Solarpunk Fishing: How Canadian Startup Katchi is Making Ocean Harvesting More Sustainable
At the core of Katchi’s innovation is the SmartNet, a high-tech trawl that “flies” above the seabed instead of scraping it. Using hydrodynamic blocks, depth sensors, and automated winch controls, the system keeps the net at the optimal altitude to protect marine habitats and reduce drag.
Their hardware lineup also includes HydroPucks, which replace heavy trawl doors, and advanced cable-control systems that allow real-time adjustments — all designed to reduce fuel use, prevent gear damage, and improve catch efficiency. It’s a complete rethinking of how commercial fishing gear interacts with the ocean floor.
Founded by Marc d’Entremont, a lifelong commercial fisher turned entrepreneur, Katchi is built on lived experience. Marc saw first-hand how traditional trawling methods were becoming unsustainable — both environmentally and economically.
Katchi’s work is part of a larger movement toward a blue economy — one that balances ocean health with human prosperity. By reducing by-catch, lowering emissions, and preserving seabed ecosystems, they’re showing that sustainable practices can also make financial sense.
The company is shooting for commercial release in 2024, with the goal of finding a middle ground between environmental concerns and fisher l