Outdoors

Fishing app scans and identifies your catch of the day

Fishing app scans and identifies your catch of the day
The creators are seeking funding to expand the area that FishVerify can operate in, ideally accessing laws and species from other US states and eventually around the world
The creators are seeking funding to expand the area that FishVerify can operate in, ideally accessing laws and species from other US states and eventually around the world
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FishVerify is currently seeking funding on Kickstarter
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FishVerify is currently seeking funding on Kickstarter
The creators are seeking funding to expand the area that FishVerify can operate in, ideally accessing laws and species from other US states and eventually around the world
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The creators are seeking funding to expand the area that FishVerify can operate in, ideally accessing laws and species from other US states and eventually around the world
FishVerify is currently in beta, and due to be released in February 2017
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FishVerify is currently in beta, and due to be released in February 2017
FishVerify aims to promote responsible fishing practices
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FishVerify aims to promote responsible fishing practices
FishVerify can identify the species of a fish from a quick scan, and bring up information on the laws around it
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FishVerify can identify the species of a fish from a quick scan, and bring up information on the laws around it
FishVerify is designed to replace bulky field guides and maps
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FishVerify is designed to replace bulky field guides and maps
FishVerify uses a neural network to identify fish species from a database of over 1.5 million images, which is still growing
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FishVerify uses a neural network to identify fish species from a database of over 1.5 million images, which is still growing
FishVerify can also identify a fish from an existing photo
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FishVerify can also identify a fish from an existing photo
A search function allows fishers to use FishVerify to look up where they can catch certain types of fish, or see what's in the area
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A search function allows fishers to use FishVerify to look up where they can catch certain types of fish, or see what's in the area
FishVerify refers to local information regarding a species' size and bag limits, state record and whether it's in season or not
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FishVerify refers to local information regarding a species' size and bag limits, state record and whether it's in season or not
FishVerify can identify fish in seconds from a quick scan with a phone camera
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FishVerify can identify fish in seconds from a quick scan with a phone camera
FishVerify will automatically geotag catches, allowing users to build up a detailed catch log
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FishVerify will automatically geotag catches,  allowing users to build up a detailed catch log
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Even the most seasoned of anglers is going to reel in something they don't recognize from time to time. So when that happens, how do you know if it's big enough to keep, or if it's in season, or whether it's good eating? With a quick scan of your catch, the FishVerify app can identify a species, bring up information on its habitat and edibility, and using the phone's GPS, tell you about its size and bag limits in that area.

FishVerify is built on a neural network, a type of artificial intelligence that can be trained on a data set and used to recognize images. In this case, the system was fed 1.5 million images of over 1,000 different species of fish, and the beta version of the app focuses in on 150 of those species, commonly caught in the waters of Florida, where the founders hail from.

Using that growing data set, the aim is that fishers will be able to snap a photo of any fish they catch, and in a matter of seconds have the app tell them what species it is, as well as detailing its physical characteristics, where it can be found, tips on how to catch it, and how edible it is. Existing photos can also be imported, so that weird fish you threw back last time might become less mysterious.

FishVerify can also use your phone's location data to check the local laws and regulations around that particular species, letting you know the size and bag limits, whether it's currently in season, and the state record for biggest catch. The app will automatically geotag your catches too, building up a catch log of when and where you pulled in what. If you're hunting something specific, FishVerify can point you in the right direction by listing species in your local area.

FishVerify is designed to replace bulky field guides and maps
FishVerify is designed to replace bulky field guides and maps

"Our goal is to preserve our local fish populations by providing fishermen of all skill levels with a useful tool that assists with identification and regulations, hopefully encouraging a 'catch and release' mindset," says Chuck Mohr, CEO of FishVerify.

While the app has been trained on the fish and laws of Florida, the creators are planning to expand the reach to other US states and eventually, other countries. The basic app will be free to download and use, but a subscription-based Pro version will be available as well, offering unlimited identification for US$4 a week, $7 a month or $35 per year. Initially it will only be available on iOS, but an Android version is reportedly in the works.

FishVerify is currently seeking funding on Kickstarter, where a pledge of $15 or more grants immediate access to the beta version. Higher pledges are rewarded with other loot like towels, t-shirts, stickers, pins and coolers. If all goes to plan, the app should launch in February 2017.

The app can be seen in action in the video below.

Source: FishVerify

FishVerify: Identify Fish with an App (Canceled)

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2 comments
2 comments
Paul Anthony
This is brilliant!
MartinVoelker
"providing fishermen of all skill levels with a useful tool"
Very useful because many of them will be in Florida on vacation and unfamiliar with the local fish and rules.
Plus, if this is any indication we'll have a working Tricoder soon :)