ESIF Project: Energy Saving in Fisheries

Programme: EC FISH/2006/17
Project Title: Energy Saving in Fisheries
Acronym: Esif
Summary: ESIF aims at investigating potential technical and operational methods in addressing the need for reducing energy consumption and associated costs in European fisheries. The study started with an inventory of potential technical solutions and running activities in the participating nations.
The economic performance of a number of selected fleet segments was analysed with a view on the role of energy for individual fleet segments, a break-even analysis, factors determining energy efficiency, the economic potential for technological improvement, and scenarios for future outlook, particularly related to possible development in the costs of fuel oil.
Examples are given on a national basis of research on reducing the drag of towed fishing gears, potential changes in gear design, components and fish stimulation, as well as replacement by alternative gear types, of which static gears. In addition fishing vessel design and operation topics will be addressed.
The study will continue with an economic analysis of the merits of these technical and operational changes.