A national fisheries management workshop was held at the South Australian Aquatic Sciences Centre in Adelaide on 26/27 March 2014, which brought together fisheries managers from all Australian jurisdictions.  The idea of holding a workshop was promoted by the Australian Fisheries Management Forum (AFMF) (composed of the Heads of Commonwealth and State/Territory fishery management agencies), which had identified that there was no forum for fisheries managers to exchange ideas and build networks.  The task of putting the workshop together was undertaken by AFMF’s Fisheries Management Sub-Committee (FMSC), with funding support being provided by the Fisheries Research and Development Corporation (FRDC).

The workshop was the first fisheries managers’ workshop since 1995, when the last of a successful series of fisheries managers’ workshops run during the late 1980’s and early 1990’s was held on Rottnest Island, WA.  In promoting the idea of a workshop AFMF noted that while there was significant cross-fertilisation between researchers through the Australian Society for Fish Biology and other forums and through National Compliance Committee for compliance officers, there was no forum specifically for fisheries managers.  As fisheries management had increased in complexity, and society was placing additional scrutiny on fisheries managers, there was a need for fisheries managers to meet as a group of professionals to exchange ideas and initiatives.

In considering a theme for the workshop FMSC noted that there was significant interest in the issues surrounding small-scale fisheries (SSFs) and that many if not most issues with SSFs were common across all the jurisdictions.  Furthermore, FMSC had been tasked by AFMF to consider matters around SSFs and provide advice back to AFMF on the development of cost effective and efficient management of SSFs.  Thus a workshop provided an ideal opportunity to explore the issue of SSFs and to look at issues and approaches in the various jurisdictions to see if there were any learnings that could be incorporated into FMSC’s advice to AFMF.

A national fisheries management workshop was held at the South Australian Aquatic Sciences Centre in Adelaide on 26/27 March 2014, which brought together fisheries managers from all Australian jurisdictions.  The idea of holding a workshop was promoted by the Australian Fisheries Management Forum (AFMF) (composed of the Heads of Commonwealth and State/Territory fishery management agencies), which had identified that there was no forum for fisheries managers to exchange ideas and build networks.  The task of putting the workshop together was undertaken by AFMF’s Fisheries Management Sub-Committee (FMSC), with funding support being provided by the Fisheries Research and Development Corporation (FRDC).

The workshop was the first fisheries managers’ workshop since 1995, when the last of a successful series of fisheries managers’ workshops run during the late 1980’s and early 1990’s was held on Rottnest Island, WA.  In promoting the idea of a workshop AFMF noted that while there was significant cross-fertilisation between researchers through the Australian Society for Fish Biology and other forums and through National Compliance Committee for compliance officers, there was no forum specifically for fisheries managers.  As fisheries management had increased in complexity, and society was placing additional scrutiny on fisheries managers, there was a need for fisheries managers to meet as a group of professionals to exchange ideas and initiatives.

In considering a theme for the workshop FMSC noted that there was significant interest in the issues surrounding small-scale fisheries (SSFs) and that many if not most issues with SSFs were common across all the jurisdictions.  Furthermore, FMSC had been tasked by AFMF to consider matters around SSFs and provide advice back to AFMF on the development of cost effective and efficient management of SSFs.  Thus a workshop provided an ideal opportunity to explore the issue of SSFs and to look at issues and approaches in the various jurisdictions to see if there were any learnings that could be incorporated into FMSC’s advice to AFMF.

A national fisheries management workshop was held at the South Australian Aquatic Sciences Centre in Adelaide on 26/27 March 2014, which brought together fisheries managers from all Australian jurisdictions.  The idea of holding a workshop was promoted by the Australian Fisheries Management Forum (AFMF) (composed of the Heads of Commonwealth and State/Territory fishery management agencies), which had identified that there was no forum for fisheries managers to exchange ideas and build networks.  The task of putting the workshop together was undertaken by AFMF’s Fisheries Management Sub-Committee (FMSC), with funding support being provided by the Fisheries Research and Development Corporation (FRDC).

The workshop was the first fisheries managers’ workshop since 1995, when the last of a successful series of fisheries managers’ workshops run during the late 1980’s and early 1990’s was held on Rottnest Island, WA.  In promoting the idea of a workshop AFMF noted that while there was significant cross-fertilisation between researchers through the Australian Society for Fish Biology and other forums and through National Compliance Committee for compliance officers, there was no forum specifically for fisheries managers.  As fisheries management had increased in complexity, and society was placing additional scrutiny on fisheries managers, there was a need for fisheries managers to meet as a group of professionals to exchange ideas and initiatives.

In considering a theme for the workshop FMSC noted that there was significant interest in the issues surrounding small-scale fisheries (SSFs) and that many if not most issues with SSFs were common across all the jurisdictions.  Furthermore, FMSC had been tasked by AFMF to consider matters around SSFs and provide advice back to AFMF on the development of cost effective and efficient management of SSFs.  Thus a workshop provided an ideal opportunity to explore the issue of SSFs and to look at issues and approaches in the various jurisdictions to see if there were any learnings that could be incorporated into FMSC’s advice to AFMF.

A national fisheries management workshop was held at the South Australian Aquatic Sciences Centre in Adelaide on 26/27 March 2014, which brought together fisheries managers from all Australian jurisdictions.  The idea of holding a workshop was promoted by the Australian Fisheries Management Forum (AFMF) (composed of the Heads of Commonwealth and State/Territory fishery management agencies), which had identified that there was no forum for fisheries managers to exchange ideas and build networks.  The task of putting the workshop together was undertaken by AFMF’s Fisheries Management Sub-Committee (FMSC), with funding support being provided by the Fisheries Research and Development Corporation (FRDC).

The workshop was the first fisheries managers’ workshop since 1995, when the last of a successful series of fisheries managers’ workshops run during the late 1980’s and early 1990’s was held on Rottnest Island, WA.  In promoting the idea of a workshop AFMF noted that while there was significant cross-fertilisation between researchers through the Australian Society for Fish Biology and other forums and through National Compliance Committee for compliance officers, there was no forum specifically for fisheries managers.  As fisheries management had increased in complexity, and society was placing additional scrutiny on fisheries managers, there was a need for fisheries managers to meet as a group of professionals to exchange ideas and initiatives.

In considering a theme for the workshop FMSC noted that there was significant interest in the issues surrounding small-scale fisheries (SSFs) and that many if not most issues with SSFs were common across all the jurisdictions.  Furthermore, FMSC had been tasked by AFMF to consider matters around SSFs and provide advice back to AFMF on the development of cost effective and efficient management of SSFs.  Thus a workshop provided an ideal opportunity to explore the issue of SSFs and to look at issues and approaches in the various jurisdictions to see if there were any learnings that could be incorporated into FMSC’s advice to AFMF.

A national fisheries management workshop was held at the South Australian Aquatic Sciences Centre in Adelaide on 26/27 March 2014, which brought together fisheries managers from all Australian jurisdictions.  The idea of holding a workshop was promoted by the Australian Fisheries Management Forum (AFMF) (composed of the Heads of Commonwealth and State/Territory fishery management agencies), which had identified that there was no forum for fisheries managers to exchange ideas and build networks.  The task of putting the workshop together was undertaken by AFMF’s Fisheries Management Sub-Committee (FMSC), with funding support being provided by the Fisheries Research and Development Corporation (FRDC).

The workshop was the first fisheries managers’ workshop since 1995, when the last of a successful series of fisheries managers’ workshops run during the late 1980’s and early 1990’s was held on Rottnest Island, WA.  In promoting the idea of a workshop AFMF noted that while there was significant cross-fertilisation between researchers through the Australian Society for Fish Biology and other forums and through National Compliance Committee for compliance officers, there was no forum specifically for fisheries managers.  As fisheries management had increased in complexity, and society was placing additional scrutiny on fisheries managers, there was a need for fisheries managers to meet as a group of professionals to exchange ideas and initiatives.

In considering a theme for the workshop FMSC noted that there was significant interest in the issues surrounding small-scale fisheries (SSFs) and that many if not most issues with SSFs were common across all the jurisdictions.  Furthermore, FMSC had been tasked by AFMF to consider matters around SSFs and provide advice back to AFMF on the development of cost effective and efficient management of SSFs.  Thus a workshop provided an ideal opportunity to explore the issue of SSFs and to look at issues and approaches in the various jurisdictions to see if there were any learnings that could be incorporated into FMSC’s advice to AFMF.

A national fisheries management workshop was held at the South Australian Aquatic Sciences Centre in Adelaide on 26/27 March 2014, which brought together fisheries managers from all Australian jurisdictions.  The idea of holding a workshop was promoted by the Australian Fisheries Management Forum (AFMF) (composed of the Heads of Commonwealth and State/Territory fishery management agencies), which had identified that there was no forum for fisheries managers to exchange ideas and build networks.  The task of putting the workshop together was undertaken by AFMF’s Fisheries Management Sub-Committee (FMSC), with funding support being provided by the Fisheries Research and Development Corporation (FRDC).

The workshop was the first fisheries managers’ workshop since 1995, when the last of a successful series of fisheries managers’ workshops run during the late 1980’s and early 1990’s was held on Rottnest Island, WA.  In promoting the idea of a workshop AFMF noted that while there was significant cross-fertilisation between researchers through the Australian Society for Fish Biology and other forums and through National Compliance Committee for compliance officers, there was no forum specifically for fisheries managers.  As fisheries management had increased in complexity, and society was placing additional scrutiny on fisheries managers, there was a need for fisheries managers to meet as a group of professionals to exchange ideas and initiatives.

In considering a theme for the workshop FMSC noted that there was significant interest in the issues surrounding small-scale fisheries (SSFs) and that many if not most issues with SSFs were common across all the jurisdictions.  Furthermore, FMSC had been tasked by AFMF to consider matters around SSFs and provide advice back to AFMF on the development of cost effective and efficient management of SSFs.  Thus a workshop provided an ideal opportunity to explore the issue of SSFs and to look at issues and approaches in the various jurisdictions to see if there were any learnings that could be incorporated into FMSC’s advice to AFMF.

A national fisheries management workshop was held at the South Australian Aquatic Sciences Centre in Adelaide on 26/27 March 2014, which brought together fisheries managers from all Australian jurisdictions.  The idea of holding a workshop was promoted by the Australian Fisheries Management Forum (AFMF) (composed of the Heads of Commonwealth and State/Territory fishery management agencies), which had identified that there was no forum for fisheries managers to exchange ideas and build networks.  The task of putting the workshop together was undertaken by AFMF’s Fisheries Management Sub-Committee (FMSC), with funding support being provided by the Fisheries Research and Development Corporation (FRDC).

The workshop was the first fisheries managers’ workshop since 1995, when the last of a successful series of fisheries managers’ workshops run during the late 1980’s and early 1990’s was held on Rottnest Island, WA.  In promoting the idea of a workshop AFMF noted that while there was significant cross-fertilisation between researchers through the Australian Society for Fish Biology and other forums and through National Compliance Committee for compliance officers, there was no forum specifically for fisheries managers.  As fisheries management had increased in complexity, and society was placing additional scrutiny on fisheries managers, there was a need for fisheries managers to meet as a group of professionals to exchange ideas and initiatives.

In considering a theme for the workshop FMSC noted that there was significant interest in the issues surrounding small-scale fisheries (SSFs) and that many if not most issues with SSFs were common across all the jurisdictions.  Furthermore, FMSC had been tasked by AFMF to consider matters around SSFs and provide advice back to AFMF on the development of cost effective and efficient management of SSFs.  Thus a workshop provided an ideal opportunity to explore the issue of SSFs and to look at issues and approaches in the various jurisdictions to see if there were any learnings that could be incorporated into FMSC’s advice to AFMF.

A national fisheries management workshop was held at the South Australian Aquatic Sciences Centre in Adelaide on 26/27 March 2014, which brought together fisheries managers from all Australian jurisdictions.  The idea of holding a workshop was promoted by the Australian Fisheries Management Forum (AFMF) (composed of the Heads of Commonwealth and State/Territory fishery management agencies), which had identified that there was no forum for fisheries managers to exchange ideas and build networks.  The task of putting the workshop together was undertaken by AFMF’s Fisheries Management Sub-Committee (FMSC), with funding support being provided by the Fisheries Research and Development Corporation (FRDC).

The workshop was the first fisheries managers’ workshop since 1995, when the last of a successful series of fisheries managers’ workshops run during the late 1980’s and early 1990’s was held on Rottnest Island, WA.  In promoting the idea of a workshop AFMF noted that while there was significant cross-fertilisation between researchers through the Australian Society for Fish Biology and other forums and through National Compliance Committee for compliance officers, there was no forum specifically for fisheries managers.  As fisheries management had increased in complexity, and society was placing additional scrutiny on fisheries managers, there was a need for fisheries managers to meet as a group of professionals to exchange ideas and initiatives.

In considering a theme for the workshop FMSC noted that there was significant interest in the issues surrounding small-scale fisheries (SSFs) and that many if not most issues with SSFs were common across all the jurisdictions.  Furthermore, FMSC had been tasked by AFMF to consider matters around SSFs and provide advice back to AFMF on the development of cost effective and efficient management of SSFs.  Thus a workshop provided an ideal opportunity to explore the issue of SSFs and to look at issues and approaches in the various jurisdictions to see if there were any learnings that could be incorporated into FMSC’s advice to AFMF.

A national fisheries management workshop was held at the South Australian Aquatic Sciences Centre in Adelaide on 26/27 March 2014, which brought together fisheries managers from all Australian jurisdictions.  The idea of holding a workshop was promoted by the Australian Fisheries Management Forum (AFMF) (composed of the Heads of Commonwealth and State/Territory fishery management agencies), which had identified that there was no forum for fisheries managers to exchange ideas and build networks.  The task of putting the workshop together was undertaken by AFMF’s Fisheries Management Sub-Committee (FMSC), with funding support being provided by the Fisheries Research and Development Corporation (FRDC).

The workshop was the first fisheries managers’ workshop since 1995, when the last of a successful series of fisheries managers’ workshops run during the late 1980’s and early 1990’s was held on Rottnest Island, WA.  In promoting the idea of a workshop AFMF noted that while there was significant cross-fertilisation between researchers through the Australian Society for Fish Biology and other forums and through National Compliance Committee for compliance officers, there was no forum specifically for fisheries managers.  As fisheries management had increased in complexity, and society was placing additional scrutiny on fisheries managers, there was a need for fisheries managers to meet as a group of professionals to exchange ideas and initiatives.

In considering a theme for the workshop FMSC noted that there was significant interest in the issues surrounding small-scale fisheries (SSFs) and that many if not most issues with SSFs were common across all the jurisdictions.  Furthermore, FMSC had been tasked by AFMF to consider matters around SSFs and provide advice back to AFMF on the development of cost effective and efficient management of SSFs.  Thus a workshop provided an ideal opportunity to explore the issue of SSFs and to look at issues and approaches in the various jurisdictions to see if there were any learnings that could be incorporated into FMSC’s advice to AFMF.

A national fisheries management workshop was held at the South Australian Aquatic Sciences Centre in Adelaide on 26/27 March 2014, which brought together fisheries managers from all Australian jurisdictions.  The idea of holding a workshop was promoted by the Australian Fisheries Management Forum (AFMF) (composed of the Heads of Commonwealth and State/Territory fishery management agencies), which had identified that there was no forum for fisheries managers to exchange ideas and build networks.  The task of putting the workshop together was undertaken by AFMF’s Fisheries Management Sub-Committee (FMSC), with funding support being provided by the Fisheries Research and Development Corporation (FRDC).

The workshop was the first fisheries managers’ workshop since 1995, when the last of a successful series of fisheries managers’ workshops run during the late 1980’s and early 1990’s was held on Rottnest Island, WA.  In promoting the idea of a workshop AFMF noted that while there was significant cross-fertilisation between researchers through the Australian Society for Fish Biology and other forums and through National Compliance Committee for compliance officers, there was no forum specifically for fisheries managers.  As fisheries management had increased in complexity, and society was placing additional scrutiny on fisheries managers, there was a need for fisheries managers to meet as a group of professionals to exchange ideas and initiatives.

In considering a theme for the workshop FMSC noted that there was significant interest in the issues surrounding small-scale fisheries (SSFs) and that many if not most issues with SSFs were common across all the jurisdictions.  Furthermore, FMSC had been tasked by AFMF to consider matters around SSFs and provide advice back to AFMF on the development of cost effective and efficient management of SSFs.  Thus a workshop provided an ideal opportunity to explore the issue of SSFs and to look at issues and approaches in the various jurisdictions to see if there were any learnings that could be incorporated into FMSC’s advice to AFMF.

A national fisheries management workshop was held at the South Australian Aquatic Sciences Centre in Adelaide on 26/27 March 2014, which brought together fisheries managers from all Australian jurisdictions.  The idea of holding a workshop was promoted by the Australian Fisheries Management Forum (AFMF) (composed of the Heads of Commonwealth and State/Territory fishery management agencies), which had identified that there was no forum for fisheries managers to exchange ideas and build networks.  The task of putting the workshop together was undertaken by AFMF’s Fisheries Management Sub-Committee (FMSC), with funding support being provided by the Fisheries Research and Development Corporation (FRDC).

The workshop was the first fisheries managers’ workshop since 1995, when the last of a successful series of fisheries managers’ workshops run during the late 1980’s and early 1990’s was held on Rottnest Island, WA.  In promoting the idea of a workshop AFMF noted that while there was significant cross-fertilisation between researchers through the Australian Society for Fish Biology and other forums and through National Compliance Committee for compliance officers, there was no forum specifically for fisheries managers.  As fisheries management had increased in complexity, and society was placing additional scrutiny on fisheries managers, there was a need for fisheries managers to meet as a group of professionals to exchange ideas and initiatives.

In considering a theme for the workshop FMSC noted that there was significant interest in the issues surrounding small-scale fisheries (SSFs) and that many if not most issues with SSFs were common across all the jurisdictions.  Furthermore, FMSC had been tasked by AFMF to consider matters around SSFs and provide advice back to AFMF on the development of cost effective and efficient management of SSFs.  Thus a workshop provided an ideal opportunity to explore the issue of SSFs and to look at issues and approaches in the various jurisdictions to see if there were any learnings that could be incorporated into FMSC’s advice to AFMF.

A national fisheries management workshop was held at the South Australian Aquatic Sciences Centre in Adelaide on 26/27 March 2014, which brought together fisheries managers from all Australian jurisdictions.  The idea of holding a workshop was promoted by the Australian Fisheries Management Forum (AFMF) (composed of the Heads of Commonwealth and State/Territory fishery management agencies), which had identified that there was no forum for fisheries managers to exchange ideas and build networks.  The task of putting the workshop together was undertaken by AFMF’s Fisheries Management Sub-Committee (FMSC), with funding support being provided by the Fisheries Research and Development Corporation (FRDC).

The workshop was the first fisheries managers’ workshop since 1995, when the last of a successful series of fisheries managers’ workshops run during the late 1980’s and early 1990’s was held on Rottnest Island, WA.  In promoting the idea of a workshop AFMF noted that while there was significant cross-fertilisation between researchers through the Australian Society for Fish Biology and other forums and through National Compliance Committee for compliance officers, there was no forum specifically for fisheries managers.  As fisheries management had increased in complexity, and society was placing additional scrutiny on fisheries managers, there was a need for fisheries managers to meet as a group of professionals to exchange ideas and initiatives.

In considering a theme for the workshop FMSC noted that there was significant interest in the issues surrounding small-scale fisheries (SSFs) and that many if not most issues with SSFs were common across all the jurisdictions.  Furthermore, FMSC had been tasked by AFMF to consider matters around SSFs and provide advice back to AFMF on the development of cost effective and efficient management of SSFs.  Thus a workshop provided an ideal opportunity to explore the issue of SSFs and to look at issues and approaches in the various jurisdictions to see if there were any learnings that could be incorporated into FMSC’s advice to AFMF.

A national fisheries management workshop was held at the South Australian Aquatic Sciences Centre in Adelaide on 26/27 March 2014, which brought together fisheries managers from all Australian jurisdictions.  The idea of holding a workshop was promoted by the Australian Fisheries Management Forum (AFMF) (composed of the Heads of Commonwealth and State/Territory fishery management agencies), which had identified that there was no forum for fisheries managers to exchange ideas and build networks.  The task of putting the workshop together was undertaken by AFMF’s Fisheries Management Sub-Committee (FMSC), with funding support being provided by the Fisheries Research and Development Corporation (FRDC).

The workshop was the first fisheries managers’ workshop since 1995, when the last of a successful series of fisheries managers’ workshops run during the late 1980’s and early 1990’s was held on Rottnest Island, WA.  In promoting the idea of a workshop AFMF noted that while there was significant cross-fertilisation between researchers through the Australian Society for Fish Biology and other forums and through National Compliance Committee for compliance officers, there was no forum specifically for fisheries managers.  As fisheries management had increased in complexity, and society was placing additional scrutiny on fisheries managers, there was a need for fisheries managers to meet as a group of professionals to exchange ideas and initiatives.

In considering a theme for the workshop FMSC noted that there was significant interest in the issues surrounding small-scale fisheries (SSFs) and that many if not most issues with SSFs were common across all the jurisdictions.  Furthermore, FMSC had been tasked by AFMF to consider matters around SSFs and provide advice back to AFMF on the development of cost effective and efficient management of SSFs.  Thus a workshop provided an ideal opportunity to explore the issue of SSFs and to look at issues and approaches in the various jurisdictions to see if there were any learnings that could be incorporated into FMSC’s advice to AFMF.

A national fisheries management workshop was held at the South Australian Aquatic Sciences Centre in Adelaide on 26/27 March 2014, which brought together fisheries managers from all Australian jurisdictions.  The idea of holding a workshop was promoted by the Australian Fisheries Management Forum (AFMF) (composed of the Heads of Commonwealth and State/Territory fishery management agencies), which had identified that there was no forum for fisheries managers to exchange ideas and build networks.  The task of putting the workshop together was undertaken by AFMF’s Fisheries Management Sub-Committee (FMSC), with funding support being provided by the Fisheries Research and Development Corporation (FRDC).

The workshop was the first fisheries managers’ workshop since 1995, when the last of a successful series of fisheries managers’ workshops run during the late 1980’s and early 1990’s was held on Rottnest Island, WA.  In promoting the idea of a workshop AFMF noted that while there was significant cross-fertilisation between researchers through the Australian Society for Fish Biology and other forums and through National Compliance Committee for compliance officers, there was no forum specifically for fisheries managers.  As fisheries management had increased in complexity, and society was placing additional scrutiny on fisheries managers, there was a need for fisheries managers to meet as a group of professionals to exchange ideas and initiatives.

In considering a theme for the workshop FMSC noted that there was significant interest in the issues surrounding small-scale fisheries (SSFs) and that many if not most issues with SSFs were common across all the jurisdictions.  Furthermore, FMSC had been tasked by AFMF to consider matters around SSFs and provide advice back to AFMF on the development of cost effective and efficient management of SSFs.  Thus a workshop provided an ideal opportunity to explore the issue of SSFs and to look at issues and approaches in the various jurisdictions to see if there were any learnings that could be incorporated into FMSC’s advice to AFMF.

A national fisheries management workshop was held at the South Australian Aquatic Sciences Centre in Adelaide on 26/27 March 2014, which brought together fisheries managers from all Australian jurisdictions.  The idea of holding a workshop was promoted by the Australian Fisheries Management Forum (AFMF) (composed of the Heads of Commonwealth and State/Territory fishery management agencies), which had identified that there was no forum for fisheries managers to exchange ideas and build networks.  The task of putting the workshop together was undertaken by AFMF’s Fisheries Management Sub-Committee (FMSC), with funding support being provided by the Fisheries Research and Development Corporation (FRDC).

The workshop was the first fisheries managers’ workshop since 1995, when the last of a successful series of fisheries managers’ workshops run during the late 1980’s and early 1990’s was held on Rottnest Island, WA.  In promoting the idea of a workshop AFMF noted that while there was significant cross-fertilisation between researchers through the Australian Society for Fish Biology and other forums and through National Compliance Committee for compliance officers, there was no forum specifically for fisheries managers.  As fisheries management had increased in complexity, and society was placing additional scrutiny on fisheries managers, there was a need for fisheries managers to meet as a group of professionals to exchange ideas and initiatives.

In considering a theme for the workshop FMSC noted that there was significant interest in the issues surrounding small-scale fisheries (SSFs) and that many if not most issues with SSFs were common across all the jurisdictions.  Furthermore, FMSC had been tasked by AFMF to consider matters around SSFs and provide advice back to AFMF on the development of cost effective and efficient management of SSFs.  Thus a workshop provided an ideal opportunity to explore the issue of SSFs and to look at issues and approaches in the various jurisdictions to see if there were any learnings that could be incorporated into FMSC’s advice to AFMF.

A national fisheries management workshop was held at the South Australian Aquatic Sciences Centre in Adelaide on 26/27 March 2014, which brought together fisheries managers from all Australian jurisdictions.  The idea of holding a workshop was promoted by the Australian Fisheries Management Forum (AFMF) (composed of the Heads of Commonwealth and State/Territory fishery management agencies), which had identified that there was no forum for fisheries managers to exchange ideas and build networks.  The task of putting the workshop together was undertaken by AFMF’s Fisheries Management Sub-Committee (FMSC), with funding support being provided by the Fisheries Research and Development Corporation (FRDC).

The workshop was the first fisheries managers’ workshop since 1995, when the last of a successful series of fisheries managers’ workshops run during the late 1980’s and early 1990’s was held on Rottnest Island, WA.  In promoting the idea of a workshop AFMF noted that while there was significant cross-fertilisation between researchers through the Australian Society for Fish Biology and other forums and through National Compliance Committee for compliance officers, there was no forum specifically for fisheries managers.  As fisheries management had increased in complexity, and society was placing additional scrutiny on fisheries managers, there was a need for fisheries managers to meet as a group of professionals to exchange ideas and initiatives.

In considering a theme for the workshop FMSC noted that there was significant interest in the issues surrounding small-scale fisheries (SSFs) and that many if not most issues with SSFs were common across all the jurisdictions.  Furthermore, FMSC had been tasked by AFMF to consider matters around SSFs and provide advice back to AFMF on the development of cost effective and efficient management of SSFs.  Thus a workshop provided an ideal opportunity to explore the issue of SSFs and to look at issues and approaches in the various jurisdictions to see if there were any learnings that could be incorporated into FMSC’s advice to AFMF.

Modern fishing fleets and the fish product supply chains are entirely dependent on effective and reliable refrigeration systems, from the point of catch to consumption.

The fishing vessels of the NPF (Northern Prawn Fishery) have one of the most demanding tasks for refrigeration equipment, operating in constrained spaces, under heavy load, in high ambient temperatures, requiring snap freezing of tonnes of sensitive product using equipment operating in a moving vessel, with heavy vibration and exposed to corrosive salt spray and water. Aside from the severe mechanical constraints and conditions, this demanding refrigeration task is only easily achieved using HCFC-22 (R22), a refrigerant that is on the verge of being completely phased out within a matter of years. HCFC-22 is rapidly becoming unaffordable. 

As a result of the age of the NPF fleet, the majority of refrigeration equipment employed is also at, or well past its original design life, making the potential for component failure increasingly likely, with the potential for total loss of the very expensive refrigerant. 

This report examines a number of options for the NPF fleet to transition to technology that provides the best mix of performance, reliability and affordability, while proposing a process for minimising the design risk for individual vessel owners. The future technology options however are clouded by new rounds of international discussions and proposals to restrict the use of what might be the best refrigerant option for vessel owners to move to. The long life of refrigeration plant means that even proposals to restrict availability of a refrigerant in 10 or 12 years needs consideration in design decisions now. 

Modern fishing fleets and the fish product supply chains are entirely dependent on effective and reliable refrigeration systems, from the point of catch to consumption. 

The fishing vessels of the NPF (Northern Prawn Fishery) have one of the most demanding tasks for refrigeration equipment, operating in constrained spaces, under heavy load, in high ambient temperatures, requiring snap freezing of tonnes of sensitive product using equipment operating in a moving vessel, with heavy vibration and exposed to corrosive salt spray and water. Aside from the severe mechanical constraints and conditions, this demanding refrigeration task is only easily achieved using HCFC-22 (R22), a refrigerant that is on the verge of being completely phased out within a matter of years. HCFC-22 is rapidly becoming unaffordable, typically selling for $110 per kilogram with an average vessel requiring from 200 to 300 kilograms.

Further down the supply chain, the very large refrigeration system around which the SFM (Sydney Fish Market) is built, is also at the end of its design life and reliant on more than half a million dollars of the same refrigerant, HCFC-22. The SFM have few of the mechanical constraints and conditions of the NPF fleet, however it has other significant issues that have to be managed in design and replacement of the existing system. Aside from the logistics of replacing a working system of this size, in a facility that requires 7 days per week operation to maintain the stock in trade, the locality of the SFM, on the edge of the largest CBD in Australia, in the middle of an active tourism, retail and hospitality precinct, means that the use of certain refrigerants that have potential safety issues is unlikely to be acceptable, even though they may be the best technical solution to the requirements.

Recent policy changes by the Department of Sustainability, Environment, Water, Population and Communities (now Department of Environment) to pursue reduced greenhouse gas emission targets by imposing a carbon based levy on HFC refrigerants in conjunction with the phase out of HCFC refrigerants including the most commonly used refrigerant R22 under the Montreal Protocol leaves the NPF fleet with a technical, commercial and OHS dilemma. The proposed shift towards the use of low GWP refrigerant such as natural refrigerants has highlighted a need to urgently consider alternative options suitable to fishing operations in the NPF, and review practice and system design changes that may be required.

Modern fishing fleets and the fish product supply chains are entirely dependent on effective and reliable refrigeration systems, from the point of catch to consumption.

The fishing vessels of the NPF (Northern Prawn Fishery) have one of the most demanding tasks for refrigeration equipment, operating in constrained spaces, under heavy load, in high ambient temperatures, requiring snap freezing of tonnes of sensitive product using equipment operating in a moving vessel, with heavy vibration and exposed to corrosive salt spray and water. Aside from the severe mechanical constraints and conditions, this demanding refrigeration task is only easily achieved using HCFC-22 (R22), a refrigerant that is on the verge of being completely phased out within a matter of years. HCFC-22 is rapidly becoming unaffordable. 

As a result of the age of the NPF fleet, the majority of refrigeration equipment employed is also at, or well past its original design life, making the potential for component failure increasingly likely, with the potential for total loss of the very expensive refrigerant. 

This report examines a number of options for the NPF fleet to transition to technology that provides the best mix of performance, reliability and affordability, while proposing a process for minimising the design risk for individual vessel owners. The future technology options however are clouded by new rounds of international discussions and proposals to restrict the use of what might be the best refrigerant option for vessel owners to move to. The long life of refrigeration plant means that even proposals to restrict availability of a refrigerant in 10 or 12 years needs consideration in design decisions now. 

Modern fishing fleets and the fish product supply chains are entirely dependent on effective and reliable refrigeration systems, from the point of catch to consumption. 

The fishing vessels of the NPF (Northern Prawn Fishery) have one of the most demanding tasks for refrigeration equipment, operating in constrained spaces, under heavy load, in high ambient temperatures, requiring snap freezing of tonnes of sensitive product using equipment operating in a moving vessel, with heavy vibration and exposed to corrosive salt spray and water. Aside from the severe mechanical constraints and conditions, this demanding refrigeration task is only easily achieved using HCFC-22 (R22), a refrigerant that is on the verge of being completely phased out within a matter of years. HCFC-22 is rapidly becoming unaffordable, typically selling for $110 per kilogram with an average vessel requiring from 200 to 300 kilograms.

Further down the supply chain, the very large refrigeration system around which the SFM (Sydney Fish Market) is built, is also at the end of its design life and reliant on more than half a million dollars of the same refrigerant, HCFC-22. The SFM have few of the mechanical constraints and conditions of the NPF fleet, however it has other significant issues that have to be managed in design and replacement of the existing system. Aside from the logistics of replacing a working system of this size, in a facility that requires 7 days per week operation to maintain the stock in trade, the locality of the SFM, on the edge of the largest CBD in Australia, in the middle of an active tourism, retail and hospitality precinct, means that the use of certain refrigerants that have potential safety issues is unlikely to be acceptable, even though they may be the best technical solution to the requirements.

Recent policy changes by the Department of Sustainability, Environment, Water, Population and Communities (now Department of Environment) to pursue reduced greenhouse gas emission targets by imposing a carbon based levy on HFC refrigerants in conjunction with the phase out of HCFC refrigerants including the most commonly used refrigerant R22 under the Montreal Protocol leaves the NPF fleet with a technical, commercial and OHS dilemma. The proposed shift towards the use of low GWP refrigerant such as natural refrigerants has highlighted a need to urgently consider alternative options suitable to fishing operations in the NPF, and review practice and system design changes that may be required.

Modern fishing fleets and the fish product supply chains are entirely dependent on effective and reliable refrigeration systems, from the point of catch to consumption.

The fishing vessels of the NPF (Northern Prawn Fishery) have one of the most demanding tasks for refrigeration equipment, operating in constrained spaces, under heavy load, in high ambient temperatures, requiring snap freezing of tonnes of sensitive product using equipment operating in a moving vessel, with heavy vibration and exposed to corrosive salt spray and water. Aside from the severe mechanical constraints and conditions, this demanding refrigeration task is only easily achieved using HCFC-22 (R22), a refrigerant that is on the verge of being completely phased out within a matter of years. HCFC-22 is rapidly becoming unaffordable. 

As a result of the age of the NPF fleet, the majority of refrigeration equipment employed is also at, or well past its original design life, making the potential for component failure increasingly likely, with the potential for total loss of the very expensive refrigerant. 

This report examines a number of options for the NPF fleet to transition to technology that provides the best mix of performance, reliability and affordability, while proposing a process for minimising the design risk for individual vessel owners. The future technology options however are clouded by new rounds of international discussions and proposals to restrict the use of what might be the best refrigerant option for vessel owners to move to. The long life of refrigeration plant means that even proposals to restrict availability of a refrigerant in 10 or 12 years needs consideration in design decisions now. 

Modern fishing fleets and the fish product supply chains are entirely dependent on effective and reliable refrigeration systems, from the point of catch to consumption. 

The fishing vessels of the NPF (Northern Prawn Fishery) have one of the most demanding tasks for refrigeration equipment, operating in constrained spaces, under heavy load, in high ambient temperatures, requiring snap freezing of tonnes of sensitive product using equipment operating in a moving vessel, with heavy vibration and exposed to corrosive salt spray and water. Aside from the severe mechanical constraints and conditions, this demanding refrigeration task is only easily achieved using HCFC-22 (R22), a refrigerant that is on the verge of being completely phased out within a matter of years. HCFC-22 is rapidly becoming unaffordable, typically selling for $110 per kilogram with an average vessel requiring from 200 to 300 kilograms.

Further down the supply chain, the very large refrigeration system around which the SFM (Sydney Fish Market) is built, is also at the end of its design life and reliant on more than half a million dollars of the same refrigerant, HCFC-22. The SFM have few of the mechanical constraints and conditions of the NPF fleet, however it has other significant issues that have to be managed in design and replacement of the existing system. Aside from the logistics of replacing a working system of this size, in a facility that requires 7 days per week operation to maintain the stock in trade, the locality of the SFM, on the edge of the largest CBD in Australia, in the middle of an active tourism, retail and hospitality precinct, means that the use of certain refrigerants that have potential safety issues is unlikely to be acceptable, even though they may be the best technical solution to the requirements.

Recent policy changes by the Department of Sustainability, Environment, Water, Population and Communities (now Department of Environment) to pursue reduced greenhouse gas emission targets by imposing a carbon based levy on HFC refrigerants in conjunction with the phase out of HCFC refrigerants including the most commonly used refrigerant R22 under the Montreal Protocol leaves the NPF fleet with a technical, commercial and OHS dilemma. The proposed shift towards the use of low GWP refrigerant such as natural refrigerants has highlighted a need to urgently consider alternative options suitable to fishing operations in the NPF, and review practice and system design changes that may be required.

Modern fishing fleets and the fish product supply chains are entirely dependent on effective and reliable refrigeration systems, from the point of catch to consumption.

The fishing vessels of the NPF (Northern Prawn Fishery) have one of the most demanding tasks for refrigeration equipment, operating in constrained spaces, under heavy load, in high ambient temperatures, requiring snap freezing of tonnes of sensitive product using equipment operating in a moving vessel, with heavy vibration and exposed to corrosive salt spray and water. Aside from the severe mechanical constraints and conditions, this demanding refrigeration task is only easily achieved using HCFC-22 (R22), a refrigerant that is on the verge of being completely phased out within a matter of years. HCFC-22 is rapidly becoming unaffordable. 

As a result of the age of the NPF fleet, the majority of refrigeration equipment employed is also at, or well past its original design life, making the potential for component failure increasingly likely, with the potential for total loss of the very expensive refrigerant. 

This report examines a number of options for the NPF fleet to transition to technology that provides the best mix of performance, reliability and affordability, while proposing a process for minimising the design risk for individual vessel owners. The future technology options however are clouded by new rounds of international discussions and proposals to restrict the use of what might be the best refrigerant option for vessel owners to move to. The long life of refrigeration plant means that even proposals to restrict availability of a refrigerant in 10 or 12 years needs consideration in design decisions now. 

Modern fishing fleets and the fish product supply chains are entirely dependent on effective and reliable refrigeration systems, from the point of catch to consumption. 

The fishing vessels of the NPF (Northern Prawn Fishery) have one of the most demanding tasks for refrigeration equipment, operating in constrained spaces, under heavy load, in high ambient temperatures, requiring snap freezing of tonnes of sensitive product using equipment operating in a moving vessel, with heavy vibration and exposed to corrosive salt spray and water. Aside from the severe mechanical constraints and conditions, this demanding refrigeration task is only easily achieved using HCFC-22 (R22), a refrigerant that is on the verge of being completely phased out within a matter of years. HCFC-22 is rapidly becoming unaffordable, typically selling for $110 per kilogram with an average vessel requiring from 200 to 300 kilograms.

Further down the supply chain, the very large refrigeration system around which the SFM (Sydney Fish Market) is built, is also at the end of its design life and reliant on more than half a million dollars of the same refrigerant, HCFC-22. The SFM have few of the mechanical constraints and conditions of the NPF fleet, however it has other significant issues that have to be managed in design and replacement of the existing system. Aside from the logistics of replacing a working system of this size, in a facility that requires 7 days per week operation to maintain the stock in trade, the locality of the SFM, on the edge of the largest CBD in Australia, in the middle of an active tourism, retail and hospitality precinct, means that the use of certain refrigerants that have potential safety issues is unlikely to be acceptable, even though they may be the best technical solution to the requirements.

Recent policy changes by the Department of Sustainability, Environment, Water, Population and Communities (now Department of Environment) to pursue reduced greenhouse gas emission targets by imposing a carbon based levy on HFC refrigerants in conjunction with the phase out of HCFC refrigerants including the most commonly used refrigerant R22 under the Montreal Protocol leaves the NPF fleet with a technical, commercial and OHS dilemma. The proposed shift towards the use of low GWP refrigerant such as natural refrigerants has highlighted a need to urgently consider alternative options suitable to fishing operations in the NPF, and review practice and system design changes that may be required.

Modern fishing fleets and the fish product supply chains are entirely dependent on effective and reliable refrigeration systems, from the point of catch to consumption.

The fishing vessels of the NPF (Northern Prawn Fishery) have one of the most demanding tasks for refrigeration equipment, operating in constrained spaces, under heavy load, in high ambient temperatures, requiring snap freezing of tonnes of sensitive product using equipment operating in a moving vessel, with heavy vibration and exposed to corrosive salt spray and water. Aside from the severe mechanical constraints and conditions, this demanding refrigeration task is only easily achieved using HCFC-22 (R22), a refrigerant that is on the verge of being completely phased out within a matter of years. HCFC-22 is rapidly becoming unaffordable. 

As a result of the age of the NPF fleet, the majority of refrigeration equipment employed is also at, or well past its original design life, making the potential for component failure increasingly likely, with the potential for total loss of the very expensive refrigerant. 

This report examines a number of options for the NPF fleet to transition to technology that provides the best mix of performance, reliability and affordability, while proposing a process for minimising the design risk for individual vessel owners. The future technology options however are clouded by new rounds of international discussions and proposals to restrict the use of what might be the best refrigerant option for vessel owners to move to. The long life of refrigeration plant means that even proposals to restrict availability of a refrigerant in 10 or 12 years needs consideration in design decisions now. 

Modern fishing fleets and the fish product supply chains are entirely dependent on effective and reliable refrigeration systems, from the point of catch to consumption. 

The fishing vessels of the NPF (Northern Prawn Fishery) have one of the most demanding tasks for refrigeration equipment, operating in constrained spaces, under heavy load, in high ambient temperatures, requiring snap freezing of tonnes of sensitive product using equipment operating in a moving vessel, with heavy vibration and exposed to corrosive salt spray and water. Aside from the severe mechanical constraints and conditions, this demanding refrigeration task is only easily achieved using HCFC-22 (R22), a refrigerant that is on the verge of being completely phased out within a matter of years. HCFC-22 is rapidly becoming unaffordable, typically selling for $110 per kilogram with an average vessel requiring from 200 to 300 kilograms.

Further down the supply chain, the very large refrigeration system around which the SFM (Sydney Fish Market) is built, is also at the end of its design life and reliant on more than half a million dollars of the same refrigerant, HCFC-22. The SFM have few of the mechanical constraints and conditions of the NPF fleet, however it has other significant issues that have to be managed in design and replacement of the existing system. Aside from the logistics of replacing a working system of this size, in a facility that requires 7 days per week operation to maintain the stock in trade, the locality of the SFM, on the edge of the largest CBD in Australia, in the middle of an active tourism, retail and hospitality precinct, means that the use of certain refrigerants that have potential safety issues is unlikely to be acceptable, even though they may be the best technical solution to the requirements.

Recent policy changes by the Department of Sustainability, Environment, Water, Population and Communities (now Department of Environment) to pursue reduced greenhouse gas emission targets by imposing a carbon based levy on HFC refrigerants in conjunction with the phase out of HCFC refrigerants including the most commonly used refrigerant R22 under the Montreal Protocol leaves the NPF fleet with a technical, commercial and OHS dilemma. The proposed shift towards the use of low GWP refrigerant such as natural refrigerants has highlighted a need to urgently consider alternative options suitable to fishing operations in the NPF, and review practice and system design changes that may be required.

Modern fishing fleets and the fish product supply chains are entirely dependent on effective and reliable refrigeration systems, from the point of catch to consumption.

The fishing vessels of the NPF (Northern Prawn Fishery) have one of the most demanding tasks for refrigeration equipment, operating in constrained spaces, under heavy load, in high ambient temperatures, requiring snap freezing of tonnes of sensitive product using equipment operating in a moving vessel, with heavy vibration and exposed to corrosive salt spray and water. Aside from the severe mechanical constraints and conditions, this demanding refrigeration task is only easily achieved using HCFC-22 (R22), a refrigerant that is on the verge of being completely phased out within a matter of years. HCFC-22 is rapidly becoming unaffordable. 

As a result of the age of the NPF fleet, the majority of refrigeration equipment employed is also at, or well past its original design life, making the potential for component failure increasingly likely, with the potential for total loss of the very expensive refrigerant. 

This report examines a number of options for the NPF fleet to transition to technology that provides the best mix of performance, reliability and affordability, while proposing a process for minimising the design risk for individual vessel owners. The future technology options however are clouded by new rounds of international discussions and proposals to restrict the use of what might be the best refrigerant option for vessel owners to move to. The long life of refrigeration plant means that even proposals to restrict availability of a refrigerant in 10 or 12 years needs consideration in design decisions now. 

Modern fishing fleets and the fish product supply chains are entirely dependent on effective and reliable refrigeration systems, from the point of catch to consumption. 

The fishing vessels of the NPF (Northern Prawn Fishery) have one of the most demanding tasks for refrigeration equipment, operating in constrained spaces, under heavy load, in high ambient temperatures, requiring snap freezing of tonnes of sensitive product using equipment operating in a moving vessel, with heavy vibration and exposed to corrosive salt spray and water. Aside from the severe mechanical constraints and conditions, this demanding refrigeration task is only easily achieved using HCFC-22 (R22), a refrigerant that is on the verge of being completely phased out within a matter of years. HCFC-22 is rapidly becoming unaffordable, typically selling for $110 per kilogram with an average vessel requiring from 200 to 300 kilograms.

Further down the supply chain, the very large refrigeration system around which the SFM (Sydney Fish Market) is built, is also at the end of its design life and reliant on more than half a million dollars of the same refrigerant, HCFC-22. The SFM have few of the mechanical constraints and conditions of the NPF fleet, however it has other significant issues that have to be managed in design and replacement of the existing system. Aside from the logistics of replacing a working system of this size, in a facility that requires 7 days per week operation to maintain the stock in trade, the locality of the SFM, on the edge of the largest CBD in Australia, in the middle of an active tourism, retail and hospitality precinct, means that the use of certain refrigerants that have potential safety issues is unlikely to be acceptable, even though they may be the best technical solution to the requirements.

Recent policy changes by the Department of Sustainability, Environment, Water, Population and Communities (now Department of Environment) to pursue reduced greenhouse gas emission targets by imposing a carbon based levy on HFC refrigerants in conjunction with the phase out of HCFC refrigerants including the most commonly used refrigerant R22 under the Montreal Protocol leaves the NPF fleet with a technical, commercial and OHS dilemma. The proposed shift towards the use of low GWP refrigerant such as natural refrigerants has highlighted a need to urgently consider alternative options suitable to fishing operations in the NPF, and review practice and system design changes that may be required.

Modern fishing fleets and the fish product supply chains are entirely dependent on effective and reliable refrigeration systems, from the point of catch to consumption.

The fishing vessels of the NPF (Northern Prawn Fishery) have one of the most demanding tasks for refrigeration equipment, operating in constrained spaces, under heavy load, in high ambient temperatures, requiring snap freezing of tonnes of sensitive product using equipment operating in a moving vessel, with heavy vibration and exposed to corrosive salt spray and water. Aside from the severe mechanical constraints and conditions, this demanding refrigeration task is only easily achieved using HCFC-22 (R22), a refrigerant that is on the verge of being completely phased out within a matter of years. HCFC-22 is rapidly becoming unaffordable. 

As a result of the age of the NPF fleet, the majority of refrigeration equipment employed is also at, or well past its original design life, making the potential for component failure increasingly likely, with the potential for total loss of the very expensive refrigerant. 

This report examines a number of options for the NPF fleet to transition to technology that provides the best mix of performance, reliability and affordability, while proposing a process for minimising the design risk for individual vessel owners. The future technology options however are clouded by new rounds of international discussions and proposals to restrict the use of what might be the best refrigerant option for vessel owners to move to. The long life of refrigeration plant means that even proposals to restrict availability of a refrigerant in 10 or 12 years needs consideration in design decisions now. 

Modern fishing fleets and the fish product supply chains are entirely dependent on effective and reliable refrigeration systems, from the point of catch to consumption. 

The fishing vessels of the NPF (Northern Prawn Fishery) have one of the most demanding tasks for refrigeration equipment, operating in constrained spaces, under heavy load, in high ambient temperatures, requiring snap freezing of tonnes of sensitive product using equipment operating in a moving vessel, with heavy vibration and exposed to corrosive salt spray and water. Aside from the severe mechanical constraints and conditions, this demanding refrigeration task is only easily achieved using HCFC-22 (R22), a refrigerant that is on the verge of being completely phased out within a matter of years. HCFC-22 is rapidly becoming unaffordable, typically selling for $110 per kilogram with an average vessel requiring from 200 to 300 kilograms.

Further down the supply chain, the very large refrigeration system around which the SFM (Sydney Fish Market) is built, is also at the end of its design life and reliant on more than half a million dollars of the same refrigerant, HCFC-22. The SFM have few of the mechanical constraints and conditions of the NPF fleet, however it has other significant issues that have to be managed in design and replacement of the existing system. Aside from the logistics of replacing a working system of this size, in a facility that requires 7 days per week operation to maintain the stock in trade, the locality of the SFM, on the edge of the largest CBD in Australia, in the middle of an active tourism, retail and hospitality precinct, means that the use of certain refrigerants that have potential safety issues is unlikely to be acceptable, even though they may be the best technical solution to the requirements.

Recent policy changes by the Department of Sustainability, Environment, Water, Population and Communities (now Department of Environment) to pursue reduced greenhouse gas emission targets by imposing a carbon based levy on HFC refrigerants in conjunction with the phase out of HCFC refrigerants including the most commonly used refrigerant R22 under the Montreal Protocol leaves the NPF fleet with a technical, commercial and OHS dilemma. The proposed shift towards the use of low GWP refrigerant such as natural refrigerants has highlighted a need to urgently consider alternative options suitable to fishing operations in the NPF, and review practice and system design changes that may be required.

Modern fishing fleets and the fish product supply chains are entirely dependent on effective and reliable refrigeration systems, from the point of catch to consumption.

The fishing vessels of the NPF (Northern Prawn Fishery) have one of the most demanding tasks for refrigeration equipment, operating in constrained spaces, under heavy load, in high ambient temperatures, requiring snap freezing of tonnes of sensitive product using equipment operating in a moving vessel, with heavy vibration and exposed to corrosive salt spray and water. Aside from the severe mechanical constraints and conditions, this demanding refrigeration task is only easily achieved using HCFC-22 (R22), a refrigerant that is on the verge of being completely phased out within a matter of years. HCFC-22 is rapidly becoming unaffordable. 

As a result of the age of the NPF fleet, the majority of refrigeration equipment employed is also at, or well past its original design life, making the potential for component failure increasingly likely, with the potential for total loss of the very expensive refrigerant. 

This report examines a number of options for the NPF fleet to transition to technology that provides the best mix of performance, reliability and affordability, while proposing a process for minimising the design risk for individual vessel owners. The future technology options however are clouded by new rounds of international discussions and proposals to restrict the use of what might be the best refrigerant option for vessel owners to move to. The long life of refrigeration plant means that even proposals to restrict availability of a refrigerant in 10 or 12 years needs consideration in design decisions now. 

Modern fishing fleets and the fish product supply chains are entirely dependent on effective and reliable refrigeration systems, from the point of catch to consumption. 

The fishing vessels of the NPF (Northern Prawn Fishery) have one of the most demanding tasks for refrigeration equipment, operating in constrained spaces, under heavy load, in high ambient temperatures, requiring snap freezing of tonnes of sensitive product using equipment operating in a moving vessel, with heavy vibration and exposed to corrosive salt spray and water. Aside from the severe mechanical constraints and conditions, this demanding refrigeration task is only easily achieved using HCFC-22 (R22), a refrigerant that is on the verge of being completely phased out within a matter of years. HCFC-22 is rapidly becoming unaffordable, typically selling for $110 per kilogram with an average vessel requiring from 200 to 300 kilograms.

Further down the supply chain, the very large refrigeration system around which the SFM (Sydney Fish Market) is built, is also at the end of its design life and reliant on more than half a million dollars of the same refrigerant, HCFC-22. The SFM have few of the mechanical constraints and conditions of the NPF fleet, however it has other significant issues that have to be managed in design and replacement of the existing system. Aside from the logistics of replacing a working system of this size, in a facility that requires 7 days per week operation to maintain the stock in trade, the locality of the SFM, on the edge of the largest CBD in Australia, in the middle of an active tourism, retail and hospitality precinct, means that the use of certain refrigerants that have potential safety issues is unlikely to be acceptable, even though they may be the best technical solution to the requirements.

Recent policy changes by the Department of Sustainability, Environment, Water, Population and Communities (now Department of Environment) to pursue reduced greenhouse gas emission targets by imposing a carbon based levy on HFC refrigerants in conjunction with the phase out of HCFC refrigerants including the most commonly used refrigerant R22 under the Montreal Protocol leaves the NPF fleet with a technical, commercial and OHS dilemma. The proposed shift towards the use of low GWP refrigerant such as natural refrigerants has highlighted a need to urgently consider alternative options suitable to fishing operations in the NPF, and review practice and system design changes that may be required.

Modern fishing fleets and the fish product supply chains are entirely dependent on effective and reliable refrigeration systems, from the point of catch to consumption.

The fishing vessels of the NPF (Northern Prawn Fishery) have one of the most demanding tasks for refrigeration equipment, operating in constrained spaces, under heavy load, in high ambient temperatures, requiring snap freezing of tonnes of sensitive product using equipment operating in a moving vessel, with heavy vibration and exposed to corrosive salt spray and water. Aside from the severe mechanical constraints and conditions, this demanding refrigeration task is only easily achieved using HCFC-22 (R22), a refrigerant that is on the verge of being completely phased out within a matter of years. HCFC-22 is rapidly becoming unaffordable. 

As a result of the age of the NPF fleet, the majority of refrigeration equipment employed is also at, or well past its original design life, making the potential for component failure increasingly likely, with the potential for total loss of the very expensive refrigerant. 

This report examines a number of options for the NPF fleet to transition to technology that provides the best mix of performance, reliability and affordability, while proposing a process for minimising the design risk for individual vessel owners. The future technology options however are clouded by new rounds of international discussions and proposals to restrict the use of what might be the best refrigerant option for vessel owners to move to. The long life of refrigeration plant means that even proposals to restrict availability of a refrigerant in 10 or 12 years needs consideration in design decisions now. 

Modern fishing fleets and the fish product supply chains are entirely dependent on effective and reliable refrigeration systems, from the point of catch to consumption. 

The fishing vessels of the NPF (Northern Prawn Fishery) have one of the most demanding tasks for refrigeration equipment, operating in constrained spaces, under heavy load, in high ambient temperatures, requiring snap freezing of tonnes of sensitive product using equipment operating in a moving vessel, with heavy vibration and exposed to corrosive salt spray and water. Aside from the severe mechanical constraints and conditions, this demanding refrigeration task is only easily achieved using HCFC-22 (R22), a refrigerant that is on the verge of being completely phased out within a matter of years. HCFC-22 is rapidly becoming unaffordable, typically selling for $110 per kilogram with an average vessel requiring from 200 to 300 kilograms.

Further down the supply chain, the very large refrigeration system around which the SFM (Sydney Fish Market) is built, is also at the end of its design life and reliant on more than half a million dollars of the same refrigerant, HCFC-22. The SFM have few of the mechanical constraints and conditions of the NPF fleet, however it has other significant issues that have to be managed in design and replacement of the existing system. Aside from the logistics of replacing a working system of this size, in a facility that requires 7 days per week operation to maintain the stock in trade, the locality of the SFM, on the edge of the largest CBD in Australia, in the middle of an active tourism, retail and hospitality precinct, means that the use of certain refrigerants that have potential safety issues is unlikely to be acceptable, even though they may be the best technical solution to the requirements.

Recent policy changes by the Department of Sustainability, Environment, Water, Population and Communities (now Department of Environment) to pursue reduced greenhouse gas emission targets by imposing a carbon based levy on HFC refrigerants in conjunction with the phase out of HCFC refrigerants including the most commonly used refrigerant R22 under the Montreal Protocol leaves the NPF fleet with a technical, commercial and OHS dilemma. The proposed shift towards the use of low GWP refrigerant such as natural refrigerants has highlighted a need to urgently consider alternative options suitable to fishing operations in the NPF, and review practice and system design changes that may be required.

Modern fishing fleets and the fish product supply chains are entirely dependent on effective and reliable refrigeration systems, from the point of catch to consumption.

The fishing vessels of the NPF (Northern Prawn Fishery) have one of the most demanding tasks for refrigeration equipment, operating in constrained spaces, under heavy load, in high ambient temperatures, requiring snap freezing of tonnes of sensitive product using equipment operating in a moving vessel, with heavy vibration and exposed to corrosive salt spray and water. Aside from the severe mechanical constraints and conditions, this demanding refrigeration task is only easily achieved using HCFC-22 (R22), a refrigerant that is on the verge of being completely phased out within a matter of years. HCFC-22 is rapidly becoming unaffordable. 

As a result of the age of the NPF fleet, the majority of refrigeration equipment employed is also at, or well past its original design life, making the potential for component failure increasingly likely, with the potential for total loss of the very expensive refrigerant. 

This report examines a number of options for the NPF fleet to transition to technology that provides the best mix of performance, reliability and affordability, while proposing a process for minimising the design risk for individual vessel owners. The future technology options however are clouded by new rounds of international discussions and proposals to restrict the use of what might be the best refrigerant option for vessel owners to move to. The long life of refrigeration plant means that even proposals to restrict availability of a refrigerant in 10 or 12 years needs consideration in design decisions now. 

Modern fishing fleets and the fish product supply chains are entirely dependent on effective and reliable refrigeration systems, from the point of catch to consumption. 

The fishing vessels of the NPF (Northern Prawn Fishery) have one of the most demanding tasks for refrigeration equipment, operating in constrained spaces, under heavy load, in high ambient temperatures, requiring snap freezing of tonnes of sensitive product using equipment operating in a moving vessel, with heavy vibration and exposed to corrosive salt spray and water. Aside from the severe mechanical constraints and conditions, this demanding refrigeration task is only easily achieved using HCFC-22 (R22), a refrigerant that is on the verge of being completely phased out within a matter of years. HCFC-22 is rapidly becoming unaffordable, typically selling for $110 per kilogram with an average vessel requiring from 200 to 300 kilograms.

Further down the supply chain, the very large refrigeration system around which the SFM (Sydney Fish Market) is built, is also at the end of its design life and reliant on more than half a million dollars of the same refrigerant, HCFC-22. The SFM have few of the mechanical constraints and conditions of the NPF fleet, however it has other significant issues that have to be managed in design and replacement of the existing system. Aside from the logistics of replacing a working system of this size, in a facility that requires 7 days per week operation to maintain the stock in trade, the locality of the SFM, on the edge of the largest CBD in Australia, in the middle of an active tourism, retail and hospitality precinct, means that the use of certain refrigerants that have potential safety issues is unlikely to be acceptable, even though they may be the best technical solution to the requirements.

Recent policy changes by the Department of Sustainability, Environment, Water, Population and Communities (now Department of Environment) to pursue reduced greenhouse gas emission targets by imposing a carbon based levy on HFC refrigerants in conjunction with the phase out of HCFC refrigerants including the most commonly used refrigerant R22 under the Montreal Protocol leaves the NPF fleet with a technical, commercial and OHS dilemma. The proposed shift towards the use of low GWP refrigerant such as natural refrigerants has highlighted a need to urgently consider alternative options suitable to fishing operations in the NPF, and review practice and system design changes that may be required.

Modern fishing fleets and the fish product supply chains are entirely dependent on effective and reliable refrigeration systems, from the point of catch to consumption.

The fishing vessels of the NPF (Northern Prawn Fishery) have one of the most demanding tasks for refrigeration equipment, operating in constrained spaces, under heavy load, in high ambient temperatures, requiring snap freezing of tonnes of sensitive product using equipment operating in a moving vessel, with heavy vibration and exposed to corrosive salt spray and water. Aside from the severe mechanical constraints and conditions, this demanding refrigeration task is only easily achieved using HCFC-22 (R22), a refrigerant that is on the verge of being completely phased out within a matter of years. HCFC-22 is rapidly becoming unaffordable. 

As a result of the age of the NPF fleet, the majority of refrigeration equipment employed is also at, or well past its original design life, making the potential for component failure increasingly likely, with the potential for total loss of the very expensive refrigerant. 

This report examines a number of options for the NPF fleet to transition to technology that provides the best mix of performance, reliability and affordability, while proposing a process for minimising the design risk for individual vessel owners. The future technology options however are clouded by new rounds of international discussions and proposals to restrict the use of what might be the best refrigerant option for vessel owners to move to. The long life of refrigeration plant means that even proposals to restrict availability of a refrigerant in 10 or 12 years needs consideration in design decisions now. 

Modern fishing fleets and the fish product supply chains are entirely dependent on effective and reliable refrigeration systems, from the point of catch to consumption. 

The fishing vessels of the NPF (Northern Prawn Fishery) have one of the most demanding tasks for refrigeration equipment, operating in constrained spaces, under heavy load, in high ambient temperatures, requiring snap freezing of tonnes of sensitive product using equipment operating in a moving vessel, with heavy vibration and exposed to corrosive salt spray and water. Aside from the severe mechanical constraints and conditions, this demanding refrigeration task is only easily achieved using HCFC-22 (R22), a refrigerant that is on the verge of being completely phased out within a matter of years. HCFC-22 is rapidly becoming unaffordable, typically selling for $110 per kilogram with an average vessel requiring from 200 to 300 kilograms.

Further down the supply chain, the very large refrigeration system around which the SFM (Sydney Fish Market) is built, is also at the end of its design life and reliant on more than half a million dollars of the same refrigerant, HCFC-22. The SFM have few of the mechanical constraints and conditions of the NPF fleet, however it has other significant issues that have to be managed in design and replacement of the existing system. Aside from the logistics of replacing a working system of this size, in a facility that requires 7 days per week operation to maintain the stock in trade, the locality of the SFM, on the edge of the largest CBD in Australia, in the middle of an active tourism, retail and hospitality precinct, means that the use of certain refrigerants that have potential safety issues is unlikely to be acceptable, even though they may be the best technical solution to the requirements.

Recent policy changes by the Department of Sustainability, Environment, Water, Population and Communities (now Department of Environment) to pursue reduced greenhouse gas emission targets by imposing a carbon based levy on HFC refrigerants in conjunction with the phase out of HCFC refrigerants including the most commonly used refrigerant R22 under the Montreal Protocol leaves the NPF fleet with a technical, commercial and OHS dilemma. The proposed shift towards the use of low GWP refrigerant such as natural refrigerants has highlighted a need to urgently consider alternative options suitable to fishing operations in the NPF, and review practice and system design changes that may be required.

Modern fishing fleets and the fish product supply chains are entirely dependent on effective and reliable refrigeration systems, from the point of catch to consumption.

The fishing vessels of the NPF (Northern Prawn Fishery) have one of the most demanding tasks for refrigeration equipment, operating in constrained spaces, under heavy load, in high ambient temperatures, requiring snap freezing of tonnes of sensitive product using equipment operating in a moving vessel, with heavy vibration and exposed to corrosive salt spray and water. Aside from the severe mechanical constraints and conditions, this demanding refrigeration task is only easily achieved using HCFC-22 (R22), a refrigerant that is on the verge of being completely phased out within a matter of years. HCFC-22 is rapidly becoming unaffordable. 

As a result of the age of the NPF fleet, the majority of refrigeration equipment employed is also at, or well past its original design life, making the potential for component failure increasingly likely, with the potential for total loss of the very expensive refrigerant. 

This report examines a number of options for the NPF fleet to transition to technology that provides the best mix of performance, reliability and affordability, while proposing a process for minimising the design risk for individual vessel owners. The future technology options however are clouded by new rounds of international discussions and proposals to restrict the use of what might be the best refrigerant option for vessel owners to move to. The long life of refrigeration plant means that even proposals to restrict availability of a refrigerant in 10 or 12 years needs consideration in design decisions now. 

Modern fishing fleets and the fish product supply chains are entirely dependent on effective and reliable refrigeration systems, from the point of catch to consumption. 

The fishing vessels of the NPF (Northern Prawn Fishery) have one of the most demanding tasks for refrigeration equipment, operating in constrained spaces, under heavy load, in high ambient temperatures, requiring snap freezing of tonnes of sensitive product using equipment operating in a moving vessel, with heavy vibration and exposed to corrosive salt spray and water. Aside from the severe mechanical constraints and conditions, this demanding refrigeration task is only easily achieved using HCFC-22 (R22), a refrigerant that is on the verge of being completely phased out within a matter of years. HCFC-22 is rapidly becoming unaffordable, typically selling for $110 per kilogram with an average vessel requiring from 200 to 300 kilograms.

Further down the supply chain, the very large refrigeration system around which the SFM (Sydney Fish Market) is built, is also at the end of its design life and reliant on more than half a million dollars of the same refrigerant, HCFC-22. The SFM have few of the mechanical constraints and conditions of the NPF fleet, however it has other significant issues that have to be managed in design and replacement of the existing system. Aside from the logistics of replacing a working system of this size, in a facility that requires 7 days per week operation to maintain the stock in trade, the locality of the SFM, on the edge of the largest CBD in Australia, in the middle of an active tourism, retail and hospitality precinct, means that the use of certain refrigerants that have potential safety issues is unlikely to be acceptable, even though they may be the best technical solution to the requirements.

Recent policy changes by the Department of Sustainability, Environment, Water, Population and Communities (now Department of Environment) to pursue reduced greenhouse gas emission targets by imposing a carbon based levy on HFC refrigerants in conjunction with the phase out of HCFC refrigerants including the most commonly used refrigerant R22 under the Montreal Protocol leaves the NPF fleet with a technical, commercial and OHS dilemma. The proposed shift towards the use of low GWP refrigerant such as natural refrigerants has highlighted a need to urgently consider alternative options suitable to fishing operations in the NPF, and review practice and system design changes that may be required.

Modern fishing fleets and the fish product supply chains are entirely dependent on effective and reliable refrigeration systems, from the point of catch to consumption.

The fishing vessels of the NPF (Northern Prawn Fishery) have one of the most demanding tasks for refrigeration equipment, operating in constrained spaces, under heavy load, in high ambient temperatures, requiring snap freezing of tonnes of sensitive product using equipment operating in a moving vessel, with heavy vibration and exposed to corrosive salt spray and water. Aside from the severe mechanical constraints and conditions, this demanding refrigeration task is only easily achieved using HCFC-22 (R22), a refrigerant that is on the verge of being completely phased out within a matter of years. HCFC-22 is rapidly becoming unaffordable. 

As a result of the age of the NPF fleet, the majority of refrigeration equipment employed is also at, or well past its original design life, making the potential for component failure increasingly likely, with the potential for total loss of the very expensive refrigerant. 

This report examines a number of options for the NPF fleet to transition to technology that provides the best mix of performance, reliability and affordability, while proposing a process for minimising the design risk for individual vessel owners. The future technology options however are clouded by new rounds of international discussions and proposals to restrict the use of what might be the best refrigerant option for vessel owners to move to. The long life of refrigeration plant means that even proposals to restrict availability of a refrigerant in 10 or 12 years needs consideration in design decisions now. 

Modern fishing fleets and the fish product supply chains are entirely dependent on effective and reliable refrigeration systems, from the point of catch to consumption. 

The fishing vessels of the NPF (Northern Prawn Fishery) have one of the most demanding tasks for refrigeration equipment, operating in constrained spaces, under heavy load, in high ambient temperatures, requiring snap freezing of tonnes of sensitive product using equipment operating in a moving vessel, with heavy vibration and exposed to corrosive salt spray and water. Aside from the severe mechanical constraints and conditions, this demanding refrigeration task is only easily achieved using HCFC-22 (R22), a refrigerant that is on the verge of being completely phased out within a matter of years. HCFC-22 is rapidly becoming unaffordable, typically selling for $110 per kilogram with an average vessel requiring from 200 to 300 kilograms.

Further down the supply chain, the very large refrigeration system around which the SFM (Sydney Fish Market) is built, is also at the end of its design life and reliant on more than half a million dollars of the same refrigerant, HCFC-22. The SFM have few of the mechanical constraints and conditions of the NPF fleet, however it has other significant issues that have to be managed in design and replacement of the existing system. Aside from the logistics of replacing a working system of this size, in a facility that requires 7 days per week operation to maintain the stock in trade, the locality of the SFM, on the edge of the largest CBD in Australia, in the middle of an active tourism, retail and hospitality precinct, means that the use of certain refrigerants that have potential safety issues is unlikely to be acceptable, even though they may be the best technical solution to the requirements.

Recent policy changes by the Department of Sustainability, Environment, Water, Population and Communities (now Department of Environment) to pursue reduced greenhouse gas emission targets by imposing a carbon based levy on HFC refrigerants in conjunction with the phase out of HCFC refrigerants including the most commonly used refrigerant R22 under the Montreal Protocol leaves the NPF fleet with a technical, commercial and OHS dilemma. The proposed shift towards the use of low GWP refrigerant such as natural refrigerants has highlighted a need to urgently consider alternative options suitable to fishing operations in the NPF, and review practice and system design changes that may be required.

Modern fishing fleets and the fish product supply chains are entirely dependent on effective and reliable refrigeration systems, from the point of catch to consumption.

The fishing vessels of the NPF (Northern Prawn Fishery) have one of the most demanding tasks for refrigeration equipment, operating in constrained spaces, under heavy load, in high ambient temperatures, requiring snap freezing of tonnes of sensitive product using equipment operating in a moving vessel, with heavy vibration and exposed to corrosive salt spray and water. Aside from the severe mechanical constraints and conditions, this demanding refrigeration task is only easily achieved using HCFC-22 (R22), a refrigerant that is on the verge of being completely phased out within a matter of years. HCFC-22 is rapidly becoming unaffordable. 

As a result of the age of the NPF fleet, the majority of refrigeration equipment employed is also at, or well past its original design life, making the potential for component failure increasingly likely, with the potential for total loss of the very expensive refrigerant. 

This report examines a number of options for the NPF fleet to transition to technology that provides the best mix of performance, reliability and affordability, while proposing a process for minimising the design risk for individual vessel owners. The future technology options however are clouded by new rounds of international discussions and proposals to restrict the use of what might be the best refrigerant option for vessel owners to move to. The long life of refrigeration plant means that even proposals to restrict availability of a refrigerant in 10 or 12 years needs consideration in design decisions now. 

Modern fishing fleets and the fish product supply chains are entirely dependent on effective and reliable refrigeration systems, from the point of catch to consumption. 

The fishing vessels of the NPF (Northern Prawn Fishery) have one of the most demanding tasks for refrigeration equipment, operating in constrained spaces, under heavy load, in high ambient temperatures, requiring snap freezing of tonnes of sensitive product using equipment operating in a moving vessel, with heavy vibration and exposed to corrosive salt spray and water. Aside from the severe mechanical constraints and conditions, this demanding refrigeration task is only easily achieved using HCFC-22 (R22), a refrigerant that is on the verge of being completely phased out within a matter of years. HCFC-22 is rapidly becoming unaffordable, typically selling for $110 per kilogram with an average vessel requiring from 200 to 300 kilograms.

Further down the supply chain, the very large refrigeration system around which the SFM (Sydney Fish Market) is built, is also at the end of its design life and reliant on more than half a million dollars of the same refrigerant, HCFC-22. The SFM have few of the mechanical constraints and conditions of the NPF fleet, however it has other significant issues that have to be managed in design and replacement of the existing system. Aside from the logistics of replacing a working system of this size, in a facility that requires 7 days per week operation to maintain the stock in trade, the locality of the SFM, on the edge of the largest CBD in Australia, in the middle of an active tourism, retail and hospitality precinct, means that the use of certain refrigerants that have potential safety issues is unlikely to be acceptable, even though they may be the best technical solution to the requirements.

Recent policy changes by the Department of Sustainability, Environment, Water, Population and Communities (now Department of Environment) to pursue reduced greenhouse gas emission targets by imposing a carbon based levy on HFC refrigerants in conjunction with the phase out of HCFC refrigerants including the most commonly used refrigerant R22 under the Montreal Protocol leaves the NPF fleet with a technical, commercial and OHS dilemma. The proposed shift towards the use of low GWP refrigerant such as natural refrigerants has highlighted a need to urgently consider alternative options suitable to fishing operations in the NPF, and review practice and system design changes that may be required.

Modern fishing fleets and the fish product supply chains are entirely dependent on effective and reliable refrigeration systems, from the point of catch to consumption.

The fishing vessels of the NPF (Northern Prawn Fishery) have one of the most demanding tasks for refrigeration equipment, operating in constrained spaces, under heavy load, in high ambient temperatures, requiring snap freezing of tonnes of sensitive product using equipment operating in a moving vessel, with heavy vibration and exposed to corrosive salt spray and water. Aside from the severe mechanical constraints and conditions, this demanding refrigeration task is only easily achieved using HCFC-22 (R22), a refrigerant that is on the verge of being completely phased out within a matter of years. HCFC-22 is rapidly becoming unaffordable. 

As a result of the age of the NPF fleet, the majority of refrigeration equipment employed is also at, or well past its original design life, making the potential for component failure increasingly likely, with the potential for total loss of the very expensive refrigerant. 

This report examines a number of options for the NPF fleet to transition to technology that provides the best mix of performance, reliability and affordability, while proposing a process for minimising the design risk for individual vessel owners. The future technology options however are clouded by new rounds of international discussions and proposals to restrict the use of what might be the best refrigerant option for vessel owners to move to. The long life of refrigeration plant means that even proposals to restrict availability of a refrigerant in 10 or 12 years needs consideration in design decisions now. 

Modern fishing fleets and the fish product supply chains are entirely dependent on effective and reliable refrigeration systems, from the point of catch to consumption. 

The fishing vessels of the NPF (Northern Prawn Fishery) have one of the most demanding tasks for refrigeration equipment, operating in constrained spaces, under heavy load, in high ambient temperatures, requiring snap freezing of tonnes of sensitive product using equipment operating in a moving vessel, with heavy vibration and exposed to corrosive salt spray and water. Aside from the severe mechanical constraints and conditions, this demanding refrigeration task is only easily achieved using HCFC-22 (R22), a refrigerant that is on the verge of being completely phased out within a matter of years. HCFC-22 is rapidly becoming unaffordable, typically selling for $110 per kilogram with an average vessel requiring from 200 to 300 kilograms.

Further down the supply chain, the very large refrigeration system around which the SFM (Sydney Fish Market) is built, is also at the end of its design life and reliant on more than half a million dollars of the same refrigerant, HCFC-22. The SFM have few of the mechanical constraints and conditions of the NPF fleet, however it has other significant issues that have to be managed in design and replacement of the existing system. Aside from the logistics of replacing a working system of this size, in a facility that requires 7 days per week operation to maintain the stock in trade, the locality of the SFM, on the edge of the largest CBD in Australia, in the middle of an active tourism, retail and hospitality precinct, means that the use of certain refrigerants that have potential safety issues is unlikely to be acceptable, even though they may be the best technical solution to the requirements.

Recent policy changes by the Department of Sustainability, Environment, Water, Population and Communities (now Department of Environment) to pursue reduced greenhouse gas emission targets by imposing a carbon based levy on HFC refrigerants in conjunction with the phase out of HCFC refrigerants including the most commonly used refrigerant R22 under the Montreal Protocol leaves the NPF fleet with a technical, commercial and OHS dilemma. The proposed shift towards the use of low GWP refrigerant such as natural refrigerants has highlighted a need to urgently consider alternative options suitable to fishing operations in the NPF, and review practice and system design changes that may be required.

Modern fishing fleets and the fish product supply chains are entirely dependent on effective and reliable refrigeration systems, from the point of catch to consumption.

The fishing vessels of the NPF (Northern Prawn Fishery) have one of the most demanding tasks for refrigeration equipment, operating in constrained spaces, under heavy load, in high ambient temperatures, requiring snap freezing of tonnes of sensitive product using equipment operating in a moving vessel, with heavy vibration and exposed to corrosive salt spray and water. Aside from the severe mechanical constraints and conditions, this demanding refrigeration task is only easily achieved using HCFC-22 (R22), a refrigerant that is on the verge of being completely phased out within a matter of years. HCFC-22 is rapidly becoming unaffordable. 

As a result of the age of the NPF fleet, the majority of refrigeration equipment employed is also at, or well past its original design life, making the potential for component failure increasingly likely, with the potential for total loss of the very expensive refrigerant. 

This report examines a number of options for the NPF fleet to transition to technology that provides the best mix of performance, reliability and affordability, while proposing a process for minimising the design risk for individual vessel owners. The future technology options however are clouded by new rounds of international discussions and proposals to restrict the use of what might be the best refrigerant option for vessel owners to move to. The long life of refrigeration plant means that even proposals to restrict availability of a refrigerant in 10 or 12 years needs consideration in design decisions now. 

Modern fishing fleets and the fish product supply chains are entirely dependent on effective and reliable refrigeration systems, from the point of catch to consumption. 

The fishing vessels of the NPF (Northern Prawn Fishery) have one of the most demanding tasks for refrigeration equipment, operating in constrained spaces, under heavy load, in high ambient temperatures, requiring snap freezing of tonnes of sensitive product using equipment operating in a moving vessel, with heavy vibration and exposed to corrosive salt spray and water. Aside from the severe mechanical constraints and conditions, this demanding refrigeration task is only easily achieved using HCFC-22 (R22), a refrigerant that is on the verge of being completely phased out within a matter of years. HCFC-22 is rapidly becoming unaffordable, typically selling for $110 per kilogram with an average vessel requiring from 200 to 300 kilograms.

Further down the supply chain, the very large refrigeration system around which the SFM (Sydney Fish Market) is built, is also at the end of its design life and reliant on more than half a million dollars of the same refrigerant, HCFC-22. The SFM have few of the mechanical constraints and conditions of the NPF fleet, however it has other significant issues that have to be managed in design and replacement of the existing system. Aside from the logistics of replacing a working system of this size, in a facility that requires 7 days per week operation to maintain the stock in trade, the locality of the SFM, on the edge of the largest CBD in Australia, in the middle of an active tourism, retail and hospitality precinct, means that the use of certain refrigerants that have potential safety issues is unlikely to be acceptable, even though they may be the best technical solution to the requirements.

Recent policy changes by the Department of Sustainability, Environment, Water, Population and Communities (now Department of Environment) to pursue reduced greenhouse gas emission targets by imposing a carbon based levy on HFC refrigerants in conjunction with the phase out of HCFC refrigerants including the most commonly used refrigerant R22 under the Montreal Protocol leaves the NPF fleet with a technical, commercial and OHS dilemma. The proposed shift towards the use of low GWP refrigerant such as natural refrigerants has highlighted a need to urgently consider alternative options suitable to fishing operations in the NPF, and review practice and system design changes that may be required.

Modern fishing fleets and the fish product supply chains are entirely dependent on effective and reliable refrigeration systems, from the point of catch to consumption.

The fishing vessels of the NPF (Northern Prawn Fishery) have one of the most demanding tasks for refrigeration equipment, operating in constrained spaces, under heavy load, in high ambient temperatures, requiring snap freezing of tonnes of sensitive product using equipment operating in a moving vessel, with heavy vibration and exposed to corrosive salt spray and water. Aside from the severe mechanical constraints and conditions, this demanding refrigeration task is only easily achieved using HCFC-22 (R22), a refrigerant that is on the verge of being completely phased out within a matter of years. HCFC-22 is rapidly becoming unaffordable. 

As a result of the age of the NPF fleet, the majority of refrigeration equipment employed is also at, or well past its original design life, making the potential for component failure increasingly likely, with the potential for total loss of the very expensive refrigerant. 

This report examines a number of options for the NPF fleet to transition to technology that provides the best mix of performance, reliability and affordability, while proposing a process for minimising the design risk for individual vessel owners. The future technology options however are clouded by new rounds of international discussions and proposals to restrict the use of what might be the best refrigerant option for vessel owners to move to. The long life of refrigeration plant means that even proposals to restrict availability of a refrigerant in 10 or 12 years needs consideration in design decisions now.