The New Zealand seafood industry's focus on increasing energy efficiency is part of its ongoing commitment to sustainability. 

There is no doubt about it - the seafood industry is highly energy intensive.  It is heavily dependent on the use of liquid fuels.  Energy forms a significant proportion of operating costs which, with fuel price increases, are growing.   

And that is why a focus on energy efficiency has dual incentives for the industry - it is good for the environment and it's good for business.  

The Energy Efficiency and Conservation Authority (EECA) formed a partnership with the New Zealand Seafood Industry Council to assist the development of a best practice energy approach across the seafood industry in December 2007.  This approach, from land based processing to high seas fishing, will facilitate industry wide improvement in energy efficiency. 

This programme of work explores three themes:

• monitoring and controlling energy consumption
• improving the energy efficiency of fishing gear
• sharing information and raising awareness of energy reduction options 
  

Monitoring and controlling energy consumption

Whether harvesting or processing, seafood businesses consume energy, incur costs and create emissions.  Better understanding of energy consumption through monitoring can assist companies to reduce energy consumption in their normal operations and make informed decisions on energy reduction intervention investments.  Areas to be explored this year include:

• energy audits of land based processing facilities
• energy audits of auxiliary equipment on large fishing vessels
• preparation of material for owners of small vessels on fuel monitoring and vessel operation
• development of an energy audit process for fishing vessels (in conjunction with FRDC and the Australian Maritime College)
  

What a drag

Some fishing methods are more energy intensive than others particularly trawling and dredging. Most fishing gear in use today was designed to maximize catch at a time when energy costs were a much lower proportion of operating costs.  We need to look at technology in a new way and minimize the energy value of catching fish.  

An experienced gear technologist from Europe is working with the New Zealand Fleet and is supported by the New Zealand Seafood Industry Council, industry members and EECA.  The objectives of the visit are to:

• evaluate drag reduction opportunities and prepare clear advice for the industry;
• provide direct advice and education to vessel operators on drag reduction at ports around New Zealand;
• make clear recommendations for new technology trials;
• assist with the evaluation of new technology trials; and
• develop educational materials and case studies.

A recently completed baseline study of inshore trawl gear and vessel operations, funded by the New Zealand Seafood Industry Council and Seafood Innovations Ltd, will be used in this project.

Let’s not re-invent it…

Sharing information, using case studies and encouraging communication about energy efficiency is an important part of promoting change.  All parts of the New Zealand seafood industry have indicated the need for more information.  This relates not only to a local or industry exchange of knowledge and experience, but also internationally and between related sectors. 

Elements of this exchange include:

• website resource centre providing access to information and linkages to key sites;
• case studies in the Seafood Magazine;
• development of summary information and case studies;
• workshops for the sharing of information; and
• publication of relevant information such as vessel operation guidelines, for example.