Experimental Investigation and Numerical Analysis to Develop Low-Energy Large-Midwater Trawls

Fuel consumption in fisheries is a primary concern because of its effects on the environment and the costs incurred by fishermen. Many studies have been conducted to reduce the fuel consumption in fishing operations. Fuel consumption due to fishing gear during a fishing operation is generally related to the hydrodynamic resistance on the gear. This means that fuel consumption is proportional to the drag created by the towing speed. Based on numerical methods, this study suggests a new approach to reduce fuel consumption in fisheries. The results of the simulation are in good agreement with those of model experiments. The total as well as partial resistance forces on the gear are calculated by simulation. The simulation results suggest improved materials and gear structure for reducing the hydrodynamic forces on the gear while maintaining gear performance. The method for assessing the gear performance involves measuring the height and width of the net mouth. Furthermore, this study investigates the efficiency of a low-energy trawl from an economic point of view. The findings of this study will be useful in reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in fishing operations, and thereby contribute toward lowering fishing costs by saving fuel.     

Sea trials and application of a numerical method for the analysis of the ocean current displacement phenomena of demersal longlines

In this study, a numerical method for the analysis of the sinking speed of demersal longlines was developed to obtain further insight into the ocean current displacement of demersal longlines. The sinking speed is one of the main factors affecting the extent of current displacement, which is the horizontal movement of longlines due to ocean currents.To improve the accuracy of the model, bait properties were investigated in a flume tank, and the resistance coefficients of full scale models based on different bait shapes, sizes and orientations were established. The numerical method was verified by full scale experiments conducted in the sea.In the theoretical analysis, the sinking speed of a Norwegian commercial longline was calculated. Current-related data of a common longlining area in Norway were obtained from the Acoustic Doppler Current Profiler (ADCP) and were used to calculate the ocean current displacement of a demersal longline. The results show the ocean current displacement of longlines, and make to expect a decrease in the fishing efficiency.     

Energy Consumption and Greenhouse Gas Emission of Korean Offshore Fisheries

This paper presents the energy and greenhouse gas(GHG) emission assessments of Korean offshore fisheries. The consumption of energy by fisheries is a significant concern because of its attendant environmental effect, as well as the cost of the fuel consumed in fishing industry. With the global attention of reducing GHG emission and increasing energy efficiency of fuel, the seafood industry needs to further understand its energy use and reduce its GHG emission. In the present study, the amount of energy consumed and the GHG emission of Korean offshore fisheries in a period from 2009 to 2013 were examined. Offshore fisheries accounted for 24% of Korean production in 2013 and 60% of fuel consumption related GHG emission. Whereas the total GHG emission intensity of this sector improved slightly between 2009 and 2012; as such emission decreased by approximately 1.9%, which increased again in 2013. The average amount of total GHG emission in this five years period was 1.78 × 10~6 tons of carbon dioxide equivalent/year(tCO_2eq. y~(-1)). Active fishing gear was found to consume 20% more fuel than passive gear. However, the production from passive gear was 28%, lower than 72% from active gear. The reason for this is that less abundant stationary resources are harvested using passive gear. Furthermore, the consumption of fuel was significantly influenced by the fishing method. Implementation and development of new fishing technologies and methods are important for improving energy efficiency and reducing the climate impact on fisheries. To realize these purposes, the fishery management system needs to be established by centralizing on energy efficiency and climate effect.