Fishing Energy Efficiency Review for the FRDC

Energy Efficiency

The cost of catching and producing fish has increased significantly over the past 5 years. A major factor has been the increase in cost of fuels. This is a major issue facing all the seafood industry worldwide. FRDC acknowledges the impact and as a result have funded a number of research projects to examine the issue and identify viable solutions.

Below are the first two reports out of project 2005/239 - Energy Efficient Fishing: A 2006 review. Part A of the report looks at alternative fuels and efficient engines. Part B examines Hull Characteristics and Efficiency. Both reports provide an excellent snapshot of where industry is currently using energy.

International Research

For additional information on alternate fuel sources, The United Kingdom's Sea Fish Industry Authority (Seafish) has also been working on this issue and published the report Heavy fuel oil - a cost effective solution for suitable fishing vessels in August 2006

To view Heavy fuel oil - a cost effective solution for suitable fishing vessels

Introduction

Fuel costs are now a major influence in CPUE (cost per unit effort) on most fishing vessels in the UK, with record fuel prices being experienced. In the late 80's/early 90's fuel prices experienced short term increases usually in response to geopolitical problems or cut backs in production by OPEC countries...