6. Other Innovations

6.1 Using latest technological innovations in the design and build of new vessels

The fishing company Bluewild AS, Ålesund (DK), along with the shipbuilder Ulstein Design & Solutions AS, Ulsteinvik (DK), have, together with several players in the maritime cluster, developed a concept for a new trawler: ECOFIVE which stands for “Eco-Friendly Fishing Vessel.”¹ The central part of the innovation in the project lies in a newly developed catch reception and handling of the trawl. It is expected to enter into service in early 2024.

The vessel will have hybrid power and propulsion system, which combines the best features of diesel-electric and diesel-mechanical propulsion, is supported by a large battery pack and comes with two large propellers with rudder nozzles. Fuel savings of at least 25% per kilo of fish product are anticipated. In some operations, together with other energy-saving measures on board, this figure can exceed 40%.

Examples of similar innovations for new vessels were presented at the Nor-Fishing event in August 2022. Information presented included a Next-Generation Factory Trawler with a high technology fuel saving system and on the Ideal Trawler in terms of energy and fishing efficiency based on the current best technologies².

6.2 Digitisation

Digitisation, including Artificial Intelligence (AI), is being developed more and more for the shipping sector, though again it does not seem to have significantly impacted yet on the fishing and aquaculture sector. One example, for aquaculture, is the Innovasea aquaculture management platform. It is an advanced, cloud-based platform that enables fish farmers to monitor, manage and control operations from anywhere, at anytime.

A review of Artificial Intelligence and the Fisheries Sector, looked at the (potential) applications, finding that machine learning is used inter alia for sample analysis and processing; to automatically classify or determine fishers’ behaviour; and for early warning systems and marine spatial planning. It was noted too that fishing vessels could improve energy efficiency and reduce CO2 footprint by using AI systems. A potential application here is to use a combination of AI and naval architecture knowledge to predict the expected operational fuel consumption of any type of vessel³.

The startup company, Intelligentica, based in Morocco, leverages the power of new technologies such as AI, Machine Learning and Big Data to deliver innovative solutions. This includes Intelligent Fishing For Sustainable Resources which combines fishing effort with environmental, ocean and biological indicators for fisheries stock assessment, in order to inform smart and optimised sustainable fishing⁴.

Onboard electronic monitoring⁵ is also under development. For example, a pilot project with the US Gulf of Alaska fishing fleet reported an overall positive outcome. Whilst some fishers were uncomfortable with having onboard cameras and there were technical challenges for the cameras to function in harsh weather conditions, nevertheless it gave greater confidence in counts of bycatch, thereby allowing for greater accountability. A future evolution being considered is to have sensors on gear that can automatically communicate when it is set, its location, depth, and other information. Elsewhere, the company Thai Union Group along with NGO The Nature Conservancy are also promoting electronic monitoring to improve in global tuna supply chains.

Other developments include Ecobuq, which is a simulator that optimises the energy and environmental efficiency parameters of ships.

6.3 Onshore solar panels

With support from EMFAF, solar panels were purchased by the fishermen’s guilds of Cartagena, Mazarrón, Águilas and San Pedro del Pinatar (Spain) and placed on the fishermen’s huts as a way to conserve energy use from fossil fuels.

Similarly, a new fish market in the Valencian port of Torrevieja (Spain) was constructed with energy efficiency aspects, such as sustainable lighting via the installation of a partially translucent roof to give natural light to the interior, as well as photovoltaic panels.

6.4 Offshore refuelling

Work is also ongoing to provide a fuelling platform offshore so that vessels would not need to enter port. One initiative is to place such a fuelling point alongside an offshore wind farm, thereby using in situ wind energy to produce, for example, hydrogen fuel and then store on a platform so that vessels can then come alongside and refuel.

Another approach is to have mobile refuelling barges which can then come alongside ships and refuel them⁶. Likewise, developing floating production units is also being considered, like for green ammonia⁷.

6.5 Private financing

The private sector financing of adapting, retrofitting and for new ships is another consideration. For example, the bank Abanca (ES) has a collaboration agreement with the Galician Federation of Fishermen’s Associations aimed at facilitating access to financial products, as well as the promotion of sustainability. Specifically, the agreement aims to improve sustainability and energy efficiency through the process of renewing the fishing fleet.

6.6 Slovenian trout farms embrace solar power, water efficiency, and waste reduction

Slovenian trout farms are adapting to climate change with renewable energy and sustainable practices. In the Gorenjska region, the Vodomec fish farm in Zalog pri Cerkljah faced droughts, low oxygen levels, and severe floods, threatening its operations. With support from the European Maritime and Fisheries Fund, the farm installed solar panels and an electric vehicle charging station, reducing its reliance on conventional energy.

The project extended to six trout farms, with energy and water audits improving efficiency. Waste management was also addressed by installing a dehydrator to reduce fish processing waste. Beyond technology, the initiative boosted local employment and turned Zalog into a training centre for sustainable fish farming. Community engagement played a key role. A honey garden was created to promote biodiversity, while workshops and school visits increased awareness of fish farming and healthy eating. Despite the devastating 2023 floods, EU support has helped local fish farmers recover, strengthening regional cooperation and resilience.

6.7 Vessel Energy Audits

AZTI performes the energy consumption assessment of the vessel’s operation. The company analyses the vessel’s operational pattern to find out how much fuel is consumed and when and why it is consumed.

To do so, they analyse the layout of the vessel’s machinery, power generation equipment and fuel consuming equipment. They use portable meters and measuring equipment in accordance with client specifications to monitor the energy performance of the vessel and carry out subsequent data analysis.

6.8 Flatlantic: energy transition efforts

Flatlantic is one of the Europe's largest flatfish producer and the leading aquaculture company in Portugal. It works every day to reduce its carbon footprint by improving its sustainability indicators:

• Precision aquaculture practices
• Certified feed
• Focus on energy efficiency
• Environmental control of the farm
• Investing in closed water recirculation systems
• Waste management and reuse
• Preserving wild stocks

6.9 Queen of Oysters Project

Mali Ston Oysters recently received the European Union’s protected designation of origin and protected geographical indication. This is the only instance of such a designation for this specific type of oyster. The European flat oyster (Ostrea Edulis) has been cultivated in the Bay of Mali Ston for centuries. It is one of the most delicious oysters in the world. This is one of its very last natural habitats in Europe. Locals call it the Queen of Oysters. The intent now is to turn this delicacy into a local food brand. While Mali Ston oysters might be popular on a national level, globally they are still to receive the recognition they deserve. Most guests coming to the Dubrovnik area don’t realise they are going to be staying so close to the source of such wonderful seafood.

The Queen of Oysters project is complex and mainly focused on marketing and promotional efforts. It started in February this year and will last for a year. Through it a new visual identity of Mali Ston oysters is envisioned. It is simple and to the point.

6.10 Mohnen Aquaculture

Mohnen Aquaculture is an agricultural fish farming business with a strong commitment to achieving reliable quality and places high value on sustainability in its fish farming activities. By processing its fish directly at its facilities, the company not only avoids subjecting the animals to unnecessary stress and distress but is also able to guarantee its customers fresh fish at all times. The preparation of the fish is still completed by hand in the present day and adapted to suit its current order situation. This enables the company to ensure that virtually no animal foodstuffs go to waste. 

6.11 Biharugra Fish Farm

The Biharugrai fish ponds are an artificially created system of fish ponds located in the north-eastern corner of Békés county, which consists of two distinct territorial units, the Biharugrai and the Begécs. With an area of 1927 ha, the lakes form the second largest pond system in Hungary. The Biharugra Fish Farming Ltd. currently produces fish on 870 ha of this area.

After the change of ownership of Biharugrai Halgazdaság in 2011, fish farming on about 850 ha was given a new impetus by introducing a modern technology in harmony with the environment.

With a century-old tradition, the mission of Biharugra Fish Farm is to produce quality fish products using technology based on the renewal of natural resources, while at the same time creating jobs to promote the economic development of the region.

6.12 Nordic SeaFarm

Nordic SeaFarm was founded by six marine biologists in 2016, after a research study to investigate how a large scale ocean seaweed farm impacts ocean health. After incredible positive results, high-end restaurants wanted to get their hands on the seaweed and the company was founded.

Today Nordic SeaFarm is the largest seaweed farm in Sweden, farming different species and a total of about 100 tons per year. Nordic SeaFarm’s core and specialty is R&D, hatchery and processing of seaweed as well as sales and marketing by creating a demand for seaweed in Europe.

6.13 Cooperative between fishermen in the Goro and Gorino area

The first cooperative between fishermen in the Goro and Gorino area dates back to 1931 with the company name "COOPERATIVA PESCATORI DI GORO". The expression "Cultivating the sea" represents the change in mentality that marks the transition from a traditional concept of fishing to a new one based on the use of marine resources for food. This shift in the approach to the resource represented by the clam, from a mere fishing activity to one based on aquaculture techniques, is favored by the "concession" and therefore by the ability to manage the resources in a rational manner (planning of sowing and/or movement of product from less productive areas to others more suitable for growth, implementation of plant cleaning operations).