World Fishing November / December 2023

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2023 l VOL 72 ISSUE 11

worldfishing.net

Viewpoint 3 | Opinion 10 | Insight 14 | Fishing Technology 36 | Aquaculture 40

A QUARTER OF FORCED LABOUR FISHING VESSELS LINKED WITH EUROPE One in four fishing vessels accused of forced labour are owned by European companies, with a quarter more flagged to China.

That’s according to a new report by the Financial Transparency Coalition which reveals that 22.5% of industrial and semi-industrial fishing vessels accused of forced labour were owned by European companies, topped by Spain, Russian and UK firms.

“Forced labour aboard commercial fishing vessels is a human rights crisis, affecting more than 100,000 fishers every year, leading to horrific abuses and even deaths among fishers who mainly come from global South regions like south-east Asia and Africa,” said Matti Kohonen, Executive Director of the Financial Transparency Coalition. ”Yet those owning these vessels mostly hide behind complex, cross-jurisdictional corporate structures ranging from shell companies to opaque joint ventures.”

The report entitled “Dark links: uncovering those behind forced labour on fishing fleets” also found that companies from just five countries – China, Taiwan, Thailand, South Korea and Spain – own almost two-thirds of accused vessels for which legal ownership data is available.

In total, 128,000 fishers, mostly from the global south, were trapped in forced labour aboard fishing vessels in 2021, often in the high

Greener fishing page 19

NEW HORIZONS

n Some 128,000 fishers were trapped in forced labour aboard fishing vessels in 2021

seas, although the true figure could be much greater, according to the UN International Labour Organisation (ILO). They suffered abuses ranging from physical violence and debt bondage to abusive working conditions.

Other key findings of the report include that more than 40% of industrial and semi-industrial fishing vessels accused of forced labour operated in Asia, followed by Africa (21%), Europe (14%) and LAC (11%).

It warns that beneficial ownership information is rarely, if ever requested, by most countries when registering vessels or requesting fishing licenses, meaning that those ultimately responsible for the abuses are not detected and punished.

SCOTTISH SALMON INDUSTRY RELIEVED AS HPMA PLAN IS SCRAPPED Following a consultation period, Net Zero Secretary Màiri McAllan said: “In response to the findings of the consultation, and as I set out in parliament earlier this year, the proposal to implement Highly Protected Marine Areas (HPMAs) across 10% of Scotland’s seas by 2026 will not be progressed.”

Salmon farming body Salmon Scotland welcomed the decision, saying the industry had repeatedly raised concerns about the proposal.

“This confirmation is a huge relief for salmon farmers and all those who rely on our sector who were concerned about the impact on their livelihoods,” Salmon Scotland Chief Executive Tavish Scott said.

SPECIAL REPORT

Octopus farming – to be or not to be? page 12

INTERVIEW

Young skipper hopes to inspire future fishers page 16

NEWBUILDS

According to Salmon Scotland, Scottish salmon farms support 12,500 jobs, many in coastal communities, and add more than GBP 760 milliona-year to the country’s economy.

Sille Marie joins Norwegian enterprise page 34

The international fishing & aquaculture industry magazine EDITORIAL & CONTENT Editor: Jason Holland jholland@worldfishing.net News Reporter: Rebecca Strong rstrong@mercatormedia.com

VIEWPOINT

JASON HOLLAND | Editor | jholland@worldfishing.net

‘‘

Greener, more innovative fishing practices will be central to the long-term increase in seafood production

Regular Correspondents: Please contact our Correspondents at editor@worldfishing.net Tim Oliver, Bonnie Waycott, Vladislav Vorotnikov Quentin Bates, Terje Engø Eduardo Campos Lima, Eugene Gerden

The green approach

Production David Blake, Paul Dunnington production@mercatormedia.com

As an industry, commercial fishing has made a great deal of progress in recent years, Cornish skipper Tom Lambourn insists in his World Fishing & Aquaculture interview. This has been achieved despite cruel headwinds, with Tom explaining that despite the many difficulties being faced by fishers and related businesses, there’s a lot of effort that’s going into ensuring good practice and sustainability. He also points out that evolution and innovation are key to this drive.

Such endeavours are the focus of our latest Special Report, starting on page 19, which explores initiatives that are reshaping the fishing industry and elevating its green credentials in the process – everything from by-catch mitigation to new vessel designs. Thanks again goes to all those individuals and companies that shared their operations and strategies with us.

SALES & MARKETING t +44 1329 825335 f +44 1329 550192

It’s important to highlight that wild-capture fisheries are today responsible for the global supply of approximately 90 million tonnes of raw materials. The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) projects this volume could rise to a level of around 96 million tonnes within the next 10 years – providing more food for our planet’s growing population. Greener, more innovative fishing practices will be central to the long-term increase in seafood production. Because fisheries are finite resources, it’s crucial we improve the utilisation of the harvests we have (including reducing discards, waste and losses), and also that we ensure recovering stocks can continue to bounce back, all while carefully growing catches in the waters of those few remaining countries with underfished resources.

WF magazine is published monthly by Mercator Media Limited, Spinnaker House, Waterside Gardens, Fareham, Hampshire PO16 8SD UK t +44 1329 825335 f +44 1329 550192 info@mercatormedia.com www.mercatormedia.com

As we put this issue’s Greener Fishing pages together, it was clear to us that all over the world, a growing number of stakeholders are looking at potential solutions to ensure fishing remains part of a robust and sustainable food system. It was also apparent there’s going to be much more for us to share in future reports, so please continue to watch this space.

Register and subscribe at www.worldfishing.net

In the meantime, our first issue of 2024 will return to the topic of By-Product Solutions, with a particular emphasis on technologies that are helping the seafood value chain to cut waste and maximise value. Once again, our hope is that many more of you will seize on the opportunity share your stories and visions with us and our readers.

About World Fishing & Aquaculture Launched in 1952, World Fishing & Aquaculture is published by Mercator Media, a B2B media and events company specialising in international maritime industries, including marine business and technology, ports and terminals, and environmental strategies.

Through its publication and free access website (www.worldfishing. net), World Fishing & Aquaculture provides expert-written, in-depth coverage of the fisheries, aquaculture and processing sectors, with a strong focus on the emerging solutions, technologies and innovations that are shaping the broader seafood economy’s landscape.

For the latest news and analysis go to www.worldfishing.net

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NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2023 | 3

NEWS

BRIEFS 85% of tuna stocks healthy Of the total global tuna catch, 85% comes from stocks at healthy levels, according to the latest figures from the International Seafood Sustainability Foundation. The Status of the Stocks Report which reviews data on the 23 commercial tuna stocks around the world shows that 11% are overfished and 4% comes from stocks at an intermediate level of abundance.

GSSI renews BAP recognition The Global Sustainable Seafood Initiative has recognised the Best Aquaculture Practices certification programme under Version 2.0 of GSSI’s Global Benchmark Tool. BAP was the first aquaculture certification programme to be recognised by GSSI in 2017.

Tersan acquires Norwegian shipyard Turkey’s Tersan Shipyard has acquired Havyard Leirvik Shipyard, part of the EQVA Norway group of companies, with the deal expected to strengthen Tersan’s position in Northern Europe.

Scottish salmon exports leap 7% Export values rose GBP 33 million to GBP 478 million in the first three quarters of 2023, confirming Scottish salmon’s place at the UK’s top food export. In the period, 53,000 tonnes of salmon were exported to more than 50 countries.

4 | NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2023

REPORT: CANADIAN AUTHORITIES DOING A POOR JOB OF MANAGING FISHERIES Government department Fisheries and Oceans Canada has been unable to collect the dependable and timely information about fish catches it needs to sustainably manage commercial marine fisheries and protect Canada’s fish stocks from overfishing, according to a report released

by Commissioner of the Environment and Sustainable Development Jerry DeMarco.

DeMarco’s report also states that Fisheries and Oceans Canada is yet to deliver on most of the corrective measures it committed to seven years ago, when the area was last audited by the Office of the Auditor General of Canada.

The audit found that the department created the Fishery Monitoring Policy but had yet to implement it and that the policy was not supported by action plans with dedicated resources.

Also, progress in modernising information management systems has been very slow.

Furthermore, while the department has spent about CAD 31 million to move to a single system that integrates information across regions and provides ready access to catch data, it has delivered only the

n In 2021, Canada’s commercial marine fisheries were valued at CAD 4.6 billion

initial modules of this new system while extending the system’s timeline for delivery across regions by 10 years, from 2020 to 2030.

The audit also found significant weaknesses in Fisheries and Oceans Canada’s monitoring and oversight practices. The department uses a variety of monitoring tools to get the data it needs for a fishing season, including logbooks, electronic devices, and data collected by thirdparty observers. But the audit found that the department’s oversight of the information it receives had not improved since it was flagged as being poor seven years ago.

This means that the department does not know whether the information

it receives is dependable or timely or whether the information meets its monitoring requirements, offered the report.

“Without dependable and timely data on fish being caught, Fisheries and Oceans Canada does not know whether commercial stocks are being overfished,” DeMarco said. “The collapse of the Atlantic cod population in the 1990s – with its farreaching economic and social impacts – has shown that it is far more expensive and difficult to recover depleted stocks than it is to keep them healthy in the first place.”

The report found that approximately 72,000 Canadians make their living directly from fishing and related activities.

AQUACULTURE NEEDS MORE GOVERNANCE TO BE SUSTAINABLE While aquaculture provides about the same amount of food globally as wild-caught fisheries or the egg sector, questions remain about its environmental and social impacts, finds new research titled “Aquaculture governance: five engagement arenas for sustainability transformation”.

In the study, which was published in the journal Current Opinion in Environmental Sustainability, a consortium of more than 30 aquaculture experts suggests five areas that can guide research agendas

and policy making: setting sustainability transformation goals; cross-sectoral linkages; land–water–sea connectivity; knowledge and innovation; and value chains.

“Good governance is critically important for ensuring that aquaculture does not cause more harm than benefits,” said co-author Professor Dave Little, Aquatic Resource Development at University of Stirling.

“However, current knowledge and practices related to aquaculture governance currently lack a set of unifying

topics and sustainability goals.”

Little highlighted that the sector’s rapid growth over the last two decades as a key reason why policy and research have failed to keep up.

“Concerted governance efforts can help move the sector beyond fragmented technical questions associated with intensification and expansion, social and environmental impacts, and toward systembased approaches that address interconnected sustainability issues,” he said.

For the latest news and analysis go to www.worldfishing.net

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NEWS

BRIEFS Brim invests in first UNO Seafood company Brim hf and processing equipment supplier Vélfag have signed an agreement for the purchase the first UNO machine in Iceland. It will be installed at Brim’s Kambur processing facility in Hafnarfjörður.

Mowi tops sustainability chart The salmon farming giant has been ranked the most sustainable animal protein producer by Coller FAIRR for the fifth year running.

The Protein Producer Index provides a detailed assessment of the largest meat, dairy and farmed fish producers in the world.

Trio establish gene editing tech Aquaculture and biotech firm Colors Farm and computational biology company Evogene are working with Israel’s BenGurion University (BGU) to develop gene editing technology for crustaceans.

They will specifically target giant freshwater prawn, whiteleg shrimp and red swamp crayfish to enhance key traits such as growth rate, disease resistance and environmental adaptation.

Pelagic fishers turn to science The Scottish Pelagic Fishermen’s Association and the Centre for Environment Fisheries and Aquaculture Science are teaming up on scientific research and its use in fisheries management. The two will work together to make better use of data on stocks, as well as determine further areas of research.

6 | NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2023

NORWEGIAN COD, HADDOCK WIN BACK SUSTAINABLE CERTIFICATION Two years after losing their Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) certification, the Norwegian fisheries for inshore cod and haddock have been re-certified to the sustainable fishing standard.

The fisheries were independently-certified by a third-party auditor which assessed the fishery against MSC’s criteria related to stock health, protection of the environment, and ensuring effective management is in place.

Since 2010, MSC certifications included the inshore and offshore stocks of Northeast Arctic cod and haddock, but in April 2022 the fishery, Norges Fiskarlag, decided to apply for reassessment to the MSC Fisheries Standard for its offshore fishing only. The offshore cod and haddock catch was MSC-certified while the inshore element was no longer part of the certificate.

When cod and haddock migrate to shore, they mix with local coastal cod, which were not certified but were classified as IPI, (Inseparable, Practically Inseparable). The MSC Fisheries Standard requires an IPI over time either to be separated

n Norwegian fisheries for inshore cod and haddock have been re-certified to MSC

out of catches or landings or also certified against the MSC Fisheries Standard. As a result, over the last year, the Norwegian Fisherman association, Fiskarlaget, representing Norwegian fisheries, has worked with the fisheries to regain recertification for these economically important inshore cod and haddock stocks.

“We are pleased to see the inshore fisheries for cod and haddock finally come back into the fold as MSC certified. In order to keep these certificates, more work remains in the years ahead in further improving the management of coastal cod, hopefully in tandem with improvements to the MSC standard itself,” Fiskarlaget’s

Tor Björklund Larsen said.

In 2008, saithe became the first Norwegian fishery to be MSC certified, making 2023 the 15th year of Norwegian engagement in the programme.

Morten Hyldborg Jensen, CEO of Nordic Group and CCO Insula Whitefish, said it’s “exciting times” for the Norwegian whitefish industry.

“We’re thrilled over the re-certification of our inshore cod and haddock by the Marine Stewardship Council,” he said. “This endorsement guarantees seamless access to key markets, including Sweden, UK, Portugal, Spain, Germany and France. Our commitment to sustainability is recognised through the MSC logo.”

US FUNDS SALMON FISHERIES CLIMATE CHANGE ADAPTATIONS The Biden-Harris Administration is investing US$60 million for NOAA Fisheries to address tribal priorities and tackle the impacts of climate change on Pacific salmon.

Made possible by the Inflation Reduction Act – which is making US$3.3 billion available to NOAA – these funds are available for Columbia River Basin hatcheries through the Mitchell Act. “This historic investment by the Biden-Harris Administration furthers NOAA’s efforts to help Americans prepare, adapt and build resilience to weather

and climate events,” said US Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo.

“This new funding that was made possible by the Inflation Reduction Act, a key pillar of Bidenomics, is critically important because it will update hatchery facilities to continue to provide the fishing opportunities guaranteed by treaties.”

Since 2019, NOAA Fisheries has been working with hatchery operators in the Columbia River Basin to determine a schedule of needed maintenance and upgrades.

The funding will focus on

shovel-ready and high-priority hatcheries that are funded with Mitchell Act grants, which include the Yakama Nation, the Nez Perce Tribe, and the states of Oregon, Washington and Idaho.

The Mitchell Act was passed

by Congress in 1938 for the conservation of salmon and steelhead fishery resources in the Columbia River Basin.

Since 1946, Congress has continued to appropriate Mitchell Act funds on an annual basis, and NOAA Fisheries has administered the Mitchell Act since 1970.

For the latest news and analysis go to www.worldfishing.net

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NEWS

BRIEFS Funding for pelagic fishers Ireland’s new €25.6 million Pelagic Fisheries Support Scheme is to compensate vessel owners that have suffered losses of mackerel quota over the period 20212023 as a result of the quota transfers to the EU under Brexit.

IFFO makes board changes The Marine Ingredients Organisation (IFFO) has confirmed Chief Executive of Pelagia and IFFO’s current vice president, Egil Magne Haugstad, will assume the role of president whilst original co-president and one of the founders of IFFO, Eduardo Goycoolea, will take up the role of vice president.

PNG rock lobster certified Papua New Guinea’s Torres Strait Tropical Rock Lobster Fishery has attained Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) certification, becoming the country’s first smallscale fishery to achieve the standard.

Inmarsat lands SAR award Inmarsat Maritime has won the 2023 International Maritime Rescue Federation Award for Innovation and Technology in Maritime Search and Rescue. The award recognises those who have shown excellence in their field, developed innovative technology and equipment, or acted as a role model.

8 | NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2023

CALL FOR FACTORY VESSEL FISHING BAN IN IRISH WATERS Non-EU countries must face the same controls and conservation regime as the Irish fleet, otherwise all of the fish species they catch may not be recorded which would in turn affect stocks, conservation and sustainability, warns Irish fishing industry leaders.

Ireland has a land-based not sea-based processing sector, explained Irish Fish Producers Organisation (IFPO) Chief Executive Aodh O Donnell.

“We rigidly monitor, report and fully account for mixed species in our catches – not just those which a vessel sets out to catch. But we have concerns that non-EU fishing vessels currently don’t always report by-catches – species caught accidentally – which has major implications for fish conservation and sustainability.

“For example, if an Irish vessel fishing for mackerel catches whitefish species in their nets, this by-catch has to be logged, recorded and counted as part of their quota. We have concerns that this is not the case for nonEU vessels which don’t land the fish they catch in our waters in Irish ports.”

IFPO’s position is supported by the Irish Fish Processors and Exporters Association (IFPEA), with Chief Executive Brendan Byrne insisting Ireland must

n If non-EU countries want access to Irish waters, then they must submit to the same controls as the local fleet, insist Irish leaders

“stand firm” and clearly state that factory ships for processing catches at sea are not welcome in Irish EU waters.

This must be fundamental to any new arrangements made between the EU and thirdcountries, he said.

“Norwegian and Icelandic vessels press hard for access to the EU-Irish Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) to catch their enormous self-allocated quotas. These Norwegian vessels catch huge volumes of blue whiting in our waters each year. In fact, Norwegian fishing opportunities to catch their quotas are five times greater than what Ireland is permitted to catch in our own waters,” Byrne said.

The Irish South and West Fishermen’s Producer

Organisation (IS&WPO) also maintains that Ireland’s valuable waters must be protected in the long-term national interest. Chief Executive Patrick Murphy said the resilience of coastal communities “is largely dependent on this traditional sector” and that access deals for third-countries must take account of a fit-for-purpose control and enforcement regime by Irish authorities.

“We are at a crossroads and a radical state led change in approach is required,” Murphy said. “This is a priority as otherwise we have too much to lose. Any access deal to fish in our waters must include a suite of additional comprehensive control procedures that take account of mixed species realities.’’

NORTHEAST ATLANTIC PELAGIC QUOTAS SET Delegations of the European Union, Iceland, the Faroe Islands, Greenland, Norway and the United Kingdom have reached an agreement on the management measures for mackerel, blue whiting and Atlanto-Scandian herring in the Northeast Atlantic for 2024.

All three stocks have a total allowable catch (TAC) for 2024 set at the recommended scientific advice provided by the International Council for Exploration of the Sea (ICES).

For mackerel, the coastal states agreed to set the TAC for 2024 at 739,386 tonnes. This is 5% lower than the TAC agreed for 2023.

For blue whiting, the EU, Norway, the Faroe Islands, Iceland and the UK agreed to set the TAC for 2024 at 1,529,754 tonnes. This corresponds to an increase of 12.5% compared to the TAC set for 2023.

For Atlanto-Scandian herring, the TAC for 2024 was agreed at 390,010 tonnes, a decrease

of 24% compared to the TAC set for 2023. During this year’s annual consultations, the European Union also made a claim to being acknowledged as a costal state of this stock, based on scientific evidence of occurrence of this stock in EU waters.

The delegations also agreed to address the issue of quota-sharing arrangements for all three stock as soon as possible, and no later than in early 2024.

For the latest news and analysis go to www.worldfishing.net

NEWS

ALASKA’S SALMON HARVEST LOSES SIGNIFICANT Alaska has harvested a total 230.2 million salmon in 2023, a 43% increase from the 2022 total harvest of 160.7 million fish, according to preliminary figures published by the Alaska Department of Fish and Game (ADF&G).

However, ADF&G’s analysis found that this year’s commercial salmon fishery (all species) harvest was valued at approximately US$398.6 million, a significant decrease from 2022’s value of $720.4 million.

International market conditions significantly impacted pricing of salmon state-wide, thus the value of the harvest, the department said.

Sockeye salmon accounted for approximately 45% of the total value at $181.1 million and 23% of the harvest at 51.8 million fish. Pink salmon comprised approximately 29% of the value at $113.7 million,

and 66% of the harvest with 152.4 million fish.

Chum accounted for 19% of the value at $74.6 million and approximately 10% of the harvest at 23.5 million fish. Coho accounted for approximately 4% of the value at $14.4 million and 1% of the harvest at 2.3 million fish, while the Chinook salmon harvest was estimated to be just under 235,000 fish with an estimated preliminary ex-vessel value of $14.7 million.

A total of 5,577 individual permit holders made commercial salmon landings in 2023, a decrease from 2022 (6,126 permits).

When compared to the long-term time-series (19852022), the 2023 all-species commercial salmon harvest of approximately 230.2 million fish and 919.7 million pounds was the fourth highest on record for total fish harvested, and

n Sockeye salmon accounted for approximately 45% of the total value of Alaska’s 2023 salmon harvest and 23% of the volume

the seventh highest on record for total pounds harvested.

Adjusted for inflation (CPI, 2023 prices), the 2023 ex-vessel value estimate of $398.6 million was the sixth lowest value reported since 1975.

ADF&G advised these are preliminary harvest and value estimates which will change as fish tickets are processed and

finalised. Also, dollar values provided by the department are based on estimated ex-vessel prices and do not include postseason price adjustments.

The final value of the 2023 salmon fishery will be determined in 2024 after seafood buyers and processors report the total value paid to fishermen in 2023.

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OPINION

HOW CAN AI HELP US RESTORE THE HEALTH OF OUR OCEANS? Stig Martin Fiskå, Global Head of Ocean at Cognizant explains how emerging technologies provide the means to both safeguard resources and optimise seafood production efficiencies The oceans cover a vast 70% of the planet we call home, yet their health has been increasingly degraded by the impacts of over-exploitation and climate change. In turn, industries that rely on our oceans have found it more difficult to run their businesses predictably and profitably. With 3.3 billion of the world’s population having a livelihood or connection to the ocean, the restoration of our oceans’ health is incontestably crucial.

While it’s no secret that technology itself is the cause for many of today’s environmental challenges such as ocean plastics and overfishing, it may also hold the key to overcoming them. With digital technology, ocean industries – from food production to renewable energy –

‘‘

There is a growing opportunity to optimise fish farming practises to better understand what fish need and when can become not only more resilient and future-proof in the face of a more unpredictable and rapidly changing environment, but they can address one of humanity’s biggest challenges: improving the health of our oceans.

AI technology has a critical role to play, with the ability to help decarbonise the oceans and mitigate the impacts of climate change on their ecosystems.

Optimising fish farming practices The world’s population is rapidly growing, with UN estimates suggesting we could reach a population of 8.5 billion by 2030. Whilst the aquaculture industry will provide a significant part of what we need to support the growing global population, current fishing practices are harming our sources of wild fish. Seventeen percent of our current protein sources come from fish, yet almost 80% of the world’s fisheries are already depleted.

Enter Artificial Intelligence. Through the use of AI and perception technology, there is a growing opportunity to optimise fish farming practises to better understand what fish need and when. More specifically, farmers can use machine perception tools and AI to automate feeding time in accordance with the hunger levels of the fish to reduce wasted feed – a significant carbon emissions source – while improving growth metrics. With fish feed making up a majority of the industry’s environmental pressures and uneaten feed providing potential harm to the surrounding waters, these new technologies could help make a large impact in saving resources, and subsequently minimising ocean pollution.

Additionally, farmers will

10 | NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2023

be able to use AI systems to better analyse data on fish populations, fishing patterns and environmental conditions to optimise fishing strategies. Even the health of fish can be monitored, with AI solutions being able to detect and identify sea lice to improve fish health and hence improve fishing yields.

n With digital technology, ocean industries, including food production, can become more resilient

The crew at the helm Another huge contributor to ocean pollution is marine shipping. Approximately 90% of the goods transported globally are transported by sea at some point, transiting through at least two ports, and often many more, as part of their journey. Unexpected disruptions such as delayed vessels, maintenance issues, landslides, congestion at other ports, or inclement weather can contribute significantly to pollution.

Analysing large volumes of data from various sources, including satellite data, weather forecasts, and vessel data using an AI-powered platform, can generate the necessary insights to streamline operations and reduce congestions.

Specifically, transport companies can use machine learning models to analyse micro-weather systems, current speeds, and port data traffic to optimise shipping routes and port arrival times for lower fuel usage.

Therefore, AI-powered digital platforms can not only positively impact the way individual companies are run, but if integrated and aligned across a business ecosystem, there is potential to reduce friction points in the industry on a macro-scale.

No time to waste Holistic change across the sector, from optimising fish farming practices to streamlining shipping operations, is now a necessity if we want to combat the rapidly increasing degradation of our oceans. Companies in ocean-based industries need to take an innovation-driven and collaborative approach with technology firms that can provide the relevant technical expertise to action this change.

n Stig Martin Fiskå

About Cognizant Ocean Cognizant’s new business group, Cognizant Ocean, focuses on helping clients in the blue economy apply digital technologies, such as AI and data analytics, to improve their business outcomes, reduce their carbon output and decarbonise the oceans.

For the latest news and analysis go to www.worldfishing.net

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NEWHORIZONS

Focusing on Fisheries Development

OCTOPUS FARMING – TO BE OR NOT TO BE? The world’s first commercial octopus farm – being built in the Canary Islands

by Nueva Pescanova – seems to be moving ahead amid a massive public backlash, writes Vladislav Vorotnikov

n Nueva Pescanova has developed technology that cover all stages of the octopus lifecycle

While its production technology has been tried and tested, Nueva Pescanova’s octopus farming project is at a crossroads, with regulatory approval to get the work started pending. The farm in Spain’s Canary Islands would raise one million octopuses annually for food, equal to roughly 3,000 tonnes. But while octopuses are widely caught in the wild, their intensive farming has long been considered nearly impossible since larvae only eat live food and need a carefully controlled environment.

That was until production technology rolled out by Nueva Pescanova in 2018 overcame the issue.

“We are currently working with the fifth generation of octopuses born in our facilities that have reached adulthood – managing to reproduce outside their natural habitat,” Nueva Pescanova’s Carmen Villalonga told WF. The project is supported by a solid scientific base, including nine scientific research centres in Spain, Portugal and Mexico, including prestigious institutions such as the Spanish National Research Council, the Spanish Institute of Oceanography, CIIMAR and various universities.

“Collaboration and joint work have been key to its success,” Villalonga said. “The plan is to develop sustainable aquaculture with a focus on responsible farming practices that prioritise the welfare of octopuses as well as efficiency at an environmental level.”

The state-of-the-art technology covers all stages of the octopus lifecycle – from egg hatching to careful care in the juvenile and adult stages, Villalonga said, adding that indepth knowledge of the octopus lifecycle, gained through rigorous research, has been essential to successfully advance octopus farming from breeding to fattening.

12 | NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2023

Ethical issues spark controversy Since the first details of the project were made public, Nueva Pescanova has faced firm resistance from environmentalists and a part of the scientific community.

On 8 October – World Octopus Day – some 75 NGOs, experts and public figures sent an open letter to the Canary Islands’ government calling for it to reject plans to build the world’s first commercial octopus farm. They claim that allowing the farm to advance would cause animal cruelty and environmental damage and may negatively impact the islands’ communities and tourist trade.

“We think the science is clear and octopuses cannot be farmed with high welfare standards,” said Dr Elena Lara, Research Manager with the Compassion in World Farming organisation.

In 2021, Compassion in World Farming published the ‘Octopus Farming: A Recipe for Disaster’ report, which showed that octopuses’ exceptional characteristics make them uniquely unsuitable for intensive farming. The report reviewed the scientific evidence and revealed how the animals are solitary in nature and generally live and hunt on their own. Confining them to underwater tanks could lead to aggression or even cannibalism, it said.

Some recent studies also suggest that octopuses are highly intelligent animals. In one report, the American Veterinary Medical Association even pointed out that captive breeding of octopuses was difficult, among other things, because these creatures found outstanding ways to escape tanks and cages.

One of the points for debate is the slaughtering methods that will be utilised. None of the available

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NEW HORIZONS

technologies assure a scientifically-validated approach to the humane slaughter of octopuses, Lara said. For instance, the ice slurry Nueva Pescanova may resort to has been recognised by EFSA and OIE as an inhumane method that needs to be phased out.

Ice slurry involves submerging the animals in 500-litre plastic containers of icy water, where they would develop hypothermia and eventually freeze to death.

Environmentalists claim this way of slaughter is slow and painful. Some experts have suggested immersing the animals in seawater mixed with a small amount of magnesium salts or around 3% ethanol before they are killed. However, it’s unclear whether octopuses killed in this way are safe for human consumption.

There are also concerns over the conditions in which octopuses will be kept. Nueva Pescanova reportedly planned to breed octopuses in tightly packed areas — around 10-15 octopuses per cubic metre. Several reports warned that this method could cause stress for octopuses and even push them to attack and/or cannibalise.

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The plan is to develop sustainable aquaculture with a focus on responsible farming practices that prioritise the welfare of octopuses Carmen Villalonga, Nueva Pescanova Meeting the global demand Despite public concerns, there’s a big question of whether there’s a viable alternative to octopus farming in the long run. The global consumption of octopus amounts to 350,000 tonnes per year, worth $2.7 billion, and the market is expected to grow by 21.5% by 2028 compared with 2022.

As sich, it’s doubtful whether global octopus stocks are sufficient to secure a similar growth in output.

Villalonga suggested that in the context of growing consumption, humanity needs to find sustainable solutions that would allow it to protect the species in the wild. In this light, the Canary farm is seen only as the first step, as with only 3,000 tonnes of production per year, it will meet less than 1% of the global octopus demand. Therefore, more capacities will be needed in the long run.

Numerous scientific and public organisations back aquaculture as an alternative to the wild seafood catch.

According to the latest “The State of World Fisheries and Aquaculture” (SOFIA) report published by FAO, sustainable aquaculture development remains essential to meet the growing demand for aquatic food. It also contributes to better nutrition for the population while at the same time safeguarding the food safety of the product.

“All these aspects are directly related and contribute to the EU’s Farm to Fork Strategy that aims to accelerate our transition to a sustainable food system, ensuring food security and making sure that everyone has access to sufficient, safe, nutritious, sustainable food while preserving its affordability,” Villalonga said.

“The octopus aquaculture project is a pioneering scientific milestone in the world, born precisely out of the need to meet the increasing demand for this superfood while helping to conserve the species,” she added.

In addition, the originally presented technology is being shaped up, according to Villalonga. “We optimise their cultivation from four areas: genetics, nutrition, health and animal welfare, the latter being our central pillar. Under this premise, we prioritise their welfare throughout their life cycle in terms of food, space, temperature, water quality, etc; by applying the specific conditions of the species in the wild to the breeding process.”

Villalonga added: “Our technology, facilities and farming methods follow the highest standards of quality and animal welfare. All parameters, from light conditions, space, feeding to water quality, have been taken into account to ensure that the conditions in which the animals live are optimal.”

In terms of water management, a microfiltration treatment is planned so that the water entering and leaving the farm will be filtered so that it has no impact on the environment, and a camera is planned along the route to collect water samples and check that all the parameters are met. The installation of photovoltaic panels on the farm is also intended, which will considerably reduce the amount of energy consumed by the electricity grid during peak solar hours.

Nueva Pescanova has submitted all the documentation that was requested in order to move forward with the project and is in the process of obtaining the necessary licences. The company does not yet have a concrete date for the start of construction and production at the plant.

There are also no concrete commercial plans, though it is expected that most of the farmed octopus will be sold on local markets. At the same time, there are no guarantees that the world’s first octopus farm will eventually see the light since environmentalists put heavy pressure on lawmakers to prohibit the commercial breeding of octopuses.

“If we want to ban octopus farming, we need that policymakers and decision-makers include a ban on octopus farming in the legislative documents,” Lara said.

“The [current] status [of the Nueva Pescanova project] is that the Canary Islands government is evaluating the impacts of this farm, and we are waiting for its decision.

For now, we know that the government has asked for an exhaustive environmental impact of the farm. We don’t know what will happen with the farm, but we are fighting to stop the project as much as we can, raising awareness to the public and making science accessible, so decisions are made with the information in our hands,” she said.

n It’s intended that Nueva Pescanova’s octopus farming project will produce one million octopuses a year

Addressing concerns Nueva Pescanova disagrees with the reports labelling its technology as cruel or inhumane. Among other things, those favouring octopus farming pointed out that fishermen catching wild octopuses don’t bother developing and applying better slaughtering practices.

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NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2023 | 13

INSIGHT

The future of fishing

WILL PAPS BE THE NEW AQUAFEED? Research highlights how processed animal proteins (PAPs) are safe, sustainable and circular ingredients for global aquafeed. Bonnie Waycott reports To meet the global population’s appetite for affordable seafood, aquaculture around the world has expanded widely, reaching a record 122.6 million tonnes in 2020.

But to support the sector’s growth and safeguard fish stocks in the wild, there is a need for resilient, sustainable aquafeed ingredients as alternatives to wildsourced fishmeal and fish oil. Although the nutritional profile of fishmeal and fish oil is perfectly suitable for aquaculture species, the sector’s increasing growth and development will outstrip the number of forage fish that can be sustainably harvested.

Thanks to their relatively low market price and being readily available, plant ingredients have been used extensively as fishmeal and fish oil alternatives. Some possess a valuable nutrient profile that matches marinederived ingredients. However, others do not, while the use of plant ingredients also poses problems. These include the presence of anti-nutritional factors and potential amino acid imbalances that may impair fish growth, nutrient intake and palatability. With this, the international aquaculture community has been developing an array of options to find other affordable alternatives.

“Despite the concerns, modern aquafeeds have reduced substantially in fishmeal and fish oil usage. This is to a point where feeds fed to some farmed fish species don’t use these marine by-products, and for carnivorous species such as Atlantic salmon, the inclusion levels are extremely low,” Dr Alex Wan, Research Fellow at the Aquaculture and Nutrition Research Unit (ANRU) at the University of Galway in Ireland told WF.

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Compared to plant materials, PAPs do not possess anti-nutritional factors so their digestibility is usually quite high Dr Alex Wan, Aquaculture and Nutrition Research Unit, “This is thanks to plant by-products such as soy, maize, peas and wheat, or others like insects, but the big challenge facing aquafeed today is reducing ingredients that have a very high environmental impact. Soy, for example, face concerns over their carbon footprint that is being imported from abroad, and their demand for animal feeds and food has accelerated deforestation in some parts of the world. Aquaculture needs ingredients with a much lower environmental impact and better sustainability credentials to grow the industry.”

One potential ingredient is processed animal proteins, or PAPs, derived from land-farmed animals. These include poultry meal, blood meal and feather meal, which all have a high protein content, a lack of anti-nutritional factors observed in plant meals, are highly palatable and can supply a balanced dietary amino acid profile for aquaculture species.

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Revived interest There is, however, a stigma behind the use of PAPs in aquafeeds due to the Bovine Spongiform Encephalopath (BSE) outbreak caused by inadequate regulations and animal protein processing in the early 1990s. This has led to meat and bone meal being banned within the EU and UK for their use in aquaculture and terrestrial livestock feed.

But, following changes in rendering practices, BSE was subsequently eliminated, and the industry is now highly regulated to prevent reoccurrence.

It was not until 2013 that Europe allowed its reintroduction into aquafeeds, which has helped fill some of the protein gaps in aquaculture, though its use is limited in farmed fish.

Today, PAPs are receiving increased interest as an alternative to fishmeal and plant protein concentrates because of the growing demand from aquaculture. They are cost-effective, have a generally lower carbon footprint and are particularly high in arginine and other watersoluble amino acids such as proline, glycine and glutamic acid. The latter could act as an attractant and enhance feed palatability.

“Compared to plant materials, PAPs do not possess anti-nutritional factors so their digestibility is usually quite high,” said Wan. “This applies to something like poultry meal but not to feather meal, which is made from keratin protein and is quite resistant to the animal digestion process. Generally, feather meal is partially hydrolysed to break down the keratin and increase nutrient digestibility.

PAPs also contain many nutritionally important minerals, are more bioavailable, and have a better amino acid profile to deliver the requirements of animal growth.”

To date, the potential of PAPs to replace dietary fishmeal and fish oil has been studied in a range of commercially important farmed fish species. For example, porcine meals can be successfully included in diets in several species including Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus), while including

n PAPs are receiving increased interest as an alternative aquafeed ingredient

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INSIGHT up to 25-30% of feather meal in test aquafeeds appears to enhance the species’ growth performance. Poultry meal has also been successfully fed to totoaba (Totoaba macdonaldi), resulting in high growth performance such as weight gain and specific growth rate (SGR).

Mammalian blood meal provides additional nutritional benefits and can be an effective source of iron and reduce the occurrence of cataracts in Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar). Blood meal also enhances feed pellet colouration and stability due to its binding properties. In general, however, Wan says, lower trophic species such as omnivorous species with a more adaptable digestive system (i.e. tolerate better plant and animal proteins), can tolerate more varied diets compared to carnivorous species that require highly digestible proteins.

Up to now, PAPs are used most widely in areas such as Latin America, Africa, the Middle East and the Far East, including China, where large quantities of fish products such as carp, trout, catfish and shrimp products are being produced and where consumer numbers are at their highest.

n Dr Alex Wan

Photo Credit: Sagdiclar Balikcilik

Technology upscaling With PAPs being used more widely in aquafeeds, modern technological processes are helping to guarantee stability and high quality. Certain advancements are also in place to ensure feed safety. For example, new heat-treating technologies in the raw materials that make PAPs will ensure the elimination of potential prions and microbes, thereby ensuring higher safety, quality and more nutritional bioavailability.

“One example of enhancing the potential of PAPs in aquafeed lies in feather meal,” said Wan. “Its inclusion level is typically low, usually no more than 10-20%. Any higher and this material will impact the growth performance. This is where we need to incorporate novel technologies to make it easier for the fish to digest. This could include exogenous enzymes being added to the feed to increase nutrient digestibility, which could be derived from residue enzyme activity from solid-state fermentation products (fermented rice and wheat) or pure sources from biorefineries. Then we can push up its inclusion level and displace more of the plant proteins or produce more

finished diets using the same amount of plant and marine feed ingredients.”

“Innovation will also be key,” Wan continued. “It’s great that the UK has re-joined the EU’s Horizon Europe research and development programme as an associated member. The collaboration between European and UK industries and research partners could ultimately lead to big projects that could produce empirical evidence of how to drive PAPs forward as a reliable, safe and sustainable animal feed source. Part of this could encompass greater governance over managing by-products, nutrient recovery, and developing new aquafeed ingredients with lower environmental impact.”

Wan believes that by far the biggest issue to using PAPs in aquafeeds is consumer perception, which is preventing these ingredients from entering certain markets. With an increasing number of individuals and organisations vigilant against animal protein and aquaculture, concerns are high in aquaculture circles that the industry is misrepresented or endangered by misinformation. Being able to show more of the environmental credentials in PAPs and better safety transparency to the public could lead to greater acceptance for these invaluable proteins, he said.

Although, with more focus on fishmeal and fish oil alternatives as well as the concerns associated with ingredients such as plant proteins, Wan believes that PAPs could take off further in aquaculture and become an integral part of a feed formulator or manufacturer ingredient portfolio based on its economic or environmental attributes, or nutritional balance.

It is hoped that with recent developments paving the way for the safe re-introduction of PAPs into aquafeed, the nutritional, environmental and economic characteristics of PAPs will continue to be a valuable ingredient in the expanding aquafeed industry. Wan is now looking at developing more digestible proteins using enzymes and investigating less energy-intensive processes such as heat pump technology to lower environmental impact. He also hopes there is a commercial demand for PAPs to be trialled in species such as salmon, where consumer perception is typically the most sensitive.

“We need to understand the biological effects of PAPs on farmed salmon because they have some of the highest protein demand and determine the optimal inclusion levels but also without prejudice,” he concluded.

For the latest news and analysis go to www.worldfishing.net

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2023 | 15

INTERVIEW

YOUNG SKIPPER HOPES TO INSPIRE FUTURE GENERATIONS OF FISHERS Tom Lambourn is the skipper-owner of My Lass PZ 291, based out of Newlyn, Cornwall, and is also a brand ambassador for Xtratuf. Despite studying chemistry at university, he was always destined to follow his heart and become a commercial fisherman. He’s also keen to help bring more youth to an aging industry

With his family heavily involved in the commercial fishing sector: his father a fisherman and his mother and her family owning the privately-owned W Stevenson & Sons fishing fleet, it was a natural progression for Lambourn.

In the spring and summer months, onboard My Lass, he mainly fishes for Cornish lobster and spider crab. For the rest of the year, he crews on the 12-metre catamaran Lyonesse PZ 81 – fishing for Cornish sardines. He tells WF he’s also keen to promote the fishing industry as a livelihood for future generations and is a member of the Youth Board of the Cornish Fish Producers’ Organisation - a group of young, local fishers that has helped create a new fishing apprenticeship scheme.

WF: First, a bit of background to you and your life as a fisherman – what brought you to the industry in the first place?

TL: I come from Newlyn, the largest fishing port in Cornwall. Other than those periods when I was away studying, it’s a place that’s always been the focal point of my life, particularly the harbour – with my dad being a fisherman for longer than I’ve been alive, and my mum’s involvement in her family’s business, owning fishing boats and also running the Newlyn Fish Market. I guess that since the age of five or six, I’ve been obsessed by fishing; first helping my dad land his catch and then later going out on fishing boats at weekends and school holidays. I suppose

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it was a hobby to begin with, but then midway through my university studies at Cardiff, I realised I wanted to pursue fishing as a full-time career.

Today, I’m involved in a couple of great local fisheries.

I have my own boat – My Lass which is a small singlehanded, nine-metre that I bought about four years ago, which I use to target lobsters and spider crabs. During peak summer there’s an abundance of the crabs in this area, and despite being deliciously sweet, they’re quite low in commercial value. Nevertheless, they’re there to be caught and hopefully prices will eventually move in the right direction. I’ve also been part of the crew on the Lyonesse since I left university in 2017 – fishing for Cornish sardines from around the middle of July until mid-February.

n No two days are the same when you’re fishing, says Skipper Tom Lambourn

WF: What especially excites you about what you do?

TL: There’s a lot to love. For me, fishing as a career has a lot of strong points. First and foremost, it’s a very exciting job: you’re out on the water, and there’s a natural excitement of being out in nature with lots to see and plenty of wildlife to encounter – dolphins, whales, tuna – there’s so much to enjoy. And it’s particularly good when the weather’s nice.

From a fishing perspective, from one day to the next, you never know what or how much you are going to catch; what gear is going to give the best rewards – which pots or nets will be the good ones that day – or where you’ll find the shoals sardines. While the process and the catching

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INTERVIEW methods stay the same, there are a lot of unknowns, with the added issue of trying to catch enough to earn a wage and to make the process viable. Personally, I like the fact that you rarely get two days that are the same, that you don’t know what challenges you’re going to face when you set out in the morning and that you’re constantly learning and adapting to new, unforeseen circumstances. It’s an exciting way to work – you’re always striving to get a good catch, and to make it a successful fishing trip for everyone onboard.

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I believe that as an industry, we have come a long way, and that progress has been achieved while facing a lot of headwinds Of course, fishing isn’t for everyone. It’s true that it is very hard work at times, and I expect that’s why a lot of fishing communities struggle to recruit young people and why the average age of fishers is what it is. Historically, there’s also been the perception that being a fisher is a last resort career; a job when there are no alternatives. However, I think that stereotype is outdated and has little relevance today. I mean I went to university, and then made the choice to be a fisherman and I’m happy to say it’s the best decision I’ve ever made. I’m lucky in that I love what I do as a job – the opportunities it gives you, and the freedom too. On those days I work single-handed on my boat, I’m my own boss. And when I put in that extra effort and get rewarded for it, that can be extremely satisfying. Fishing allows me to live in a beautiful part of the world, to have a good job and to make a good living from it.

to say there’s a never-ending line of potential problems that could have some effect on our operations, but we have proved to be a very resilient industry.

WF: Tell us about the Youth Board of the Cornish Fish Producers’ Organisation and what it’s hoping to achieve?

TL: The Cornish Fish Producers Organisation is probably one of the largest and most respected POs in the country.

It established a Youth Board in 2019 in recognition of the fact that many young people don’t see fishing as a viable career, and that there’s been little educational or financial support to help address this issue. The board is made up of young fishers and people with an interest in the industry, and the aim is to help develop programmes that attract newcomers to the industry and improve staff retention within Cornish fishing. The big thing for us is recruitment.

To date, we’ve had quite a few meetings and have been working alongside various people and organisations with the aim of creating pathways for more young people to become part of the industry. We’ve helped create an apprenticeship, with the first apprentices taking the course in South Devon College this year, which is great. The hope is that we can replicate the process down here in Cornwall, perhaps in Falmouth or Cornwall College Camborne. A Youth Network of fishermen has been created with plans to hold events that bring the region’s younger fishers together socially so they can share knowledge and experiences.

I’m also very keen to see fishing included at school careers and recruitment days. I want youngsters to see what I saw from a young age – that it’s a pretty cool job and it’s not all the horrible work that they might have been

n Onboard My Lass, Lambourn mainly fishes for Cornish lobster and spider crab

WF: What are the standout challenges facing commercial fishing?

TL: I believe that as an industry, we have come a long way, and that progress has been achieved while facing a lot of headwinds. In recent years, for instance, there is ever increasing pressures from NGOs to be more sustainable, and as an industry we recognise these and continue to provide evidence of our good practices and also our sustainable fishing efforts; we are innovating and evolving as an industry to always improve sustainability.

There’s a lot less margin for error these days, particularly with technological advances, including cameras, but there’s also a lot more mindfulness too. Certainly, in the case of the fishing operations I’m involved in, we’re fishing sustainably, and we have the mindset that we want to look after the environment so that we can fish it and make a living from it for the rest of our lives. We’re definitely not alone in that philosophy.

There are lots of fish in the sea and this industry is doing a lot of good things. The sardine fishery, for example, is largely self-managed but every year we’re working very closely with scientists to keep an eye on stock levels. They are coming out with us, together with observers, to look at the fishery on-the-ground. It’s a form of co-management that’s working very well. They work out the biomass and the amount we actually take is minimal in comparison.

While it’s not all been plain sailing, with a lot of what we catch going to Europe and then Brexit had its part to play in making exporting difficult, it’s undoubtedly a brilliant success story and it’s a great fishery to be involved in.

Along with Brexit, we’ve had the various challenges brought by the Covid pandemic, and then we’ve had to contend with the fuel and energy crises and the subsequent increases in goods and services costs, while fish price rises have been a lot more modest. I think it’s fair

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NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2023 | 17

INTERVIEW

told it is. I want to encourage them, and an important part of this is making them aware that fishing is more of an umbrella term for a wide variety of occupations and fishing methods. There’s a vast array of different tasks and activities that fishers do, and my advice to anyone that interested in fishing, particularly younger people, is if you think that fishing could be for you and you want to get into the industry, if you don’t enjoy crewing on the first boat or the first catching method you try, don’t give up – try crewing on another first, and another after that because there are so many different facets to this industry.

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I want youngsters to see what I saw from a young age – that it’s a pretty cool job

It’s important to also bear in mind that everyone is different; some people like to go to sea for long periods and become immersed in fishing, while others don’t like to be away from home, preferring to be in their own beds every night. There’s a big difference between inshore and offshore fishing, and with so many jobs out there, I’d be surprised that if you really wanted to go fishing you didn’t find something you like.

In this country, we’re very lucky to have a rich variety of fish and shellfish in abundance off our coast. This means there’s a wide range of fishing boats targeting these species and using different catching methods. There’s also a number of great fishing ports, so if one doesn’t work, there’s plenty more to try. I haven’t tried all the types of fishing that the UK has to offer, but I did find some that I really liked. My advice is, once you’ve got your certificates, give it a good go and don’t be put off too soon. Take your time – you might be lucky and land on the right boat straight away, or it might take a lot longer. The important thing is to keep trying.

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WF: What are your plans moving forward?

TL: Will Treneer – skipper of Lyonesse – is building a new ring-netter with my parents which is nearing completion.

The plan is that he’ll move to his new boat, and I will revert from being a crewman on Lyonesse to being its new skipper. That’s all going to take place pretty soon, and I’ll need to find my own crew and make the process work. I’m really looking forward to being in the hot seat and the responsibility that comes with it. With that change happening mid-season, it’ll be up to me to try and finish off the season well, and then hopefully hit the ground running next year. I will also continue to fish with My Lass.

From a broader perspective, in the longer term, it would be great to see more young people coming into the industry and for them to be choosing a career in fishing. It’s a good job, and I hope that it continues to be an industry that’s always changing, and being adaptive to the situations that it goes through.

n With the 12-metre catamaran Lyonesse, he catches Cornish sardines

WF: How did the relationship with Xtratuf come about and what are you trying to achieve together?

TL: Social media is ever-growing in its importance and influence everywhere, people run their businesses through it. I use it –Instagram – mainly for fun but also trying to promote where seafood comes from, and showing how I catch the different species using the different methods, through reels and videos. Xtratuf saw this and got in touch. They’re good fun to work with; they send me boots to try out and I give them honest feedback on how they perform. Honestly, I don’t wear anything else now they are great. The relationship works really well; it’s all very lighthearted and it helps promote fishing too as they have a great following. It’s crazy how with just a few hashtags, you end up interacting and sharing experiences with people involved in commercial fishing from many different countries all over the world - that’s something that wasn’t so easy to do years ago.

For the latest news and analysis go to www.worldfishing.net

World Fishing & Aquaculture

SPECIALREPORT GREENER FISHING Vessels designed for net-zero fishing transition Newbuild brings new thinking to the fore Fishing gear clean-up projects Using AI to prevent trawl by-catches Mediterranean and Black Sea fisheries make big progress Fuelling a zero-emission first

Spreading force

Longer flow route over the rope More speed = lower pressure

Shorter flow route under the rope Less speed = more pressure

Self-spreading technology is patent protected

SPECIAL REPORT

KEY MILESTONE REACHED IN TRANSITION TO NET-ZERO FISHING A report from Fisheries Innovation & Sustainability sets out new designs for alternativelypowered fishing vessels. Jason Holland reports

Photo Credit: FIS

n FIS says the

To better understand how alternative fuels, power systems and drivetrains could offer a fresh blueprint for fishing vessels and greener fishing operations, six new vessel designs have been created to identify critical barriers to achieving net-zero emissions. This work follows on from a Fisheries Innovation & Sustainability (FIS) -organised “Vessels of the Future” workshop, held in Glasgow in April 2022, in which UK fishing industry leaders and key stakeholders converged to discuss the opportunities and challenges associated with creating net-zero fishing fleets.

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We must prepare and plan together because the UK fishing industry is being asked by governments, customers and consumers to show in practical terms how it is reducing [its] reliance on diesel Kara Brydson, FIS Following this meeting, FIS commissioned Macduff Ship Design, in collaboration with the University of Exeter’s Centre for Future Clean Mobility (CFCM), to ascertain the main obstacles to this goal, with a focus on three distinct vessel types. A second stage, supported by Marine Fund Scotland, focused on the development of the six concept vessel designs, based on the most viable clean fuel options identified in the earlier stage. These designs have undergone rigorous proof-of-concept validation to ensure feasibility and are set out in the FIS “Net Zero Vessels Concept Design Project” report, published in August this year.

According to Duncan Boag, Naval Architect at Macduff Ship Design, the concept designs provided for the report represent a feasible way for fishing vessels to transition

For the latest news and analysis go to www.worldfishing.net

designs have helped identify the regulatory and financial barriers that might prevent the uptake of each technology

away from diesel to a net-zero alternative. He also explained that while Macduff ensured all the designs are viable from a development perspective, the report highlights the significant challenges facing this transition.

Two concept designs are presented for each of the following vessel types: under 10-metre creel boats, 15-metre nephrops trawlers, and under-24-metre whitefish trawlers. These designs are tailored to use some of the most promising alternative fuel options – battery electric, methanol, and liquified natural gas (LNG).

The FIS report also finds there’s a need to address technical, regulatory, and financial barriers before widespread industry investment and adoption becomes viable, which technical challenges include equipment availability and the development of the critical underpinning infrastructure for alternative fuels. It adds that regulatory compliance remains a concern but anticipates smoother interactions with regulators as understanding relating to zero-emission vessels accumulates, while on the financial side, increased capital costs and uncertainties surrounding fuel prices require careful consideration and remain a significant challenge for the sector.

Making business sense Explaining the reasons for the work, FIS Executive Director Kara Brydson told WF that as a coalition of experts driving innovation for a prosperous and sustainable UK seafood industry, FIS felt it was important to look at the vessels of the future.

“We must prepare and plan together because the UK fishing industry is being asked by governments, customers and consumers to show in practical terms how it is reducing [its] reliance on diesel. It’s also true that we’ll need to respond to the availability and affordability of diesel as other industries transition to alternative fuels. And of course, fishing businesses are providers of low carbon food as part of a modern, carbon-conscious seafood industry.”

Brydson said the new designs help further the understanding of how using alternative fuels, power systems and drivetrains could replicate the capabilities of three different existing diesel-powered fishing vessels.

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SPECIAL REPORT “As well as these technical insights, the designs also help us identify the regulatory and financial barriers that might prevent the uptake of each technology by the UK fishing industry. Of course, there are other fuel possibilities to consider, and FIS is now building our portfolio of designs with a focus on hydrogen.”

Brudson said the report’s findings indicate that vessel owners trying to do the right thing in switching to alternative fuels will, for the time being, be at a critical disadvantage competing in a market with diesel vessels. She added that the enabling architecture – such as ports and harbour infrastructure, fuel supply chains, vessel finance packages, and skills and safety training – must be established before these designs can become a reality.

“As Duncan Boag, the author of the report, says, the first net zero fishing vessels won’t be as commercially competitive as existing diesel vessels. All fuel alternatives are currently more expensive than diesel in terms of capital costs and, aside from electric options, operational costs,” she said.

“Transition must make business sense for fishers, who must be supported to make informed financial decisions to remain competitive while making progress towards netzero. Early adopters of the new technology need advice and funding, and in return UK regulators and others can learn from these pioneers.”

The report also identifies potential next exploratory steps to further progress on the road to net zero fishing vessels, including a review of harbour infrastructure, the investigation of retrofitting options for existing vessels, and the use of the concept designs to build a demonstration vessel.

“It does feel like a big step to have these first detailed designs, and I’m grateful to Macduff Ship Design, and all our partners who have made it happen. But of course, it comes with trepidation about what is required to take the next leap forward,” Brydson said.

‘‘

It does feel like a big step to have these first detailed designs, and I’m grateful to Macduff Ship Design, and all our partners who have made it happen Kara Brydson, FIS “The designs show in black and white, quite literally, that in most cases, net-zero vessels would have to be larger to match the operation of an existing diesel vessel, which would significantly increase capital costs and crew requirements. Not only that, but ports and harbour infrastructure, fuel supply chains, vessel finance packages, and skills and safety training all need to be in place before these designs can become a reality.”

Brydson also said she’s excited that meeting the netzero challenge head-on could attract a new generation of technology- and climate-savvy fishers – through innovative short courses, and new courses focussed on the future of fuels, while a framework of certifications around alternative fuels and transferable between maritime sectors could attract and retain crew that are highly skilled and ready for the changes ahead.

With regards to the level of interest in the UK’s commercial fishing industry to transitioning to netzero operations, she said that some of the most useful conversations have been about why we need to think about this shift now, rather than sitting back and watching other sectors do it.

“This would risk other industries pushing technology and infrastructure in a direction that doesn’t suit fishing vessels, which then become utterly compromised on design and operation,” she said. “FIS has a mantra – nothing about us without us – meaning that any innovation in seafood has to have fishing businesses at the heart of decision-making right from the start. We must ensure that port infrastructure, access to fuels, training provision, finance packages are all fit for purpose for the UK fishing industry.

“It can feel overwhelming to try to fit all the pieces of the alternative fuel jigsaw - high costs and low availability, safety, space and storage, MCA approvals... The fishing industry needs cross sector finance, planning and support to navigate this new world. What is wonderful is that hubs like the Seafish Vessels of the Future Forum mean that no one has to grapple with the puzzle alone.”

Next steps With FIS members including the likes of Sainsbury’s, M&S and Young’s Seafood, there’s strong support from the supply chain, confirmed Brydson.

“I always say that FIS has hit the jackpot when it comes to the knowledge and expertise in our membership. Of course, members support the industry in playing its part in achieving net-zero targets, while understanding that rapid or ill-considered changes in vessel design or infrastructure could create skills deficits both offshore and onshore,” she said. “FIS members champion innovation to make the greatest positive change for the UK seafood industry and the people driving it, and that feels especially true for our vision of vessels of the future.”

Alongside the report, FIS last year asked pelagic skipper and marine engineer James Duthie Jnr to travel to Norway to meet key players in the country’s vessel sector, and to consider how their net-zero know-how could be applied to the UK fishing fleet. Meanwhile, FIS and the Fishmongers’ Company recently joined forces to launch an international Fisheries Exchange Programme.

n Six new vessel designs have been created to identify critical barriers to achieving net-zero emissions

22 | NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2023

Photo Credit: FIS

Tough transition FIS and Macduff Ship Design displayed the new designs at the Scottish Skipper Expo in May this year, and Brydson said that had the accompanying message been “this is easy”, she doesn’t think she would be able to show her face again.

“But because we’ve been clear that it’s certainly not easy, but that we can work together to support a practical, safe and truly just transition, and of course skippers are always ready to discuss ways to reduce fuel costs and increase efficiencies. It’s also important to recognise that fishers are the ultimate innovators, and some skippers are already have positive experiences with their own conversion projects.”

For the latest news and analysis go to www.worldfishing.net

Illustration: Macduff Ship Design/FIS)

SPECIAL REPORT

Exchanges can be to and from anywhere in the world, and fishing vessel decarbonisation is one topic that will be prioritised, Brydson said. “We welcome applications from individuals and organisations that work in, or support, the fishing and seafood industry. Funds will be awarded up to GBP 8,000 per project.”

As for the next stage of the net-zero vessels project, she said that “until someone bites the bullet” and builds or retrofits a net-zero fishing vessel, it’s all just talk.

“We need proof-of-concept fishing vessels reflecting types suitable for our fisheries, as this is the only way to understand the costs, skills, capacities, consents and infrastructure required to retrofit and rebuild a modern UK fishing fleet. Until we, collectively, are in position to do that, FIS and Macduff Ship Design are looking at vessels working on hydrogen, ad also embarking on an ambitious data collection project to help vessel owners make informed choices about a safe and prosperous transition away from diesel.”

n Macduff Ship Design’s concepts are intended to represent a feasible way for fishing vessels to transition away from diesel to a net-zero alternative

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For the latest news and analysis go to www.worldfishing.net

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2023 | 23

SPECIAL REPORT

ECOFIVE – A SHIPFUL OF NEW THINKING Taking shape at the Westcon yard, the ambitious new trawler for Ålesund fishing company Bluewild has already won awards for the new thinking that has gone into the 73-metre Ulstein FX101 design developed with Ulstein Design & Solutions The concept took the Innovation Award at Nor-Fishing in 2022 and was named Ship of the Year at Nor-Shipping in 2023, and it’s fair to say there’s a great deal of attention focused on EcoFive – the name’s a contraction of EcoFriendly Fishing Vessel – and the combination of systems brought together, some new and others adapted from other sectors.

Every aspect of conventional ideas of how to build a factory trawler have been addressed by Bluewild and the designers at Ulstein, in some instances throwing out accepted wisdom to go with new thinking and in others adapting technologies from other sectors.

The inverted bow is an immediately striking feature, and this contributes to better seakeeping and a more effective use of space on board, while below the waterline are a pair of large-diameter propellers mounted in steering nozzles.

This is coupled to a hybrid energy system to provide a power and propulsion configuration that Ulstein’s designers predict will lead to fuel savings of at least 25% per kg of product when compared to a conventional power system, rising to even exceed 40% under some circumstances.

EcoFive’s deck is laid out for handling quad-rig demersal gear, also with options for working pelagic gear.

The spread of quad-rig trawls towed on five warps is ideal for shrimp, but for groundfish, two or even a single trawl can be expected to be enough. The new thinking is at the stern, and where there would usually be a hatch through which the catch would be dropped to the pounds on the deck level below, there’s a trawl fork which is raised as the belly of the trawl is in the ramp. This is designed to catch

24 | NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2023

and secure a connector ring built into the trawl belly, and once secure, the codend can be released from the rest of the trawl.

The concept is for the retractable trawl fork to then be lowered below the surface to align with one of the openings to the reception tank. The codend is lifted to encourage the live catch to make its way into the tank in a system that draws on technology developed for well boats to keep fish alive and at their best throughout the process.

It’s an exciting idea, and the premise is that the catch is kept

‘‘

Great emphasis has been placed on fish welfare and high quality of the raw material Tore Roaldsnes, Bluewild alive and in prime condition until routed to the processing deck. It’s all about gentle handling, eliminating the crush damage that can occur with conventional trawl handling, and avoiding the problems associated with fish dying quickly as they are dropped into a dry pound, with stress leading to blood being captured in the muscle tissue and discolouring the finished product.

100% utilisation Bluewild’s aim is 100% utilisation of the catch with minimal quality loss, while maximising nutritional potential and slashing energy consumption. It’s a big set of asks, but the company’s Tore Roaldsnes is confident that there is a great deal to be achieved here.

n Norwegian company Bluewild has put everything into the design of its highly innovative new Ulsteindesigned trawler EcoFive

For the latest news and analysis go to www.worldfishing.net

SPECIAL REPORT

“Great emphasis has been placed on fish welfare and high quality of the raw material. Resources are limited, and we will ensure zero loss of residual raw material,” he said.

“An increase in the quality of the fish product can be achieved by careful handling of the catch, by avoiding squeezing and pressure, and by storing the catch alive until production. Better quality has been achieved through new gentle reception for the catch that is better adapted for live storage and with an optimised flow of the catch into the factory. We have also worked to increase the factory area on board so that there is sufficient space for processing the high-quality catch, the remaining catch and treatment of the residual raw material,” he explained.

Keeping the fish alive in circulating sea water on board has some positive implications for processing. The catch doesn’t leave the water until the point at which production begins, with fish or shrimp kept alive in a system that uses controlled water exchange, oxygen supply and temperature control.

Catches are transferred to the upper factory deck via an overpressure release, avoiding the damage that can occur when using negative pressure pumping, and the expectation is that the end product will be significantly higher as fish arrive live and kicking at the factory to be bled and subsequently passed through cooling channels to bring down their temperature, contributing to better bleeding and faster freezing.

For the production deck, the clock isn’t ticking in the way it would be with fish in a dry pound, with an immediate urgency to getting the catch through production and into the freezers. This means that production becomes a smoother process. This ability to keep fish alive for extended periods allows the factory deck to operate at a steady rate with smaller fluctuations, taking in raw material as capacity is available.

Bluewild had a two-year conversation with Skaginn 3X (now part of Baader) that resulted in a deal for the company in Iceland to deliver EcoFive’s processing deck.

This catch handling layout is tailored to take fish from the water tanks to the factory section, in a process designed to extract the best possible value from whitefish, to produce fillets, loins, centre pieces, tails, and bellies. Alongside this, EcoFive is getting a production line for cooked, singlefrozen shrimp, with smaller grades to be block frozen as an industrial product. All other material is to be processed to ensure it remains fit for human consumption, with offcuts, backbones and tails kept separate and block-frozen, while offal goes for production of unoxidised oil in a lowtemperature process.

For the latest news and analysis go to www.worldfishing.net

EcoFive’s refrigeration plant is designed to operate on CO2, – both a safe option and allowing for significantly lower temperatures to be achieved – which supports greater energy efficiency. At the end of the production process, there’s a 2,000-cubic-metre refrigerated fishroom, with some sophisticated warehousing logistics for sorting and zone storage to streamline offloading and the onward chain once frozen catches have left the vessel.

Ambitious When it emerges from the Westcon yard, EcoFive is intended to replace Bluewild’s current vessels Ishavet, built in 2013, and Langenes, which was built in 1986, and it represents something of a quantum leap in factory trawler technology of a kind that hasn’t been seen for a generation or more.

There’s no denying this is a venture with some highly ambitious goals, which boil down to producing even higher quality seafood with lower running costs – primarily fuel– and consequently reduced emissions. Bluewild has thrown everything at this new vessel, and there are going to be a lot of people paying careful attention to how this highly innovative combination of technologies performs in practice.

n The concept of taking catches onboard live and keeping them in circulating seawater ensure maximum freshness and smooth processing

n “Great emphasis has been placed on fish welfare and high quality of the raw material,” said Bluewild managing director Tore Roaldsnes

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2023 | 25

SPECIAL REPORT

NORWAY’S FISHING GEAR CLEAN-UP BREAKS RECORDS

Photo Credit: Gjermund Langedal, Directorate of Fisheries

With 37,000 metres of nets retrieved from fishing grounds, in addition to thousands of metres of lines, ropes and warps, this year’s seabed clean-up operation by the Norwegian Directorate of Fisheries has this year returned record results

The figure of 1,339 retrieved gill nets beats the cleanup initiative’s previous record of 1,180 nets that were removed during the 1992 effort, which has up to now been the largest recovery of waste gear during the 40 years the clean-up has been conducted every summer.

“Unlike when we find trawl warps that have been dumped, it’s important to clarify that gill nets are lost during fishing, for various reasons. This year in particular there has been a loss of nets during the Greenland halibut fishery,” said Gjermund Langedal at the Fisheries Directorate’s environment department, who oversees the clean-up operation.

He commented that the outcome indicates that fishermen are making full use of the reporting scheme, and that there is a real need for this clean-up operation.

This year the 40-day operation began in August and finished in late September, and ranged from the coast off Alesund to Kirkenes in the north, this year with chartered fishing vessel Vikingbank retrieving gear across 242 positions and depths from 50 to 1300 metres.

The total retrieved comes to 1,339 nets, 42,000 metres of line, 25,000 metres of rope, 229 traps, 8,000 metres of warp and 5,000 metres of seine rope, as well as trawl doors and other hardware – plus plastic waste, oil containers, oilskins, gloves and much other junk caught up in the retrieved fishing gear.

“We recorded around 15,000 kg of fish and 2,300 crabs in the retrieved gear during this trip,” he said.

“Apart from one whale and three porpoises, no other marine mammals or seabirds were found in the gears removed from the seabed. We were also pleased to see that the escape openings in king crab traps work. The catch of crabs came mostly from older fishing gears.”

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Net returns There are three routes for the retrieved gears. Some can be returned to their owner, which is an option if the gear has been reported missing.

“This also means that the right gear has to be identified.

That can be a problem with king crab and Greenland halibut gear, especially when there’s more than one set of gear in the same area,” he explained.

This year more than 500 nets and more than a hundred traps have been returned, as well as quantities of ropes and anchors. If the owner can’t be identified, nets and ropes can be delivered to Nofir for recycling, and metal can also be recycled. Anything that can’t be recycled becomes landfill, via an approved process.

Langedal commented that the clean-up operation is a high-cost initiative, and each trip is carefully prioritised.

“It’s still the case that we don’t retrieve everything. This work is time-consuming and painstaking, which means that there are a number of loss reports that simply have to be prioritised. This is unfortunate, but at the same time this says something about the quantity and the need for this,” he said.

He added that the closure of reporting through the Coast Guard has presented some challenges, as not all fishermen have coped well with the Barentswatch electronic notification system.

“We also see that vessel information on Barentswatch is not fully up-to-date, which has also caused a number of communication problems with owners of fishing gear. We hope that this will have been done before next year’s clean-up,” Langedal said.

n Hauling a lost net used for fishing Greenland halibut

For the latest news and analysis go to www.worldfishing.net

SPECIAL REPORT

LESS PLASTIC LANDFILL AS FISHING GEAR GOES FOR RECYCLING Under an initiative by New Zealand fishing company Sealord and Nelson-based fishing gear supplier Motueka Nets, fishing gear that has reached the end of its useful life is being routed to recycling and alternative uses instead of heading for landfill Staff at Motueka Nets dismantle the gear, first separating the hardware and steel chains for metal recycling locally. Any polyethylene rope is stripped off and this can be repurposed for uses in agriculture or in domestic gardens. The remaining nylon netting is then collected until a container has been filled with an estimated 2025 tonnes of nylon, ready for shipping to Europe for repurposing into a range of products.

As the first container left New Zealand this summer, Sealord’s Fleet Harvest Manager Bill Healey said this marked the end of the company’s search for a feasible waste-reduction solution.

“For about 15 years we have been looking at ways to deal with midwater trawl nets that are no longer useful for fishing,” he explained. “The options were limited because of the composition of the nets – nylon, polyethylene and steel – a whole heap of stuff that meant without being dismantled that nets weren’t really fit for other purposes.”

Sealord has previously made the nets available

n Fleet Harvest Manager Bill Healey, Josh Donker of Motueka Nets, and Sealord Fishing Gear Supervisor Mike Gibbons

for trial application as a type of mesh to stabilise riverbank plants, or as covers across silage pits.

“We’ve had numerous companies look into the possibility of recycling, but nobody has come up with a feasible solution until now, so the only real option would have been to put it to landfill, which we wanted to avoid,” Bill Healey said, adding that while the dismantling process is labour intensive, the Motueka Nets team have it down to a fine art. The result is that 99% of each net can now be either recycled or repurposed.

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NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2023 | 27

SPECIAL REPORT

CORVUS ‘FUELS’ WORLD’S FIRST ZERO-EMISSION FISHING VESSEL

Photo Credit: Hvide Sande Shipyard

Bergen, Norway-headquartered Corvus Energy has been selected by Hvide Sande Shipyard in Denmark to supply a complete hydrogen fuel cell system for the new fishing training vessel MS Skulebas. Jason Holland reports

The 35-metre Skulebas has had the latest technology and commercial fishing systems installed and is intended to set an example of innovation and cooperation within the maritime and education sectors. The vessel, which is owned by Vestland County in Norway and operated

by Måløy Upper Secondary School, is the first of its kind – combining both fuel cells and batteries in a fishing vessel.

Skulebas was delivered by Hvide Sande Shipyard at the end of June 2023 as a battery hybrid vessel and is now in full operation with students onboard. When the 2023/2024 school year is complete, the vessel will return to the shipyard for the installation of the new fuel cell system.

Corvus’s Pelican Fuel Cell System was developed through the three-year H2NOR project. It builds upon technology from global fuel cell leader Toyota. It is the only marine fuel cell that’s designed to fully comply with the “gas-safe principle”, meaning it can be placed anywhere onboard a ship without additional safety systems.

A company spokesman told WF the system was developed with the recognition that not all vessels cannot be made zero-emission on batteries alone.

“To travel longer distances we need to carry clean fuel

28 | NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2023

and fuel cells to transform the fuel into electricity. We were starting up a study to look at fuel cells when Toyota came to Corvus and wanted us to be their route to market. This was the start of the project and the background for our Inherently gas safe fuel cell. We found the PEM Fuel Cell to be the most mature technology, and with Toyota we have a well proven product that we have integrated into a maritime solution.”

n With hydrogen fuel cells on board, Skulebas will be the world`s first zeroemission fishing vessel

Important milestones Corvus will deliver a 340-kW PEM fuel cell system for Skulebas and Hexagon Purus will deliver the Hydrogen storage solutions. The hydrogen fuel cell system is scheduled for delivery in the second-quarter 2024 and will be in full operation in the following quarter.

Corvus Energy CEO Geir Bjørkeli said this installation will be another big milestone for Corvus. “Adding the Pelican fuel cell to the energy system onboard will make this the first zero-emission fishing vessel in the world. Skulebas will play a pivotal role in showcasing the feasibility, efficiency, and environmental benefits of fuel cells within the maritime industry, furthering the transition to decarbonize all vessels.”

For the latest news and analysis go to www.worldfishing.net

SPECIAL REPORT Bjørkeli also praised Vestland County for its forwardthinking. “Vestland County was the first to invest in allelectric ferries back in 2014, and since then it has become a pioneer and global example with 19 out of 25 ferry routes being all-electric. This demonstrates that policy works, and we believe that today´s milestone will be the start of the same journey for hydrogen fuel cells as it was for batteries.”

Skulebas is already equipped with Orca batteries from Corvus Energy which will work together with the Pelican Fuel Cell System. Corvus explained that combining these two technologies gives “the best of both worlds” and significantly extends the range of zero-emission operations.

‘‘

Adding the Pelican fuel cell to the energy system onboard will make this the first zero-emission fishing vessel in the world Kristian Holmefjord, Corvus

‘Powering a clean future’ Corvus told WF the company is seeing increased interest in zero-emission solutions, but this largely depends upon type of fishing and size of vessel.

“The largest vessels are focusing on solutions to reduce the emissions and to have part of operations as maneuvering to harbour and harbor stay as zeroemissions, while smaller fishing and aquaculture vessels are more interested in complete operations as net-zero,” the spokesperson explained.

With regards to what the net-zero solution could mean for commercial fishing companies in the longer-term, Corvus said the Skulebas project will prove the possibilities offered by combining fuel cell and battery systems.

“The range of sizes and requirements for fishing vessels make it difficult to have one solution for all, but if this can open for some owner to take the step to zero-emission and for other to reduce the emissions, we find both very important on the way to powering a clean future,” the spokesperson said.

Corvus also confirmed it has many projects in the pipeline for battery systems, and some interesting projects for fishing and aquaculture vessels with fuel cell and battery systems.

“It will be important to increase the availability for hydrogen around the coast before more companies the step to invest in this technology,” the spokesperson added.

n Corvus Pelican fuel cell is “inherently gas safe” and the only marine hydrogen fuel cell system that can be placed anywhere onboard a ship without additional safety systems

Photo Credit: Corvus

“Adding our inherently gas-safe Pelican Fuel Cell System will enable the vessel to conduct the majority of its operations fully-electric, producing zero emissions, supplemented by clean hydrogen-powered energy when needed,” Corvus EVP and Project Director of Fuel Cells Kristian Holmefjord said.

Vestland County’s mayor Jon Askeland is excited that the first hydrogen/electric hybrid fishing and training vessel will be operated by the Måløy school.

“A unanimous county council decision supported the need for this vessel. It will play a vital role in attracting and

educating the future workforce. Investing in this project is one of the most forward-thinking uses of our funds, and it equips us to advance the fishing industry into a new era with evolving demands for more sustainable fishing methods, environmentally friendly propulsion, high flexibility, and above all, a high level of safety for all on board. Therefore, it is very gratifying to also introduce a cutting-edge hydrogen installation on the vessel,” he said.

For the latest news and analysis go to www.worldfishing.net

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2023 | 29

SPECIAL REPORT

AI-EMPOWERED FISHING NET HELPS PREVENT BY-CATCH

Photo Credit: FIS

New Smartrawl has been developed to ensure fishing vessels only catch the species they’re targeting

An underwater robotic sorting device which helps fishing trawlers prevent by-catch by identifying and sizing fish and other marine life in real-time – is being developed by researchers from Heriot-Watt University in partnership with Fisheries Innovation & Sustainability (FIS), and funded by the UK Seafood Innovation Fund.

Smartrawl uses AI-technology to determine the individual size and species of marine life captured inside a trawl net using images taken by an underwater stereo camera. It then releases or retains each marine animal depending on whether it qualifies against a trawler’s intended catch using a computer-controlled robotic gate.

Developed by researchers from the Lyell Centre and the National Robotarium at Heriot-Watt University, the sorting device has been designed in collaboration with the UK fishing industry. An industry steering group composed of commercial skippers, fisheries scientists and seafood experts have fed into the project since 2017, led by FIS. The Smartrawl device is able to fit into existing nets of all sizes of vessels and requires no additional cables due to the device’s patented gate system which works with the force of the water to rotate between open and closed states.

Programmable trawls Using the system, fishers will be able to programme trawls to catch specific marine animals according to their size and species, market conditions and allotted quotas, resulting in no discards or by-catch.

Components of the project have already been tested at sea, and further trials are scheduled in Shetland using research vessel Atlantia, operated by the University of the Highlands and Islands.

Paul Fernandes, the inventor of Smartrawl, is scientific lead for the project. He is a professor of fisheries science and technology at the Lyell Centre and Heriot-Watt Bicentennial Research Leader.

“More than 4 million tonnes of marine fish are unintentionally caught by trawlers around the world every year, as well as bycatch of sharks, rays, dolphins, critically endangered turtles and seabirds. The sad reality is that

30 | NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2023

these creatures, more often than not, are returned to the sea dead or dying,” Fernandes said.

“Current methods used on trawlers are unable to distinguish between different species and animals or give skippers enough information to build an accurate understanding of the size of individual fish prior to capture.

“Smartrawl has been developed to ensure that vessels only catch the fish they’re targeting, releasing other animals back into their natural environment quickly and without harm. As a result, we’re confident that discarding and by-catch could quickly become a thing of the past and our precious marine life preserved.”

n Smartrawl is an AI-empowered fishing net that’s capable of preventing marine by-catch

Fisheries viability According to Heriot-Watt University Chief Entrepreneurial Executive David Richardson, Smartrawl presents a “significant step” towards benefiting the marine environment whilst protecting the business reputation of seafood producers and contributing to the UK economy.

“Significantly, it has the potential to revolutionise fisheries around the world by supporting them to be more commercially viable and sustainable,” he said.

“Across Heriot-Watt’s breadth of research facilities, institutions and campuses, we’re delivering real-world impact everyday, developing ground-breaking research into commercial applications and pioneering solutions to some of our planet’s most pressing challenges.”

FIS Executive Director Kara Brydson commented: “The UK Seafood Innovation Fund supports bold and ambitious tech-driven projects that will enable a step-change in the productivity and sustainability of the UK seafood sector.

That perfectly describes Smartrawl, and this grant will take us nearer to our goal of enabling UK fishers to select and retain their high-quality catch while releasing non-target species back into our seas.”

Administered by the Centre for Environment, Fisheries and Aquaculture Science (Cefas), on behalf of Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra), the UK Seafood Innovation Fund supports projects which aim to bring new ideas and technology to the UK seafood sector and is part of the wider UK Seafood Fund.

For the latest news and analysis go to www.worldfishing.net

• •

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PROGRESS FOR MEDITERRANEAN AND BLACK SEA FISHERIES

Photo Credit: GFCM/Claudia Amico

More than 20 countries and the European Union have confirmed the adoption of 34 measures aimed at ensuring the conservation and sustainable use of marine living resources, as well as the sustainable development of aquaculture in the Mediterranean and Black Sea

The recent 46th session of the General Fisheries Commission for the Mediterranean (GFCM) of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), held in Split, Croatia, has been hailed as one of the most productive in the organisation’s history, with 12 partner organisations, including Global Fishing Watch, MEDAC, Oceana, OceanCare and WWF joining the discussions.

“By definition, making plans for the conservation and sustainable use of shared marine resources depends on trust and collaboration between many different stakeholders,” GFCM Executive Secretary Miguel Bernal said. “I’m delighted by the ambitious attitude our members brought to the session this year, coming together to achieve common aims and objectives. I also commend the groundwork laid by countries in our technical advisory bodies: it’s their knowledge and expertise that give our members the foundation they need to make more and better decisions about our collective future.”

Along with measures aimed directly at commercial fish stocks, a series of recommendations towards minimising fishery impacts on the wider marine environment were also brought to the negotiating table.

A Regional Plan of Action to protect vulnerable species including seabirds, cetaceans and sea turtles was agreed upon, while critically endangered species such as the European eel and Black Sea sturgeons received increased levels of protection.

GFCM members also agreed on a roadmap for the establishment of a fisheries restricted area to protect the fragile Cabliers coral mounts of the Alboran Sea. Additionally, under the Paris Agreement, the regional fisheries management organisation (RFMO) has launched a long-term initiative towards the decarbonisation of the regional fishing fleet.

Compliance breakthroughs The final area under the spotlight at the session was

32 | NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2023

n A total of 34 decisions were unanimously adopted at the latest GFCM meeting

compliance – ensuring GFCM decisions are effectively implemented and that member countries meet the commitments they have made for the development and regulation of their fisheries and aquaculture operations.

Two permanent inspection and surveillance schemes were launched for international waters, while new catch documentation schemes for commercially important Black Sea turbot and Mediterranean red coral will increase accountability and contribute to the fight against illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing.

Furthermore, a new mechanism was created to foster a culture of compliance in the region, through the adoption of a key decision that would allow the Compliance Committee to better identify cases of non-compliance, their sources and, most importantly, appropriate follow-up actions to prevent and mitigate them.

Strong political commitment was also shown in relation to the establishment of a regional vessel monitoring and controls system.

The decision to create a sanction system that will empower GFCM to take action against countries which continue overfishing or illegal fishing has been commended by the NGO community.

“After decades of inaction against illegal fishing and Mediterranean countries not complying with the rules, times are changing”, Oceana Europe Senior Marine Scientist Helena Álvarez said. “Starting in 2025, the GFCM will finally have the power to make its members act against those who fail to adhere to catch or landing requirements or those who do not stop trawlers from fishing in areas where it’s forbidden.”

GFCM Members include 23 contracting parties (Albania, Algeria, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Egypt, European Union, France, Greece, Israel, Italy, Lebanon, Libya, Malta, Monaco, Montenegro, Morocco, Romania, Slovenia, Spain, Syria, Tunisia and Turkey ) and six cooperating non-contracting parties (Bosnia and Herzegovina, Georgia, Jordan, Moldova, Saudi Arabia and Ukraine).

For the latest news and analysis go to www.worldfishing.net

Join us in 2024 How to maximise return on investment from potentially discarded parts of the catch that can be turned into high value products for non-food sectors.

2022 Downloads still available including: • Keynote Address: Iceland’s Use of Captured Seafood By-Products Jonas R. Vidarsson, Director of division of value creation, Matís

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Petter Johannessen, Director General, IFFO

• Innovative Technology unleashing fish waste value potential Wenche Uksnay, Cluster Manager, NCE Blue Legasea

• Co-Product Valorization – Towards an industrial Implementation of innovative Food Processing Concepts to achieve 100% Utilization Dennis Lohmann, Head of Technology Management, BAADER & Dr Pia Meinlschmidt, Product Manager Fish, Food Science & Technology, BAADER

• The Journey to 100% Utilisation Erla Ósk Pétursdóttir, Managing, Director, Marine Collagen ehf

• N-Atlantic pelagic fish oils originated from Herring and Mackerel - The new exciting Natural fish oil source in times shortage Snorri Hreggvi Osson, CEO, Margildi Please note: recordings of the sessions are also available

Innovation | Industry insight | Knowledge Sharing To make your purchase, or download the papers visit: icefishconference.com contact: +44 1329 825335 or email: info@icefishconference.com

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WORLDFISHING & AQUACULTURE SINCE 1952

#FishWasteForProfit

NEWBUILDS

SILLE MARIE JOINS NORWEGIAN ENTERPRISE The Karstensen yard in Skagen has delivered the new pelagic trawler to Sille Marie AS, a relatively young venture between Carl Aamodt and the Salthaug family from Sogne

New Sillie Marie replaces an older vessel acquired from Sweden when the venture got underway in 2015, and which has since been sold and is back under the Swedish flag. The business is managed by Carl Aamodt, while the Salthaug family does what they do best, with skipper Bastian Salthaug, Yngvar Salthaug and chief engineer Tobias Salthaug fishing for industrial species and for mackerel and herring for human consumption.

The new trawler also has options for handling whitefish, with a processing area outfitted by BoaTech with a pair of KM Fish gutting machines.

The order for the new 65.9-metre, 14-metre beam vessel with a 1,726 cubic metre capacity in its RSW tanks was placed in July 2021 and the hull was built in at the Karstensen yard in Poland before being brought to Skagen for outfitting. Sille Marie has been built to the yard’s own design, optimised in collaboration with the owners.

This entailed fine-tuning the hull design and integrating this with a large-diameter, slow-running propeller, in collaboration with engine supplier MAN. There’s also a heavy-duty 622kW/h battery pack, providing a full power supply for limited periods, as well as delivering peak shaving to streamline the overall energy consumption onboard.

The main engine is a 2920kW MAN 8L27/38, driving a 4700mm MAN VBS860 propeller via a Renk RSVL-1120 reduction gear. A 1650kW/2250kVA AvK DSG 99 M1-6W shaft generator supplies electrical power, backed up by a pair of 556kWe Volvo Penta D16 auxiliaries. All this comes with a Power Management System (PMS) which manages energy consumption and automatic start-up of the diesel generators. A UPS/clean power for 230V is installed, so the ship’s frequency can flow between 50 and 60Hz. This allows for a 17% reduction in the main engine’s RPM.

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Energy efficient Most of Sille Marie’s systems are electrical, including the fish pumps and the deck equipment, which routes energy to the battery pack when shooting away. In addition, there is heat recovery from all engines, LED lighting throughout and numerous other measures taken to optimise energy consumption.

The FB-H 2330x4500 flap rudder and SR662 steering system are from Kongsberg, and the 700kW thrusters are FU-45-LTC-1550 units from Brunvoll.

MacGregor Rapp Marine supplied the full electric deck layout with three 60-tonne trawl winches and a pair of 80-tonne net drums, plus a 2x30-tonne double net drum

n Sille Marie has been built to focus on industrial and pelagic species, plus having options for handling whitefish catches

n Trawl doors from Thyborøn hung at Sille Marie’s stern

For the latest news and analysis go to www.worldfishing.net

NEWBUILDS and a single 60-tonne net drum. These are aligned to the hydraulic gates at the stern, each of which is outfitted with hydraulic control rods. A pair of net sounder winches is mounted on the aft gantry, which also supports the SeaQuest net crane, providing an arc of access across the aft working deck.

The two 24-inch fish pumps and associated cable drums and hose reels are also from MacGregor Rapp Marine, and Sille Marie can pump catches from either quarter, with catches routed to the selected tanks which are chilled by a twin PTG FrioNordica, 870kW system with a 2 x 748,000kCal/h capacity. The vacuum system is from Önnereds Svets, and Sille Marie has a Kapp Optim-ice slurry ice system.

Crew comfort Accommodation on board Sille Marie is a pair of engineer’s cabins at main deck level, where there are also laundry and fitness facilities. There are a further five two-berth ensuite cabins in the superstructure, as well as a sick bay and an oilskin store.

These areas have been placed as far as practical from the propeller and other noise sources, plus there’s some serious sound insulation that has gone into the cabins and other areas to keep them as quiet as possible.

The crew’s day room, mess and galley are all located in the superstructure.

Sille Marie’s owners went to Ålseund companies Marineelektronikk and Furuno Norge for the navigation, fishfinding and comms systems, which were installed

by KS Elektro. The main matrix is a Furuno BlueBridge, presenting a programmable display of feeds from the electronic systems on board, presented on 55-inch widescreen Hatteland monitors.

n The MAN main engine is complemented by a substantial battery pack

The key fishfinders are the low-frequency FSV-25 and high-frequency FSV-75 sonars, plus a Furuno Imagenex TS-360 trawl sonar and a Scanmar Scanbas 365 setup of trawl sensors. The log is a Furuno CI68 and the sounders are Furuno FCV-38 and FSS-3BB units, with a Wassp F3Xi 3D sonar. Plotters are a pair of Tecdis T-2138A ecdis sets and two MaxSea Time Zero units, plus an Olex system.

n The main matrix in Sille Marie’s wheelhouse is a Furuno BlueBridge system

TERSAN SHIPYARD READIES CANADA’S LARGEST TRAWLER The Turkish shipyard has launched NB1117, soon to be named Inuksuk II, a factory freezer stern trawler built for Niqitaq Fisheries The Turkish shipyard has launched NB1117, soon to be named Inuksuk II, a factory freezer stern trawler built for Niqitaq Fisheries Eighty-metre-long Inuksuk II will be the third vessel that Tersan has built for a Canadian customer. The newbuild is being built and arranged for single and twin trawl operations to catch Greenland halibut and shrimp. It will be outfitted with an advanced onboard factory to process and freeze the catch.

Thanks to its capacity of 1,320 tonnes of frozen-at-sea Greenland halibut or 930 tonnes of shrimp, the vessel is expected to be the largest Canadian-owned fishing vessel.

It will be outfitted and equipped for fishing in the North Atlantic and polar areas.

Designed by Norway’s Skipsteknisk and built under the supervision of DNV Class Society, Inuksuk II will accommodate 38 people onboard with spacious living areas and social amenities.

Niqitaq Fisheries is a fully-owned subsidiary of Baffin Fisheries Coalition, which was incorporated in 2001. The company is a leading commercial fishing enterprise in Northern Canada, harvesting more than 10,000 tonnes of Greenland halibut (turbot) and coldwater shrimp annually.

Its current fleet consists of three factory fishing vessels, with the new one becoming its fourth and biggest to date.

For the latest news and analysis go to www.worldfishing.net

n Niqitaq’s newbuild is expected to become the largest Canadian-owned fishing vessel

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2023 | 35

FISHING TECHNOLOGY

EVOTEC SCORES NEWBUILD ORDERS For a relatively new player in the winch business, Norwegian company Evotec has been quickly turning into a leader – and has recently announced a couple of prestigious new contracts

The Duthie family, owners of Scottish pelagic vessel Sunbeam, has placed an order for a replacement for their current vessel, a 56-metre vessel built in Spain in 1999. This time the order has gone to the Myklebust yard in Norway which will build the new Sunbeam to a Salt design. The order for the deck equipment has also gone to Norway, with Evotec contracted to deliver the fishing and mooring winches for the new Sunbeam, due for delivery in late 2025 or the early part of 2026.

It’s a substantial order for Evotec’s MultiSoft Trawl winches, with permanent magnet motors and converters.

These winches have dynamic properties that provide a high level of efficiency and the Evotec winches also offer significant savings in space and weight.

“This is another project developed in close collaboration with Salt Ship Design. It is particularly pleasing that the majority of the ripple effects from such a delivery are placed along the Norwegian coast. The company has worked closely with Evotec for a long time, and we are very pleased to be chosen as the supplier to the Duthie family,” Evotec Sales Manager Håkon Woldsund said.

Faroese upgrade Alongside the order for Sunbeam, Evotec has secured an order for a pair of multi-purpose new fishing vessels due to be built at the Karstensen yard in Denmark for Faroese company Faroe Origin, which recently parted company with one of its pair teams and has gone for a multi-purpose replacement with two new vessels capable of operating as a pair or singly with multi-rig gear, as well as having processing facilities for handling both fresh and frozen catches.

The design of the 44.1-metre pair is the result of a close collaboration between Faroe Origin and the Karstensen design team, aiming to come up with versatile and economic vessels capable of landing catches with the lowest achievable CO2 emissions per kilo of seafood.

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Silage systems and tanks are integral to the processing layout design, to ensure processing waste is kept to a minimum. The pair are to be outfitted with ABC 8DZC main engines and delivery is planned for the first- and secondquarters of 2026.

Faroe Origin has also opted for Evotec winches for its new pair team.

“Our compact and robust solutions with low weight have a positive impact on these trawlers, which are relatively small but includes a lot of handling equipment,” Woldsund said.

“It’s not given that the company would prioritise investing in electric winches – but in order to reduce the carbon footprint during the operational phase, this decision was made. After a long and thorough process with tough international competition, we managed to meet the customers on their expectations.”

He added that Evotec has already been busy at the Karstensen yard this year, where the company’s engineers are delivering the winch systems for Faroese pelagic vessels Finnur Friði and Høgaberg.

n Evotec winches have been ordered for the Duthie family’s new Sunbeam

n The pair team ordered for Faroe Origin is to be outfitted with Evotec’s low-weight, high efficiency electric winch systems

For the latest news and analysis go to www.worldfishing.net

FISHING TECHNOLOGY

SECOND CRABBER FOR MAG-SEA DELIVERED The Khabarovsk Shipbuilding Plant in the Russian Far East has delivered the second of a pair of crabbers for Magadan company Mag-Sea International, with the formal flag-raising ceremony held at the quayside in Nakhodka this second crab catcher is a significant event,” Andrey Bekasov commented.

“Despite the difficulties that arose during the construction of these vessels, the Khabarovsk shipbuilders completed their work efficiently and on time. We have shown what we can do and are ready for more such orders.” n Kedon is the second of a pair of vivier crabbers delivered by the Khabarovsk Shipbuilding Plant to MagSea International

Photo Credit: USC

Kedon’s handover to its owners follows the delivery of sister vessel Omolon in the spring of this year.

Construction of the crabber pair began in March 2020 at the Khabarovsk yard – the first time that this shipbuilder has delivered fishing vessels of this kind.

The two vessels are built under the Russian government’s investment quotas initiative, and the controversial crab quota auction programme.

Kedon and Omolon each measure 63.27 metres with a 10.6-metre beam and have 1618kW main engines.

Accommodation is for up to 21 crew and the two crabbers have a 45-day autonomy as they fish for crab to be delivered fresh.

The formal delivery of the new Kedon was attended by a number of dignitaries, including yard general director Andrey Bekasov, Mag-Sea International’s Nikolai Kotov, the Khabarovsk Territory’s Minister of Trade Evgeny Romanov and the region’s fisheries department head Andrey Tabolin, as well as representatives of the yard and its parent company, United Shipbuilding Corporation.

“For the team at the Khabarovsk yard, the delivery of

NEW WELLBOAT FOR INTERSHIP Intership has taken delivery of its second newbuild from Zamakona with the handover of the hybrid-powered, Salt-designed Inter Scotia Inter Scotia has a 2,500-cubic-metre load capacity and is largely similar to sister vessel Inter Atlantic, as both are based around the design philosophy of promoting fish welfare, optimising fish handling and ensuring biosecurity. The new vessel features a substantial battery package that, when in combination with its heat-recovery system and other measures, significantly reduces fuel consumption and climate emissions.

The fish handling system is delivered by MMC First Process and the vessel is equipped with a high-capacity freshwater production system capable of producing 5,000 cubic metres of fresh water per day.

Since 2016, Intership has been a leader in developing freshwater treatment for lice and AGD using a reverse osmosis system. In the past seven years, the company has gained extensive operational experience in freshwater production and freshwater treatments.

Inter Scotia will initially work for a salmon farmer in Scotland. After a few months, it will be temporarily taken out of operation for the installation of the FLS Caligus R600 delousing system. The combination of a freshwater bath and flushing the fish through the FLS system is a very efficient and gentle way to remove sea lice and gill infections in the same operation.

“We are delighted to take delivery of our third vessel equipped with Intership’s industry-leading freshwater production and treatment setup,” CEO Ole Peter Brandal said.

“Freshwater treatment is arguably the gentlest method used for treating salmon, and it offers both environmental and economical benefits, in addition to increased efficiency through facilitating a high-capacity fresh water production system. We have two more well boats under construction with even higher production capacities.”

One of the largest wellboat operators, Intership is active in Norway, Chile, Scotland and Canada. With the delivery of Inter Scotia and two more vessels currently under construction at Sefine in Turkey, the company’s capacity will extend to 26,200 cubic metres across 11 vessels.

n Inter Scotia taking part in sea trials

FISHING TECHNOLOGY

LOST TRAWL GEAR RETURNED FROM SVALBARD A lost section of a trawl has been returned and put back to use – more than a year after it came fast in the Barents Sea

Owned by UK Fisheries, factory trawler Kirkella had been towing its gear at the end of February 2002 when the trawl came fast on a wreck around 200 nautical miles south-west of Bear Island. Attempts to free the gear were unsuccessful, and even trying to retrieve the trawl by towing a creep resulted in the hook also getting caught up in the wreck.

Back in the same waters in the next trip, attempts were made again to get the trawl back, and this time they were partially successful, managing to retrieve part of the trawl.

They were disappointed to lose part of the gear, and had no choice but to write the trawl section off as irretrievably lost. So it was a surprise when the governor of Svalbard – 500 nautical miles to the north – got in touch to report that the missing trawl section had drifted ashore there.

“We never leave anything in the water and do everything we can to retrieve items lost at sea. But when we tried to retrieve this part of the trawl net that was stuck in the wreck, we realised that the codend and the sorting grid had sheared off. We retrieved everything else,” said Sigurbjörn Sigurðsson, one of Kirkella’s two skippers, who was onboard when the trawl came fast on the wreck southwest of Bear Island.

“Interestingly, the missing section seem to have drifted off hundreds of miles north. We are grateful to the Governor’s office for finding and returning the cod end and sorting grid. The catch sensors are valuable, and we are relieved nothing was left in the sea.”

Inspectors from the office of the Governor of Svalbard came across the trawl section at Hyttesletta south of Gråhuken in Svalbard in July this year. Efforts were made to move the netting in August, both with manpower and with the assistance of a helicopter, but the weight of the netting and the stones in it made this impossible. Later on Polarsyssel, a vessel operated by the Governor’s office, was able to move the trawl section.

Examination of the trawl section showed the catch sensors still attached to the gear, and the serial numbers on these made it possible to trace the owner – and otherwise the netting would have been sent for recycling.

During the summer Polarsyssel was active near Hopen, where Kirkella was also fishing, and the codend and sorting grid were returned. After its 500-mile odyssey, the codend was in good enough condition to be fixed up and put back to use.

n The codend and sorting grid were found on the shore in Svalbard and returned, more than a year after being snagged by a wreck 500 miles away

Razorshell fishery helped on electrification path From now on, 43-metre YE118 owned by Yerseke 118 Noordland will fish with an electric propulsion motor.

Damen Maaskant and Yerseke have been working together since 2015 on safety and catch quality and have now turned their attention to reducing NOx emissions.

“In view of the new Wnb licence for the period 2024-2029, lowering nitrogen oxide emissions in Natura 2000 areas is necessary to receive enough fishing hours and continue fishing profitably. Together with Damen Maaskant, we started early so that we can be ready with this before the end of 2023,”

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Skipper Robbert Mol said.

According to Jeroen van den Berg, Commercial Manager at Damen Maaskant, the shellfish and aquaculture sector is ready to transition to more sustainable operation.

“Exhaust gas after-treatment, electrification and the application of batteries are currently the best solutions available for this sector,” he said. “In the future, this will include the application of e-fuels, which will require the same kind of drives and batteries.”

At Damen Maaskant’s Stellendam shipyard, the diesel propulsion engine on the vessel’s port side was removed and replaced with a

400kW electric motor in cooperation with Wetec. Yerseke Engine Services replaced the C18 generator set with a Greenpower GPC18 generator set with ultra-low NOx mode in early 2023. An exhaust gas aftertreatment system with ultra-low NOx mode has now also been added to the existing starboard Caterpillar C18 main engine.

An interface module that includes the location of all Natura 2000 areas has been added which links to the onboard GPS. As soon as the vessel’s position falls within a Natura 2000 area, the system switches to ultra-low NOx mode and reduces emissions by more than 99%.

For the latest news and analysis go to www.worldfishing.net

18 SEP Smárinn Kópavogur TO 2024 Iceland 20 We look forward to welcoming you in 2024 The Icelandic Fisheries Exhibition covers every aspect of the commercial fishing industry from locating, catching, processing and packaging, right through to the marketing and distribution of the end product.

For more information about exhibiting, visiting or sponsoring, contact the events team Visit: Icefish.is Contact: +44 1329 825 335 or Email: info@icefish.is #Icefish

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AQUACULTURE

CIRCULAR FISH FARM NETS – MAKING THE MOST OF REGENERATED NYLON

Photo Credit: Tomas Preiksa

A collaborative project is underway to create a new kind of net for fish farming.

Bonnie Waycott reports

Each year, it’s estimated that around 640,000 tonnes of fishing gear ends up as waste in the ocean. Of this, nets made out of nylon present a particular problem. Not only are they hazardous for boats, but they can also “ghost fish” for many years, trapping and killing countless fish, dolphins and seals. If the problem continues, the ocean is likely to contain more plastic than fish by 2050.

But now, nets that have reached the end of their working life will be heading for new roles thanks to a collaborative project in Norway to produce netting for fish farm nets using regenerated nylon from discarded fishing and aquaculture nets, fishing gear and other nylon products. The goal is to offer more environmentally-friendly products to the aquaculture industry and optimise the ecological design of nets for fish farms, making recycling easier.

The project officially began on 1 June 2023 and is expected to run until June 2025 with support from Handelens Miljøfond (the Norwegian Retailers’ Environment Fund). It is expected to test the production of new fish farm nets made from regenerated nylon and eventually establish their commercial production.

Participants in the project are AKVA group, recycling services provider Nofir, engineering firm Aquafil, Grieg Seafood and fishing net, ropes and trawls manufacturer Hampidjan in Iceland.

AKVA group provides solutions and services to aquaculture from feeding systems, monitoring and control of water quality to solutions for wastewater treatment and waste management. As part of the project, it will be working

40 | NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2023

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The Norwegian aquaculture and fishing industries are generally very good at recycling

n With support from Handelens Miljøfond, the new aquaculture net project is expected to run until June 2025

Øistein Aleksandersen, Nofir closely with Hampidjan to produce full-scale fish farming nets out of recycled materials. Nofir collects discarded fishing gear from the fishing and aquaculture industries worldwide, with end products used as raw materials for the recycling industry.

Aquafil Group specialises in producing synthetic fibres and polymers with a focus on recycling and transforming recycled materials, especially nylon, into various products, while Grieg Seafood is a leading player in the salmon farming sector. Hampidjan manufactures fishing gear, ropes and fishing lines for local fishing barges in Iceland, along with fish farming equipment including nets.

“The background behind this work is a collective desire by all parties in the aquaculture value chain to make new fish farming nets out of recycled fishing and farming nets,” Nofir CEO Øistein Aleksandersen told WF. “There are huge environmental benefits to this, and by using recycled nylon we will reduce climate emissions significantly.

Our work will also deliver the basis for the commercial production of new fish farm nets that are made entirely from recycled nylon.”

For the latest news and analysis go to www.worldfishing.net

AQUACULTURE

Regulatory hurdles With Nofir collecting approximately 70% of nylon nets from Norway and Iceland before recycling them, and a well-functioning system for the collection and recycling of discarded nets already in place, the project is likely to draw attention for its ability to help reduce oil consumption and greenhouse gas emissions.

It can also be seen as a way of helping to increase people’s awareness of the plastic problem, while collaborating across the value chain highlights the great will to bring about development and invest in recycled material use in aquaculture. The project may also demonstrate the importance of material selection for fishing and fish farming equipment and lead to more focus on nets made

out of recycled nylon and more farms choosing this option in the future.

“The Norwegian aquaculture and fishing industries are generally very good at recycling,” said Aleksandersen.

“There is a large and increasing focus on the issue, but not all types of material can be recycled. Some plastics don’t have a recycling solution and it’s likely to take a long time before such solutions are found so in this sense there is still more work to do. However, recycling is very high on the agenda, with more and more companies recycling their discarded equipment.”

However, recycling always comes with challenges, said Aleksandersen. One example is governmental and international regulations.

“It is very complicated to collect materials for recycling,” he said. “In any country we collect, we need a partner with a permit to export materials to us. It often takes six months to get this permit and the process is extremely bureaucratic. It also costs a lot, from €3,000 to 15,000, and lasts only for one year at a time. So unless there is a pretty big amount of material that needs collecting, it’s not worth the hassle to recycle it. On top of this, fish farm nets are often considered to be hazardous waste, which makes things even more challenging. Some nets are made of other materials such as HPDE and dynema, both of which have no recycling possibilities today so we hope that our project will put recycled nylon and its importance under the spotlight.”

Perfect timing Relying on multiple collaborative actors within a complex value chain will be key to the project’s success. Hopes are high that it will make significant contributions to a more sustainable, circular aquaculture industry while reinforcing the participants’ reputations as forward-thinking, innovative players in the market.

At the same time, with increasing demands from organisations and the general public for more environmentally-friendly alternatives, the project couldn’t have come at a better time.

“Our next steps are to make the filaments, test the materials, make full nets and transfer them to sea,” said Aleksandersen. “If all works well, these new circular fish farming nets will be offered to the market. The project could also have a large geographical transfer value. We are thinking in particular of the UK, Faroe Islands, Denmark, Chile and Canada. We have an opportunity to optimise the design of fish farm nets to reduce environmental footprint and make nets even easier to recycle.” n Depolymerisation turns discarded nylon back into the main ingredient caprolactam

Photo Credit: Tomas Preiksa

Zero degradation Today, through Nofir, an established return scheme already exists for used nets, which are first collected in Norway and other countries before being sent to Nofir in Lithuania.

There, they are dismantled and prepared into recyclable fractions. The nylon is then sent to Aquafil in Slovenia to be recycled and produced into very thin threads of nylon filament. These filaments are currently designated by Aquafil with the ECONYL brand and used in items such as carpets and textiles.

“Their process is a depolymerisation process that takes discarded nylon back into the main ingredient caprolactam,” said Aleksandersen. “This caprolactam is then used to produce new ‘virgin’ nylon with the same quality as if the caprolactam came from a virgin oil product. Simply put, Aquafil’s process has no quality degradation compared to virgin nylon. However, the design and quality of the ECONYL filament is different to that used in nets, so as part of our project, we will be investigating what is required to produce filaments from regenerated nylon that can be used specifically to manufacture nets for fish farms.”

In addition, the project participants will be looking for other companies and equipment that can make filaments specifically for fish farm nets. Once this is done and the filaments are produced regularly, they will undergo rigorous testing to ensure sufficient quality. Any filament that passes the testing stage will then be used to produce netting that will also undergo tests. If all the quality requirements are met, the netting will turn into full-scale nets for fish farms that will be transferred to the ocean and monitored throughout the salmon production cycle.

Hopes are high that making fish farm nets in this way will enable an everlasting circular economy for nets made out of nylon.

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2023 | 41

AQUACULTURE

BALANCING AQUACULTURE GROWTH WITH ENVIRONMENTAL RESTORATION European Federation for Aquaculture Producers (FEAP) Secretary General Javier Ojeda and International Institute of Rural Reconstruction (IIRR) President Peter Williams highlight key challenges and solutions for future growth The escalating global demand for aquatic food, anticipated to surge by almost 80% by 2050 according to a Stanford University study, is propelled by diverse factors such as population growth and shifts in local affordability. Anticipating and meeting this burgeoning demand necessitates the sustainable growth of aquaculture. However, the responsible expansion of aquaculture practices requires meticulous environmental considerations to ensure the sector’s growth does not compromise ecosystems, both locally and in the sourcing areas for raw materials. Issues such as habitat degradation, water pollution, and biodiversity loss must be prioritised throughout any upscaling initiatives.

With the total aquaculture production reaching a staggering 122.6 million tonnes in live weight in 2020 and a farm gate value of US$ 281.5 billion, it becomes evident that the industry’s growth also represents a substantial economic force. By endorsing responsible policies, engaging in community empowerment, and embracing advancement in innovative aquaculture technologies, we can create a future where the industry not only meets the rising demand but does so in balance with the natural world, ensuring long- term sustainability and resilience.

more funding and research are necessary to address the high start-up costs and reduce energy consumption, making RAS more accessible and feasible, especially for developing countries.

Offshore aquaculture is another valuable option for overcoming the challenges that conventional aquaculture currently faces. Competition for space with other stakeholders, social acceptance, and environmental impact can be addressed by moving the locations further into the sea. Certainly, these higher energy sites will require innovative technologies, advanced management practices, and higher investments, but large opportunities lie in the oceanic open spaces. In some cases, these aquaculture farms can find synergies with other industrial

Alternative systems Innovation and technology play a pivotal role in overcoming challenges associated with conventional aquaculture practices. It is crucial to endorse and promote the adoption of eco- friendly farming systems, exemplified by practices such as recirculating aquaculture systems (RAS) and downshifting the sourcing of raw materials used for fish feeds towards lower trophic levels.

In comparison to traditional methods where water usage can reach 30 m3/kg of fish produced, RAS operates at less than 0.1m3/kg, showcasing its unparalleled efficiency in mitigating freshwater scarcity challenges facing many parts of the world. Moreover, RAS proves to help with environmental preservation, with eutrophication possibilities being 26-38% lower than traditional systems.

In regions with limited access to land and water, RAS emerges as a highly appropriate solution, utilising less than 1% of land area compared to conventional aquaculture systems. Its operation in a controlled environment makes RAS impervious to climatic variables, providing stability and resilience in the face of changing weather patterns. The economic advantages are noteworthy as well; a study shows that large farms in Vietnam implementing RAS can experience a substantial increase in net present value, rising from an average of $589,000/ha to $916,000/ha. However, it’s crucial to acknowledge that

uses like renewable energies that would provide economic and logistic advantages.

Additionally, integrated multitrophic aquaculture (IMTA) involves the cultivation of multiple species in a synergistic manner, creating a balanced ecosystem. For example, combining fish farming with the cultivation of seaweed and other plants can lead to a beneficial system where waste from one species serves as nutrients for another, enhancing productivity but also mitigating the impact of aquaculture on local biodiversity and ecosystems.

Intensive aquaculture production releases high amounts of nutrients and organic waste into the environment, contributing to the eutrophication of coastal areas and aquatic systems. Studies show that only about 20-40% of nitrogen and less than 50% of the energy intake are retained by the species produced in intensive aquaculture settings. IMTA systems, as highlighted by research, play a crucial role in reducing CO2 emissions.

Seaweed within IMTA absorbs CO2 for photosynthesis, and the systems as a whole absorb excess nutrients, thereby reducing eutrophication.

In fact, IMTA with finfish and shellfish has the potential to remove up to 54% of particulate nutrients, while seaweed can remove up to 60% of dissolved nitrogen and phosphorus. It is also essential to acknowledge that more research needs to be directed towards tailoring IMTA

42 | NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2023

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There is a growing opportunity to optimise fish farming practises to better understand what fish need and when

n IIRR President Peter Williams

For the latest news and analysis go to www.worldfishing.net

AQUACULTURE

Expanding knowledge Because social acceptance is key for the development of aquaculture, education programmes, tailored to the needs of rural communities and aquaculture workers, should be a focal point in disseminating knowledge on sustainable practices. The development and implementation of training programmes become pivotal in bridging the gap between scientific understanding and the practical application of these innovative technologies.

Workshops should be designed to be accessible and applicable, addressing on-the-ground challenges like effective waste management and disease prevention.

Moreover, recognising the profound impact of best management training, especially among poor rural producers, is crucial for promoting productivity and sustainable practices in developing markets. In a case study in Ghana, one year after the adoption of good management practices, including recordkeeping, water quality management, and biosecurity practices, there was a noticeable improvement in productivity and incomes.

The training resulted in an increase of 0.45 more kilograms of fish harvested per square metre, and trainees experienced an additional income of $627 per year on average, showcasing the tangible benefits of incorporating these practices.

Further underscoring these findings is another case study in Egypt, where farms implementing best management practices surpassed control farms by over $15,000 in average net profits. These farms were also more likely to practice integrated aquaculture systems, of which the large environmental benefits have

Photo Credit: USAID

systems to the specific needs of diverse regions, farm sizes, and resource capabilities. Sustainable aquaculture solutions should not only be effective in addressing environmental challenges but also adaptable to the unique contexts and conditions of various regions globally.

been emphasised. These findings highlight the economic and environmental advantages associated with more widespread training programs, making it imperative for its implementation as the industry continues to grow.

As we navigate the complex intersection of aquaculture growth and environmental preservation, the key lies in fostering shared responsibility, adequate special planning and a commitment to sustainable practices.

By prioritising collaboration, innovation, education and advocacy, industry experts and stakeholders need to be committed to charting a course towards a future where aquaculture not only meets the growing demand but does so in harmony with the delicate ecosystems that sustain us all.

n A fish farm in Vietnam

n FEAP Secretary General Javier Ojeda

About FEAP

The Federation of European Aquaculture Producers represents the European fish farming profession and is based in Brussels.

FEAP is composed of 24 national fish farming associations from 23 countries, both EU and non-EU. The combined yearly production of FEAP members surpasses 2.5 million tonnes of fish.

About IIRR

IIRR is one of the world’s leading rural-focused NGOs. Since 1960, its mission has been to help empower rural communities so that they can take charge of their own success. Programmes across health, education, environment, food systems and economic empowerment have been delivered in over 50 countries, directly impacting the lives of more than 44 million people. n A small-scale fish pond in Kenya

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2023 | 43

We have over 20 000 tonnes of anchors, chains, shackles, buoys and other mooring equipment available from stocks in Norway, Netherlands and China.

Electronics

PIONEER IN HIGH-QUALITY FISH CONTAINERS PROTECTING FRESHNESS AND QUALITY BORGARPLAST, industry leader since 1983.

Beck Pack Systems A/S DK-3700, Roenne, Denmark Tel: +45 56 95 25 22 info@beck-liner.com

Contact us at: (+47) 56 32 68 50 sales@sotra.net - www.sotra.net

WE WELCOME YOU TO OUR BOOTH AT SEAFOOD EXPO GLOBAL IN HALL 3, NO. 3BB301

borgarplast.is/en

Beck Pack Systems, Inc. Seattle, WA, USA Tel: +1 425 222 9515

KIKKONET Aquaculture Nets/Cages

ISO-9001, ISO-22000, FSSC 22000 certified manufacturer and supplier of block liners, folding cartons, and freezer frames for the international food processing industry.

To find the agent in your region visit:

The net for technology-driven fish farming KikkoNet is made of UV stabilised, extremely strong and lightweight Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET) monofilaments, woven into a double twisted hexagonal mesh.

Mayank Batra and Marco Montagnoli Tel: 0060 126 883 709 info@kikkonet.com

Fish Block Cartons

Netwax E4 Grenline Netrex AF Netpolish NP

WWW.WASSP.COM Sales@wassp.com +64 9 373 5595

www.beck-liner.com

www.kikkonet.com High quality antifoulings and coatings for fishfarming net pens

MORE FISH LESS TIME LESS FUEL

Clothing

WASSP Directory May 2021.indd 1

StepliteX StormGrip

your new boot legacy +47 66 80 82 15 - post@netkem.no

AQUACULTURE INTELLIGENCE MAXIMISE PRODUCTION. REDUCE COSTS. 44 | NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2023

www.bekina-boots.COM | info@bekina-boots.com

GUY COTTEN SA BP 538 29185 CONCARNEAU Cedex FRANCE Tel: +33 2 98 97 66 79 Email: info@guycotten.com www.guycotten.com Guy Cotten is the main manufacturer of very high quality protective clothing, boots, lifejackets and survival suits for fishermen and processors.

27/04/2021 11:32

Cartolit A/S. Skovdalvej 30, 8300 Odder, Denmark Tel: +45 86784099 Fax: +45 86784060 Email cartolit@cartolit.dk Website www.cartolit.dk

Deck Machinery

Aquaculture

A Global Leader in Frozen Food Packaging

Containers

Known as the worlds largest stockist of mooring- and deck equipment

Block Liners

Anchors & Chains

PRODUCTS & SERVICES DIRECTORY

For the latest news and analysis go to www.worldfishing.net

A Poutada

Riveira – A Coruña – Spain Tel.: +34 981 87 60 08 Tel.: +34 686 930 025 Fax: +34 981 87 43 48 Email: correo@apoutada.com Website: www.apoutada.com Manufacturer of fishing hooks since 1985.

Steels and internationally proven designs and best warranty.

Specialized supplier of a wide range of material for longline fleet.

1-2 Shing Nung Road, Tungkang, Pingtung,Taiwan Tel: 886-8-8331100~9 Fax: 886-8-8327022 E-mail: export@chingfa.com.tw Website: www.chingfa.com.tw Specialized manufacturer & exporter of: Hi-tech 7 tuna purse seine nets, Super 20 aquaculture knotless nets (Raschel type), nylon longline & its spare parts, nylon fishing line, nylon mono & multi-mono nets, nylon twisted and braided nets, PE trawl nets, ropes, twines, floats and etc.

Founded in 1927, Sounete focuses its activity on the design and manufacture of hardware for trawling/ industrial fishing: steel and rubber bobbins, rubber spacers, trawl doors, blocks, swivels, large size thimbles, shackles, and other metal gear, including customized models.

SOUNETE INTERNACIONAL, S.A. Rua da Seara 588, 4430-291 Vila Nova de Gaia, PORTUGAL Sales: André Pinho Phone: +351 227 860 930 GSM: +351 917 207 052 Email: andre.pinho@sounete.pt

deltarub.eu

www.sounete.pt

Rua da Cerfil (Cap. Gramaxo) P.O. Box 1029, 4471-909 Maia PORTUGAL Tel: +351 22 961 9200 Fax: +351 22 960 5757 Email: sales@lankhorsteuronete.com www.euronete.com Contact: Mafalda Gramaxo Salvador Castro Producer of the recognized brands: Netting: Euroline®, Eurocross®, Premium®, Premium Plus, Lankoforce®.

Wire Ropes: Eurowire® and Europact®.

Fibre Ropes: Lankoforce®, Eurosteel®, Tipto®.

Super 12 net twines.

Recently Launched!

Euroline Tipto® / Eurostone®

VMK pelagic processing sD< ƉĞůĂŐŝĐ ƉƌŽĐĞƐƐŝŶŐ ƐŽůƵƟŽŶƐ ŝƐ ĐŽŵďŝŶĞ ŚŝŐŚ solutions combines high solutons combines ƉĞƌĨŽƌŵĂŶĐĞ ŵĂĐŚŝŶĞƐ ǁŝƚŚ machines with performance ƐŵĂůů ƐƋƵĂƌĞ ŵĞƚĞƌ ƵƐĂŐĞ ĂŶĚ small square meter usage and ĐŽƐƚ ĞĸĐŝĞŶƚ ŵĂŝŶƚĞŶĂŶĐĞ͘ cost maintenance. costefficient e.cient maintenance.

Fornandergatan 1, Fornandergatan 1, 392 33 Kalmar, SWEDEN SWEDEN +46 (0) 480 945 945 12 00 vmk@arenco.com vmk@arenco.com ǁǁǁ͘ǀŵŬĮƐŚ͘ĐŽŵ www.vmkfish.com

TRUSTED BY THOSE FEEDING THE WORLD!

Fishmeal Plants

Fishing Gear

Cavatorta Group is a dynamic European manufacturer that specializes in the production of galvanized and PVC coated multifunctional wire mesh products. Our SEAPLAX marine mesh uses include lobster and crab traps, oyser trays, aquaculture and general marine applications.

YOUR PARTNER FOR QUALITY FISHING GEAR

Fishing Gear

Metallurgica Abruzzese S.p.a.

Strada della Repubblica, 58 43121 Parma – Italy Tel: +39 0521 221411 Fax: +39 0521 221449 email: a.contini@cavatorta.it web: www.cavatorta.it/EN

Fishing Gear

Fishing Gear

Fishing Equipment & Boat Parts

PRODUCTS & SERVICES DIRECTORY

ASANO is a supplier and manufacturer of high-quality stainless steel fishing gears sales@asano-global.com https://asano-global.com/

SICOR INTERNATIONAL LIMITED Gore Cross Business Park Bridport Dorset DT6 3UX Tel: 01308 428 224 Fax: 01308 428 228 Email: sales@sicor-int.com Website: www.sicor-int.com Contact: Toby Eeles

ALL STAINLESS STEEL PRODUCTS DESIGNED IN JAPAN

Premium quality ropes for the fishing industry.

R

Bridon-Bekaert Ropes Group Tel: +44 (0) 1302 565108

The Crosby Group is the world’s leading manufacturer of rigging, lifting, and material handling hardware. With a global network of more than 3,000 authorized distributors and unmatched local support, Crosby sets the standard for quality, training, and technical expertise in the field. www.thecrosbygroup.com

For the latest news and analysis go to www.worldfishing.net

SICOR INTERNATIONAL LIMITED Unit 3 Murcar Trading Estate, Denmore Road, Bridge of Don Aberdeen, Scotland, United Kingdom Tel: 01224 707560 Fax: 01224 707561 Email: aberdeen@sicor-int.com Contact: Gary Mitchell Manufacturers of all types of fishing ropes, netting and twines including poly steel ropes and compact netting.

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2023 | 45

SEAC FPM-400 Nobbing and Filleting machine now also with Automatic Feeder

SEAC AB Industrigatan 8 386 32 ISLAND OF ÖLAND SWEDEN +4648535200 +46704391454 info@seac.se

Langerbruggekaai 15 9000 • Gent • Belgium Tel: +32 9 376 95 95 Fax: +32 9 376 95 96 info@cretel.com www.cretel.com Cretel is manufacturing in Belgium FISH SKINNERS FISH SCALERS VACUUM PACKAGING MACHINES INDUSTRIAL WASHING AND DRYING EQUIPMENT

LIMA are specialists in the manufacture of meat-bone separators, deboning and desinewing machines for poultry, pork, fish, lamb and beef industries. 70 different models are available from 100 to 20.000 kg/hr.

(220 – 44.000 lbs/hr).

LIMA S.A.S.

456 Route de Rosporden Z.I. du Guélen • 29000 QUIMPER Tel. : 02 98 94 89 68 • Fax : 02 98 94 89 69 E-Mail : lima@lima-france.com www.lima-france.com

Consult us and take advantage of our worldwide experience and expertise.

Cabinplant’s solutions for the fish and seafood industry include solutions for reception of raw material, sorting, grading, cleaning, filleting, cooking, cooling, weighing and packing. www.cabinplant.com

TRAUST Know­how

Cretel Directory Dec 2020-Jan 2021.indd 1 27/11/2020 08:39

Supplying the fish and seafood industry for decades

Fish Processing

Fish Processing Machines - FPM - for smaller fish

Fish Processing

Fish Processing

Fish Processing

PRODUCTS & SERVICES DIRECTORY

Since 1958, FAIVRE Group designs, manufactures and commercializes high quality machines for the aquaculture industry.

Today, Faivre goes further and offers its know-how to the fishing industry! www.faivregroup.com

MARELEC Food Technologies designs and manufactures hightech portioning, weighing, grading and control systems for the fishing and food industry.

Trusted solutions for 40 years Advanced raw material usage

www.marelec.com

Know-how in food processing!

FREEZE SMARTER, FREEZE BETTTER WITH

Made in Germany

Cochin Food Tech Pvt Ltd (India)

sales@cftech.in

·

www.cftech.in

Injectors and Protein-Tec ̣ Increases yield natural way ̣ Low pressure injection ̣ Adjustable injection levels ̣ Packing yield increase ̣ Increases yield natural way ̣ Protein in Protein ̣ Reduced drip ̣ Lower cook and chill loss ̣ No chemicals

Sale: +354 516 3000 traust@traust.is www.traust.is

WORLDFISHING & AQUACULTURE SINCE 1952

To advertise in the

World Fishing Directory contact

Hannah Bolland on

+44 1329 825335 www.worldfishing.net

46Net_Directory | NOVEMBER/DECEMBER Fortune Nov 2021 copy.indd 09/11/2021 1 2023 10:25

Kroma A/S RÆVEVEJ 22 - DK-7800 SKIVE Phone: +45 9752 2099 Fax: +45 9752 0572 Web: www.kroma.dk E-mail: kroma@kroma.dk Kroma A/S is a supplier of high quality de-scaling, gutting and filleting machines for all kind of fish species. Specialist in handling of roe, and filleting of soft fish species like mackerel.

Optimar AS (+47) 70 10 80 00 optimar.no

For the latest news and analysis go to www.worldfishing.net

Tel: +34 981 705722 Email: tucal@tucal.es www.tucal.es

Garware Technical Fibres

Flake Ice & Plate Ice up to 100t / 24h Ice Storage with Automatic Rake System Systems for Ice Conveying and Weighing Built in a Container or on a Frame

www.frost.is | frost@frost.is

Industrial Ice Making & Storage Systems We have specialized in the development, construction, installation, service and maintenance of key components and technical solutions.

Netting

www.kti-plersch.com | info@kti-plersch.com

KING CHOU MARINE TECHNOLOGY CO., LTD.

BJ 5000Ex 11/01/2021 13:11

NET MANUFACTURERS We are a professional fish net maker and provide assembly & design service for various nets.

We use Nylon, HDPE, PP, PE to make purse seine net, fish farming cage net for smolt, grower, growout, predator & anti-bird, trawl net, trap net, safety net, sports net, twine, float and steel wire.

The making of fish nets can be twisted, braided, super-knot knotless or raschell knotless, mono or multi-mono filaments.

Website: www.king-net.com.tw Email: sales@mail.king-net.com.tw Main phone No. +886 7 535 2939 Fax No. +886 7 535 2938

BELITRONIC SWEDEN AB

Rattarevagen 7, S-872 63 Lunde, Sweden Tel: +46 6123 2000 mailbox@belitronic.se www.belitronic.se Top of the line Jig fishing machine – BJ 5000Ex. Friendly, Flexible and Intelligent!

Reliable, effective and recently improved Jig Fishing Machine, special programs on request. The BJ 5000Ex can reach fishing depth fast!

Serious Fishing Gear for Serious Fisherman Fishing Net, Rope, Float, Crab Trap, Long Line Fishing.

Tel:++86 631 5306208 Fax:++86 631 5306209 Cell/Whatsapp:++86 138 0631 1778

E-mail: ericdu@dnsnetting.com

www.fishingnetchina.com

23F-2, No.2 Chung Shang 2nd Road Kaohsiung City, Taiwan , Zip code: #806

Ropes & Net Coatings

Ice Plants for Fish and Seafood

WE PROVIDE • Energy savings • Environmental friendly solutions • Natural refrigerant’s

Web: www.garwarefibres.com Tel: (+91)2027990381 Contact: Vivek Kumar Email: vkumar@garwarefibres.com Mobile: +917767802806

Manufacturing plate freezers since 1989

Tucal_ID_Feb 2021.indd 1

LAND BASED SOLUTIONS - Pelagic systems, Ground fish factories, Shrimp factories, Meat and Dairy systems.

World’s leading supplier of Fishing nets (our globally trusted brands are SNG, Sapphire and Olivene), assembled trawls, Purse Seines, Aquaculture cages and anti-predator nets for aquaculture industry, ropes for the fishing, aquaculture and shipping industry. Our products are exported to over 60 countries globally.

Plot No 11, Block D-1, MIDC, Chinchwad, Pune, India

Worldwide #1 in Ice Factories

MARINE SOLUTIONS - Freezing and cooling systems, RSW cooling systems.

Netting

Ice & Refrigeration

IRAS is supplying the modern fishing and aquaculture industry with innovative solutions within: Pumping, Classification, Weighing, Ice handling, Storage, Transport and Distribution systems. IRAS offers single products or complete systems for raw material handling.

Based on decades of experience, IRAS KNOW HOW to handle fish

Longlining & Jigging

IRAS A/S Gammelby Mollevej 3 DK-6700 Esbjerg, Denmark Tel: +45 7611 4949 Email: iras@iras.dk Web: www.iras.dk

Ice & Refrigeration

Ice & Refrigeration

PRODUCTS & SERVICES DIRECTORY

N E T TING ROPES T WINES

Van Beelen Group bv P +31(0)255 560 560 E info@vanbeelengroup.nl IJmuiden, Netherlands vanbeelengroup.nl vb-ropes.com D12 ropes and D3/D16 nets with Dyneema®.

Enkalon® nylon netting and ropes with the highest strength in the industry.

High tenacity Supercatch polyester products, and HDPE in Powerblue and Powergreen.

REAL-SNOW AS Filipstadveien 15, 0250 Oslo, NORWAY Phone: +47 9687 4080 E-mail: post@real-snow.com

WORLDFISHING & AQUACULTURE

Van Beelen

We make what works for you.

D&S Fishing Directory Dec20-Jan21.indd 1 24/11/2020 16:15

SINCE 1952

To advertise in the

World Fishing Directory contact

Hannah Bolland on

+44 1329 825335 www.worldfishing.net

Marine and industrial refrigeration specialists +44 (0) 1779 400590 office@ptguk.com www.ptguk.com

For the latest news and09/11/2021 analysis go to www.worldfishing.net Fortune Net_Directory Nov 2021 copy.indd 1 10:25

Fishing nets, aquaculture nets, agriculture nets, sports nets, all types of ropes and twines.

Forever Industries Co., Ltd. No.88, Di An Truong Tre St., Di An Town, Binh Duong, Vietnam Tel: (+84) 916 225 068 (+84) 251 378 9125 sales@forevernetco.com

www.forevernetco.com NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2023 | 47

MARKUS LIFENET LTD Breidvangur 30 IS-220 Hafnarfjordur, Iceland Tel.Iceland: +354 5651375 Tel. UK: 01525 851234 Email: sales@markusnet.com Contact: Petur Th. Petursson

Contact Hugo Ulvatn, MD, to learn how we can help you.

Call: +47 48009504 Email: sales@fiskenett.no Info: www.fiskenett.no

Complete range of high efficient trawl doors for demersal fishing, “off the seabed” semi-pelagic fishing and pelagic fishing.

We specialise in the development and manufacture of man overboard recovery systems suitable for all types of fishing vessels, such as the Markusnet and the Markus MOB Scramble-net/Cradle.

Reykjavík, Iceland

atlimarj@polardoors.com www.polardoors.com

osprey n

Ship Design

Rua do Outeiro, 906, 4470-150 Gemunde I Portugal Tel: +351 22 943 49 00 Fax: +351 22 943 49 49 Email: salvadorcastro@wireco.com Contact: Miguel Oliveira Sá / Salvador Castro

Trawl Makers

AS Fiskenett is the only company in Norway to design, manufacture, maintain and repair commercial fishing nets for both offshore and coastal fishing fleets.

OLIVEIRA SÁ

Trawl Doors

Safety

Catch all the fish all the time!

The Fuel Efficient Trawl Door

Estrada de Fortons 23 36812 Redondela (Pontevedra) Spain Tel: +34 986 20 33 12 E-mail: info@grupoeurored.com Website: www.grupoeurored.com Hi tech design and production of pelagic and bottom fishing trawl systems. Nets and deck material for tuna purse seiners, inshore fishing and longliners. Everything necessary for fishing activities:

Oliveira SÁ manufactures a full range of products for fishing applications: Steel Wire Ropes: Green Strand®, Super Yellow Fin®, Super Atlantic®, Zincal® Compact and several other constructions also with possibility of a plastic core impregnation.

Combination Ropes: we produce combination ropes, both in 4 and 6 strands.

Synthetic Ropes: Braided/Twisted and Double Braided ropes with recognized brands such as Astra Line®, Libra Line® and X Trema Line®.

MORGERE trawl doors, COTESI nets, ropes, mooring, BRIDON cable, flotation, CROSBY GROUP naval hardware, longline material, etc.

Aquaculture integral supplies and installation of fish farming and Long Line production systems, OFFSHORE facilities.

Ship Yards

Tel: +33 (0) 2 99 56 14 36 trawldoor.morgere@morgere.fr www.morgere.com

REDES SALINAS S.A.

GREENLAND RUSSIA

ICELAND FAROE ISLANDS

MÅLØY

Eurored Directory.indd 1

SHETLAND

SCOTLAND

SWEDEN

IRELAND DENMARK

SERVICE POINT FOR THE NORTH SEA

VÓNIN LTD

Thyborøn & Poly-Ice Trawldoors for all kinds of pelagic, semi-pelagic and demersal trawling with single, twin- and multipurpose rigging.

All doors are “Made in Denmark” according to customer demands and wishes.

Available 24/7 SHIPYARD SERVICES FISHING GEAR TECHNICAL EQUIPMENT & SERVICES DESIGN & ENGINEERING GENERAL SUPPLIES PORT & FISH LANDING FACILITIES

48 | NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2023

8, Sydhalevej, DK-7680 Thyborøn, Denmark

mail@thyboron-trawldoor.dk www.trawldoor.dk

Trawl Makers

PEGUET & Cie 12 Rue Des Buchillons 74105 Annemasse, France Tel: +33 450 95 54 54 Fax: +33 450 92 22 06 E-mail: info@peguet.fr Website: www.peguet.fr Manufacture of Maillon Rapide® quick links for permanent connection in aeronautics, architecture, rigging equipment, industrial supplies, sailing, parachuting & paragliding, professional fishing, tramways facilities, climbing.

All product range self-certified.

YOUR PARTNER SINCE 1941

30/09/2020 14:32

-we make fishing more profitable

Centrally located in the North Sea basin

Carretera de Catral, 30 03360 Callosa de Segura, Alicante, Spain Tel: 0034 965 310 408 Tel: 0034 965 310 354 Email: redessalinas@redessalinas.com www.redessalinas.com Contact: Srta. Carmen Salinas Manufacturer of special purse seining nets for tuna and horse mackerel, also trawl gear, ropes and twines

Steel Wire Ropes & Trawl Wire

Purse Seine Nets

PRODUCTS & SERVICES DIRECTORY

P.O. 19 FO-530 Fuglafjørõur P.O.Box Box 19 FO-530 Fuglafjørður Faroe Islands Faroe Islands Tel: +298 474 200 Tel: +298 +298 474 Fax: 474200 201 Fax: +298 474 201 Email: info@vonin.com E-mail: info@vonin.com Web: Web:www.vonin.com www.vonin.com Contact: Non Contact:Bogi Eystein Elttør Manufacturer of pelagic trawls, Vónin is a major supplier to the fishing fleet and semi-pelagic shrimpin trawls, aquaculture industrytrawls, with branches the Faroe various bottom trawls, purse and seine Islands, Greenland, Canada, Denmark Norway. nets, fish farming nets andsemi sorting Vónin manufactures pelagic trawls, pelagic grids.

Vónin is a major supplier to trawl, shrimp trawls, bottom trawls, sorting grids, the North Atlantic/Arctic fishingand fleet. crab pots, net cages, mooring systems net We have all accessories in stock. washing systems.

WORLDFISHING & AQUACULTURE SINCE 1952

To advertise in the AKVASERVIS TRAWLS Email: office@akvaservis.lt www.akvaservis-trawl.com Tel: +370 46 365 363 Las Palmas - Baltic - Murmansk Designer & manufacturer of Pelagic, Semi-Pelagic & Bottom trawls since 1992 with active trawls in North Atlantic, Far-Eastern & Western-African fisheries.

COMPETITIVE PRICES WITHOUT COMPROMISE IN QUALITY

World Fishing Directory contact

Hannah Bolland on

+44 1329 825335 www.worldfishing.net

For the latest news andFortune analysis go to www.worldfishing.net Net_Directory Nov 2021 copy.indd 09/11/2021 1 10:25

WORLDFISHING & AQUACULTURE SINCE 1952

Reach industry professionals with World Fishing & Aquaculture MAGAZINE RECIPIENTS

DECISION MAKERS

PAGEVIEWS PER MONTH

14,500

70%

53,000

Contact us today Hannah Bolland, Brand Manager t: (+44) 1329 825 335 e: sales@worldfishing.net www.worldfishing.net

Promote your business to the right audience in the right place at the right time.

Engage with our international audience of decision makers and buyers. The World Fishing & Aquaculture multi-media platforms offer our commercial partners a wide range of opportunities for campaign delivery. We deliver bespoke marketing packages with quantifiable ROI. World Fishing & Aquaculture’s valued content focuses on all aspects of commercial fishing, relied upon by vessel operators, fleet managers, ship’s officers, and government departments.

Bring confidence to your net cleaning job, with the most reliable pump on the market.

NLB’s high-pressure water jet pumps are proven reliable for offshore and onshore net cleaning. Engineered specifically for the aquaculture market, they withstand the harsh conditions of open seas, foul weather, and salt corrosion, all while delivering the same performance and durability NLB has been recognized for since 1971.

Our units also offer a compatible interface with the industry’s leading head cleaning systems.

NLB will go the extra mile to make the switch easy for you. Let’s discuss your options at Aquaculture UK 2024!

NEW! AQ3250 Series

SEE THIS UNIT IN PERSON  BOOTH C18 & OS31 NLBCORP.COM +44 7391 745 119

NLB’s NEW! AQ3250 Series aquaculture unit will be live at our booth at the Aquaculture UK show in Aviemore, Scotland (May 14-15). Be sure to stop by!

© Copyright 2023 NLB Corp. | PSaleAqua_23_007_v1

DON’T GET CAUGHT WITH A FAILED PUMP ON THE JOB.