A New Zealand fishing technology that’s better for the environment, significantly reduces bycatch and improves the quality of the fish landed is about to be fully commercialised and taken to the world.
Around $9.5 million is being spent on the next phase of development of the Modular Harvesting System (MHS), with just over 50 percent coming from Precision Seafood Harvesting (PSH) and the remainder from the Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI).
This next phase sees Plant & Food Research join Sealord, Sanford and Moana as a shareholder in PSH and involves:
- New designs for different (additional) fish species and research around the benefits to selectivity, survivability and quality of fish
- Commercialising the technology both in New Zealand and overseas
MHS was initially designed by Plant & Food Research and then developed by PSH under a 2012 Primary Growth Partnership programme between the Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI), Sealord, Moana and Sanford.
Since the end of the Primary Growth Partnership programme, PSH has continued to look at ways to progress development of the technology. Leading the latest stage for PSH is Martin de Beer, who in March this year was appointed as General Manager Operations for PSH including responsibility for the delivery of a new programme with co-funding from MPI’s Sustainable Food and Fibre Futures fund.
PSH has already attracted international interest with research trials in the Netherlands looking at the benefits of the technology in a flatfish fishery, with a particular focus on survivability of the fish.
The MHS replaces the lengthener and cod end of a traditional mesh trawl net with a membrane-based system. The MHS comprises a series of cylindrical modules, some of which contain openings in the sides, that is designed to create a low-flow, low-turbulence environment.
The design of the harvesting system allows specific species and fish sizes to be targeted, while increasing the survivability of small fish and non-target fish (bycatch) either by escapement from the openings in the MHS or by being able to be released alive.
By tailoring the environment within the MHS to the physical and physiological tolerances of the fish, it allows the catch to regain control of their swimming once in the net. This means the fish are less-stressed and in better condition when brought on on-deck and processed for consumers.
The MHS can be used in both deepwater and inshore fisheries.
Used with permission from Plant and Food Research
