SAN
01/10/2013 16:48
GENERAL
REL: 1648 HRS Sanford Limited
GENERAL: SAN: Sanford Limited Revolutionary Fishing Technolgy
1 October 2013
News Release
Revolutionary New Sustainable Fishing Technology Unveiled in
New Zealand
Video: First underwater images of Precision Seafood Harvesting shows the
future of sustainable fishing.
Auckland New Zealand - Imagine if every fish landed on a trawler was alive,
in perfect condition and small fish, sharks and other species could be safely
released underwater before a catch was lifted on-board.
The first underwater images ever released of revolutionary New Zealand
fishing technology show how a partnership between New Zealand scientists and
three Kiwi fishing companies will radically change the global fishing
industry and make that a reality for wildfish harvesting.
The technology known as 'Precision Seafood Harvesting' does away with
traditional trawl nets and, instead, sees fish contained and swimming
comfortably underwater inside a large flexible PVC liner where they can be
sorted for the correct size and species before being brought on-board the
fishing vessel.
The break-through design of the harvesting system allows fishing vessels to
target specific species and fish size and greatly increases protection for
small fish that can swim free through 'escape portals' and non-target fish
(by-catch), which are released unharmed.
Once on the deck, the fish are still swimming inside the liner, in perfect
condition, meaning fresher, more sustainable fish for consumers and higher
value products for fishing companies using the technology.
Precision Seafood Harvesting is the commercialisation phase of nearly ten
years of New Zealand research. Fishing companies Aotearoa Fisheries, Sanford
and Sealord are investing $26 million into the project under a Primary Growth
Partnership with the New Zealand Government, which is matching the industry
investment. Scientists at Plant & Food Research are partnering with the
fishing companies to develop and trial the technology on commercial fishing
vessels.
Sanford CEO and Chairman of Seafood New Zealand, Eric Barratt, who unveiled
the new technology for the first time to the New Zealand fishing industry at
its annual conference in Auckland today, says the Precision Seafood
Harvesting programme was set up in April 2012 and will run for six years to
commercialise new technology in the New Zealand fishing industry.
"This is the biggest step forward for commercial fishing in 150 years. What
we've developed in New Zealand has huge benefits for fish stocks, the
environment, consumers and New Zealand's seafood industry. In the process
we're set to change the global fishing industry for the better."
Alistair Jerrett, from Plant and Food Research says the new way of harvesting
wildfish is a close collaboration between his team and the New Zealand
seafood industry 'who want to do things better'. "This is New Zealand
science in action and the industry partners deserve a pat on the back for
bringing fishing into the 21st century."
Jerrett's team built their own underwater cameras to see into traditional
trawl nets. He says the 'aha moment' was asking: "Why do we have to strain
these fish out, why do we have to exhaust them, why do we have to damage them
during harvest - the new system changes all of that.
"One of the objectives is to make sure that any animal that reaches the
surface, if we can't select it out underwater, is delivered back to the sea
unharmed." He says this is true for bigger animals as well, like rays,
sharks or any animal that is inadvertently captured.
"In terms of selectivity we design everything to make sure unwanted animals
are discharged as fast as possible at depth - we don't want them to even see
the light of day."
"When you realise you can design a highly selective harvest, you are winning
in many different ways. You're winning in unexplored properties, values we
haven't realised, and you're producing a humane harvesting system."
The head of Aotearoa Fisheries, Carl Carrington says it's good news for
sustainability by improving New Zealand's credentials and "enhances our
access to sustainability-conscious consumers, improves product taste and
quality, and is good for value growth".
That's echoed by Sealord CEO, Graham Stuart who believes Precision Harvesting
is an opportunity for New Zealand to 'lead the world with another great kiwi
innovation'. "Seeing Hoki landed from a depth of 300 meters, alive and in
fantastic condition is remarkable and will totally change how our fish are
brought to market."
Sanford, Sealord and Aotearoa have been actively trialing the new technology
on their fishing vessels for the past six months. Vessel Manager at Aotearoa
Fisheries, Nathan Reid says fisherman onboard their vessels are excited about
the condition of the fish when they are landed. "Replacing old trawl
technology is really important for the industry. We're going to see better
stock recruitment and better stock in the water - it's better for everyone."
Sealord too is seeing the positive impact of the technology on its crews.
Bill Healey is the Vessel Manager for Sealord. He says crews were skeptical
at first, but that's all changed. "When we talk to them now, when we see
their reactions to the fish coming up, we know we're onto something. I know
we're doing something unique and great when I look at the crews".
Greg Johansson from Sanford says the new harvesting technology is just the
start. "This will lead on to changes in vessel designs and layouts, the way
we handle fish and get it to consumers. The opportunities are endless."
"The customers should really enjoy the story of how this fish was caught, the
sustainability, the environmental impact of this technology versus other
forms of harvesting.
"This will increase the value of all New Zealand seafood products when the
global markets see that we're taking a big step forward by using a more
environmentally-friendly way of harvesting fish."
Recreational fisher and host of the popular "Gone Fishin" television show,
Graeme Sinclair has seen the technology in action and says it's 'the future
of commercial fishing.' Sinclair says there's a tendency with recreational
anglers to assume that the commercial industry is not doing anything about
problems such as dumping and mortality.
"I've seen some innovations and some clever buggers in my time, and I think
this is revolutionary: it's Kiwi, it's clearly innovative, and what it does
for mortality and for targeting specific species is incredibly exciting. It
alleviates a whole lot of issues all in one hit." ENDS
For all media enquiries on Precision Seafood Harvesting, please contact
Trish Sherson at Sherson Willis on 021 570 803 or e-mail
[email protected]
Media Assets
Still images, full interviews and all on-board and underwater footage of
Precision Seafood Harvesting are available at:
http://precisionseafoodharvesting.co.nz
Eric Barratt
Managing Director
End CA:00241857 For:SAN Type:GENERAL Time:2013-10-01 16:48:13
