Interpret software and coordinates local project delivery for marine mammal bycatch monitoring.
• ISIFISHsecondaryImplementation/ SI/ Consulting Partner · 6 January 2022Marine electronics firm (France) with 15 years experience providing local technical support, equipment sales, and consulting for Bay of Biscay EM project deployment.
• OnDeck Fisheries AIsecondaryTechnology or Integration · 1 January 2022Collaboration with BC AI startup on potential advancements in fisheries AI along West Coast of Canada. OnDeck building Universal Species ID technology for automated species classification across all gear types and conditions.
• Net Gains AlliancesecondaryStrategic or Co-development Partner · 19 August 2021Collaboration with multiple EM service providers to address industry barriers, develop shared standards, improve RFP processes, and advance system interoperability. Archipelago participated in Technical Working Group and Customer Advisory Panel for industry standards development.
• Ai.FishcoreTechnology or Integration · 20 July 2021Partnership formed July 2021 to advance AI within electronic monitoring in commercial fisheries. Ai.Fish provides AI tools (machine learning and computer vision algorithms); Archipelago provides operational EM program scale and data for AI training. Development of SmartEVENT for automatic fishing event detection with 90%+ accuracy.
• Barnacle SystemssecondaryTechnology or Integration · 8 March 2021Partnership for LIME product integration with Barnacle's award-winning BRNKL vessel security and monitoring software. BRNKL functionality integrated into LIME at no additional cost, providing 24-hour vessel monitoring and security features.
• Marine InstrumentscoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 2 June 2017Strategic partnership established June 2017 for electronic monitoring technology advancement. Marine Instruments brings marine electronics R&D and manufacturing expertise; Archipelago provides EM program design and implementation experience. Involves transfer of EM intellectual property from Archipelago to Marine Instruments for hardware development and production.
• The Nature Conservancy (Fishnet Initiative)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerArchipelago supports Fishnet initiative as part of broader industry AI advancement efforts. Fishnet aims to expand AI tools across commercial fisheries.

Scale indicators12 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights7 records

Direct peers

• Satlink: Spain-based global provider of electronic monitoring solutions for fisheries, including onboard EM hardware and review services. Direct competitor to Archipelago in EM programs worldwide and a natural comparison point on global commercial fisheries coverage.
• OceanMind: UK-headquartered organization providing satellite-based fisheries monitoring and analysis services to governments and enforcement agencies. Directly comparable in serving fisheries regulators with monitoring, compliance, and intelligence offerings.
• Fishtag: Provider of EM hardware and software for commercial fisheries. Direct competitor in the EM technology stack for catch monitoring and regulatory compliance.

Broad incumbents

• Marine Instruments: Spanish marine electronics manufacturer and Archipelago's strategic hardware partner since 2017. Operates broadly in marine monitoring electronics and could emerge as both channel and competitor given the EM hardware IP transfer.
• CLS Group: French subsidiary providing satellite-based vessel monitoring, fisheries surveillance, and marine environmental services. A broader incumbent offering overlapping fisheries monitoring capabilities through its CLS Fisheries division.

Emerging players

• Global Fishing Watch: Nonprofit platform using satellite AIS data to monitor fishing activity worldwide. Competes indirectly by offering alternative transparency and IUU detection tools to regulators and NGOs that Archipelago also serves.
• Innovasea: Marine technology company offering fish tracking, aquaculture monitoring, and environmental sensing solutions. Adjacent player in marine IoT with overlapping sensors and monitoring software capabilities.
• OnDeck Fisheries AI: BC-based AI startup building Universal Species ID technology for automated fisheries classification. Currently an Archipelago partner but a potential competitor if it commercializes independently.
• Ai.Fish: AI tooling provider partnered with Archipelago since 2021 to develop SmartEVENT. Niche AI specialist that could evolve into a direct competitor in EM AI review.

Others

• Pole Star Space Applications: Provider of vessel tracking and maritime domain awareness solutions to commercial fleets and regulators. Adjacent player in marine monitoring data services rather than a direct EM competitor.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses4 records

Competitive moat6 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/university-of-victoria
• Instagraminstagram.com/itsarchipelago
• Xx.com/itsarchipelago

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles7 records

Subsidiaries2 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Archipelago Marine Research