Grant: Strategic Projects - Group

Soaring fuel prices are reducing the profitability of the traditional fishing enterprise in Newfoundland and Labrador and threaten the economic stability of the harvesting sector. Rising costs of traditional fossil fuels increase the operational cost base of all fishing ventures. Innovative steps must be taken both in the harvesting and processing sectors to ensure that the Canadian capture fisheries is efficient and remains competitive in a worldwide market. The faculty of Engineering and Applied Science of Memorial University proposes to lead a project team including the Fisheries and Marine Institute of Memorial University and the Fish Food and Allied Workers (FFAW) as the industry supporting organization that will conduct an Operational Efficiency and Energy Audit of the Newfoundland and Labrador Inshore Fishery. Data will be collected in-situ on operational vessels and will correlate fuel consumption against operating conditions including weather, sea state and fishing operations to establish a baseline carbon footprint for the existing fleet. Data will be collected during normal fishing operations over an entire fishing season for a range of vessels representative of the entire inshore fleet. Data will be analysed and the results used in vessel modeling and subsequent recommendations for improved efficiency in areas including vessel design and operations.