Sustainability

Marking significant progress on its path to clean energy, Taiwan has embraced an inventive solution—solar fisheries. Following the publication of Taiwan’s “Pathway to Net-Zero Emissions in 2050” last year, the region has seen commendable strides in the adoption of renewable energy.

Taiwan Power Company reported that wind and solar energy constituted approximately 15% of the energy mix for seven consecutive days in March 2023, surpassing coal at certain points. Demonstrating a commitment to the net-zero pathway, Taiwan added 2.5 GW of solar (on rooftops and fishponds) and over 1 GW of offshore wind power capacity in 2022.

Amid the government’s short-term goal to achieve 20 GW of solar generation capacity by 2025, challenges arise due to the need for extensive space, particularly in the densely populated western part of the island. Floating PV has emerged as an alternative, and a Wood Mackenzie report predicts Taiwan to reach 3.2 GW of floating PV by 2031.

However, a more innovative solution gaining traction is solar fisheries. By installing photovoltaic systems on top of fish farms, Taiwan can harness clean energy without encroaching on valuable agricultural land. The government has designated 15,000 hectares specifically for solar fishery plants, offering incentives to expedite their development.

Anticipated to contribute between 3 to 4 GW by 2025, solar fishery plants offer numerous advantages. They coexist with existing fish farms, avoiding disruption to agricultural land, and provide shade, reducing water evaporation and supporting optimal breeding conditions. Farmers benefit from additional income through leasing land to solar plant operators, and modernization opportunities arise during the redevelopment process.

The importance of Taiwan’s fisheries industry, employing around 350,000 people and contributing NT$78 billion (US$2.49 billion) annually, underscores the significance of innovations like solar fisheries. As nearly 30% of the country’s fish production relies on aquaculture, solar fisheries promise to modernize and revitalize this traditional sector, offering a sustainable path forward in Taiwan’s journey towards a cleaner and more energy-efficient future.

Japanese manufacturers associated with the Japan Fish Feed Association are poised to fall short of the new Aquaculture Stewardship Council (ASC) feed standards, leaving the country with only one major fish feed maker likely to meet the updated criteria – the Japanese subsidiary of Skretting, based in Stavanger, Norway.

The ASC’s Feed Standard V1.01, launched on June 15, 2021, came into effect on January 14, 2023, allowing feed mills to seek certification under the new standard early this year.

According to reports from The Minato Shimbun newspaper in June, members of the Japan Fish Feed Association, representing most aquafeed mills in Japan, are unable to meet the new standards. The reason lies in their utilization of fish waste, including trimmings, unsold fish, and other byproducts, collected from distributors and retailers in their production processes.

Since these producers do not segregate and trace the source of each bit of waste they use, they do not qualify for certification under the ASC’s new traceability rules. Meeting the new standard would necessitate the construction of a separate, dedicated production line, which the feed-makers consider economically unfeasible.

While the use of waste byproducts in aquafeed is environmentally friendly and aligns with Japanese law, which mandates waste collection for this purpose, it may contain traces of fish that do not comply with ASC standards.

The ASC emphasized that it requires all marine ingredients in aquafeed to undergo assessment for the risk of originating from illegal, unregulated, unreported (IUU) fishing, use of endangered species, and the risk of being caught using forced or child labour. The organization acknowledged the challenges associated with byproduct traceability but emphasized the importance of ensuring such worst practices are absent in the supply chains of ASC-certified feed mills.

In response to these challenges, the Japan Fish Feed Association, comprising 12 feed manufacturers, has opted for Marine Eco-Label Japan (MEL) certification for the time being. Recognized by the Global Sustainable Seafood Initiative (GSSI), MEL’s Aquaculture Management Standard aligns with the GSSI Global Benchmark Tool, which bases its criteria on the Food and Agriculture Organization’s (FAO) Eco-labelling Guidelines and Technical Guidelines for Aquaculture Certification.

While MEL is developing its certification standards for fishmeal, fish oil, and compound feed, it remains uncertain whether MEL’s Aquaculture Eco-Label (AEL) standard is more accommodating than ASC requirements.

Scientists from the Central Institute of Fisheries Technology (CIFT) have developed a groundbreaking Turtle Exclusion Device (TED) that holds promise as a life-saving solution for sea turtles, some of which are critically endangered and face fatalities in the thousands due to entanglement in fishing nets. The approval of this innovative device by the US-based National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) has sparked optimism not only for the conservation of sea turtles but also for the potential revival of shrimp exports from India, benefiting fishermen in Gujarat.

The TED is a grid constructed with metal bars, integrated into trawler nets. This design allows smaller fish, such as shrimp, to pass through while featuring openings large enough for turtles to escape entanglement. The imposition of a ban in the US adversely affected the pricing of Indian shrimps in European countries and China, resulting in a significant 59% decline in exports over the past four years.

Madhu VR, a principal scientist at CIFT, explained that while TEDs were previously in use, they were ineffective in preventing turtle entanglement, and their designs did not comply with NOAA standards. Through consultations with NOAA, CIFT scientists refined the TED design to meet both NOAA guidelines and the specifications of Indian fishing trawlers.

CIFT scientists presented the approved TED design during a workshop in Veraval, organized in collaboration with the Marine Products Export Development Authority (MPEDA). The workshop aimed to demonstrate the device to fishing net manufacturers and other stakeholders. Manufacturers capable of producing these devices on a commercial scale are now being called upon.

Kenny Thomas, a Veraval-based fish exporter, expressed anticipation for the potential expansion of shrimp exports to the US once fishermen adopt the TED. Another industry expert emphasized that the ban by the US had not only impacted Gujarat’s shrimp exports but also resulted in lower prices in other countries. The potential lifting of the ban could lead to increased demand and higher prices in the export market, he added.

To ensure the proper utilization of TEDs by the fishing community, a team from NOAA is scheduled to visit India in February 2024. The team will conduct random checks at specific intervals to confirm the ongoing use of the device.

Ashish Kumar Jha, a scientist at CIFT, urged fishing net manufacturers to promote and manufacture the TED, while Tulsi Gohil, president of the Veraval Boat Association, expressed the intention to consider bulk purchases pending government approval, effectiveness assessment, and pricing considerations.

To address the challenges of overfishing, disease, pollution, and forced labour in the global shrimp trade, Vietnam’s shrimp industry is undergoing a significant transformation by embracing technology for sustainable and controlled aquaculture practices. Viet Uc, the country’s largest hatchery, recently marked a milestone with the inauguration of a $17 million fully integrated shrimp processing plant, covering every step from larva cultivation to shrimp export.

The move towards artificial ponds equipped with advanced technology, such as recirculating aquaculture systems (RAS), aims to enhance sustainability by allowing controlled water quality and climate. RAS, known for continuously filtering and reusing water, offers a more eco-friendly and efficient alternative to traditional open environment shrimp farming.

Viet Uc’s state-of-the-art factory, reported to be 70% automated and covering an expansive area equivalent to 14 soccer fields, signifies a substantial step in the industry’s transition towards technological advancements. The company emphasizes the use of “flow-through” systems and advanced breeding technologies, including molecular and quantitative genetic methods. These measures are designed to ensure better adaptation and stronger resistance to diseases, aligning with a commitment to sustainable and responsible aquaculture.

While these technological advancements contribute to environmentally sustainable farming practices, industry analysts acknowledge that they may come with higher upfront costs. Notably, RAS is considered more efficient and involves less groundwater pumping than traditional farms. However, consumers may need to accept the prospect of higher shrimp prices as a trade-off for these sustainable and advanced farming practices.

Vietnam, the world’s third-largest exporter of frozen shrimp, is embracing these technological shifts to address ecological and social challenges associated with traditional shrimp farming methods. The global demand for shrimp, reaching a value of $22 billion by 2021, has driven the industry to explore innovative and sustainable methods to meet this insatiable appetite. As the sector undergoes this transformative journey, technology-enabled practices are expected to play a crucial role in ensuring the long-term viability and responsible production of shrimp in Vietnam and beyond.

India has taken a prominent role in shaping the discourse around the blue economy, leveraging its strategic position and prioritizing the Indian Ocean region. With a coastline spanning 7,517 kilometers and 1,382 offshore islands, India boasts a vast maritime domain rich in resources, offering extensive opportunities for economic growth and development.

The blue economy, encompassing sustainable activities in oceans, rivers, water bodies, and coastal regions, aligns with India’s vision for inclusive growth, innovation, and technological advancement. The country envisions the blue economy as a catalyst for food security, poverty alleviation, climate change resilience, enhanced trade and investment, maritime connectivity, job creation, and overall socio-economic growth.

Despite the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, India’s blue economy has demonstrated resilience, recording exports worth $7.2 billion from April 2021 to February 2022. This sector plays a crucial role in sustaining over four million fishermen and coastal communities, positioning India as the world’s second-largest fish-producing nation with a fleet of 250,000 fishing boats.

Shipbuilding and shipping also contribute significantly to India’s blue economy, with plans to increase coastal shipping to 33% by 2035. The Indian Ocean’s strategic significance, serving as a corridor for global trade between the Strait of Hormuz and the Strait of Malacca, underscores the region’s importance in the global economy.

To promote the blue economy, India has launched initiatives such as the ‘Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana’ (PMMSY) with a budget of Rs 20,050 crore, aiming for a sustainable ‘blue revolution’ in the fisheries sector. The Union Budget 2023-24 allocated Rs 6,000 crore for a sub-scheme under PMMSY to further empower fishermen.

However, the blue economy faces environmental threats, notably from marine debris, particularly abandoned, lost, or discarded fishing gear (ALDFG). Globally, about 640,000 tonnes of ghost gears are disposed of in the oceans annually, contributing to marine pollution. India, with 174,000 units of fishing gear in operation, loses 15,276 tonnes of gillnets annually, according to the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO).

To address these challenges, India has launched coastal clean-up drives, actively participates in International Coastal Clean-up Day, and is formulating the “National Marine Litter Policy.” The country is also engaged in blue beach development, prioritizing clean, ‘zero waste’ approaches for tourism.

Extensive research and expeditions by organizations such as the National Centre for Coastal Research (NCCR) and National Institute of Oceanography aim to reduce marine litter, manage coastlines, forecast accurate weather, plan fishing activity zones, and promote sustainable growth in India’s blue economy.

Assam’s rich water resources provide an ideal setting for a thriving aquaculture sector, contributing significantly to the global food production system. However, the industry faces challenges stemming from climate change and the overuse of harsh chemicals, posing threats to both the environment and public health.

The adverse impacts of climate change, such as erratic rainfall patterns, disrupt the seasonal production calendar, affecting productivity and livelihoods in the fish farming-dependent communities. Additionally, the excessive use of antibiotics, pesticides, and synthetic fertilizers in freshwater aquaculture contributes to environmental degradation and health concerns.

In Assam, where the aquaculture sector has long been male-dominated, women face limited access to ownership and decision-making roles. Recognizing the need for structural inclusion and empowerment, a cooperative society named Champavati Meen Palan Samabai Samiti was established in 2020, comprising 2000 women fish farmers in the Morigaon district.

The cooperative society embarked on a journey of commercial fish farming, gaining access to resources, training, and support. In a significant shift, women fish farmers transitioned from conventional practices to natural farming through a gender-sensitive program launched by ICCSPL with support from the German agency GIZ.

Through collective action and a Peer Monitoring Tool, the women adopted natural fish farming practices, qualifying them for the Participatory Guarantee Scheme (PGS) for organic certification. Their success highlights the efficacy of gender-inclusive policies and collective efforts in driving positive change.

However, challenges persist, including deep-rooted patriarchal norms and complex intersections of gender and caste. Convincing male family members to support women’s involvement in fish farming required significant effort, and issues of financial control and caste dynamics continue to pose hurdles.

The women’s collective effort exemplifies the potential for gender-inclusive approaches to combat environmental degradation and promote sustainability in the aquaculture sector. As society addresses intersecting forms of oppression, it paves the way for a more inclusive and sustainable future for aquaculture in Assam and beyond.

The Mahseer fish, often referred to as the tiger of freshwater, faces a critical threat to its existence in the Narmada River due to impediments in the natural flow caused by the construction of various dams.

A conservation expert, Dr. Shriparna Saxena, who has collaborated with the forest department for two decades in Mahseer conservation, highlighted the alarming decline in their numbers.

A survey from 1964 indicated that there were 25 Mahseer for every 100 fish in the Narmada River. However, due to dam construction and human intervention, the population has dwindled to less than one percent, according to Dr. Saxena.

In response to this environmental challenge, the Madhya Pradesh government has announced a forthcoming campaign, set to begin next month, aimed at saving the endangered Mahseer fish species. The Narmada River, originating from Amarkantak and flowing into the Gulf of Khambhat, has witnessed a drastic reduction in Mahseer sightings, with fishermen reporting rare encounters occurring once in six months.

Dr. Saxena recalled a notable finding in 2017, where a five-feet four-inch Mahseer weighing 17 kg was discovered in the river at Khalghat in Dhar district—a size that has not been observed since. Major dams, including Bargi, Indira Sagar, Omkareshwar, and Maheshwar, along with the Sardar Sarovar dam in Gujarat, have contributed to the hindrance of the Narmada’s natural flow.

In response to queries about the existential crisis faced by Mahseer due to dam construction, Kalpana Shrivastava, Principal Secretary of MP Fishermen Welfare and Fisheries Development Department, asserted the necessity of dams while acknowledging the importance of Mahseer conservation. The state is launching the Mukhyamantri Matsya Vikas Yojana to increase the Mahseer population, with hopes for a significant rise in numbers over the next two years.

Under this program, Mahseer fish seeds will be planted in tributaries such as Denwa and Tawa. Emphasizing the importance of Mahseer in maintaining biodiversity, Purushottam Dhiman, Managing Director of State Fisheries Federation, stated that the presence of Mahseer in the Narmada signifies the purity of its water. As a conservation measure, fishermen have been advised to release Mahseer alive if caught in their nets, further contributing to the preservation efforts for this endangered species.

Dutch researchers, in collaboration with the fishing industry, have unveiled a groundbreaking AI-based tool as part of the Fully Documented Fisheries (FDF) project, supported by EU funding. The initiative addresses the longstanding challenge of unwanted catches in fisheries, streamlining the catch registration process while contributing to more sustainable practices.

In compliance with EU regulations, fishers are required to document all catches, a process that consumes time, space, and incurs significant costs. The newly developed AI tool, pioneered by Wageningen University and Research (WUR) in the Netherlands, automates the identification of each fish’s size and species. This innovation facilitates onboard catch handling and recording, providing crucial data for fisheries management.

The FDF project stands out by enhancing existing systems, promoting adherence to landing and registration obligations while bolstering transparency in the sector. The AI algorithm, a cornerstone of the tool, distinguishes between catches suitable for human consumption (above minimum size) and unwanted catches (below minimum size), a task traditionally challenging for the crew.

Beyond improving working conditions for fishermen, the FDF tool promotes selective fisheries by alleviating the need for manual sorting of undersized fish. Albert Visser, a trawler skipper, highlights the advantages, stating, “One of the advantages of the camera system, for example, is that you don’t need to sort undersized fish manually.”

The benefits of FDF extend to improved onboard catch processing, reduced crew workload, and diminished administrative burdens. Real-time monitoring of total catches by size, species, and weight enables detailed data collection for scientific research, stock estimates, and fisheries policy. Additionally, there is potential for commercial use, enhancing the selectivity of fisheries.

The FDF project, running as a pilot for over three years, garnered voluntary participation from numerous fishers, who received compensation for their involvement. The system, employing video cameras and on-board AI units, decoded video images to identify and record fish species and size, aiding fishers in making informed decisions about fishing grounds.

The success of the initial pilot phase has prompted an expansion of the FDF project to include other fishing methods and countries, such as Denmark and Belgium. This evolution marks a significant stride toward making the European fishing sector more sustainable, as Edwin van Helmond, fisheries biologist at Wageningen University and Research, affirms: “We have improved data, improved stock assessment, better research, better policy, and ultimately a better fisheries sector. It’s really a win-win situation.”

In a recent Fishery Audit for 2023, Oceana Canada highlights the lack of progress by the Canadian government and the Department of Fisheries and Oceans (DFO) in rebuilding and sustaining fishing stocks.

Oceana Canada’s seventh assessment reveals that less than a third of the country’s marine fish and invertebrate populations are considered healthy, with almost 40 percent of fisheries lacking sufficient information for proper management. According to Fishery Scientist Rebecca Schijns, there has been a decline in the number of healthy fish stocks, an increase in depleted stocks, and no significant improvement in DFO’s performance since the first audit in 2017.

Despite the passage of a new Fisheries Act in 2019, mandating action plans for depleted fisheries, Oceana Canada points out that DFO has not published rebuilding plans for 13 critical stocks, as required by law by April 2024.

The audit raises concerns about DFO’s decision-making processes, accusing it of disregarding scientific advice and evidence when setting quotas. Instances of rolling over quota levels and delayed announcements without explanation further contribute to the challenges.

Oceana Canada emphasizes that the lack of information remains a persistent issue, with 40 percent of marine fish and invertebrate populations classified as “uncertain” due to insufficient stock status information. While there is a slight improvement in the metrics related to stock information, the overall percentage of stocks with sufficient data for health statistics has remained unchanged since 2017.

The report suggests a contrast with the recent “MSC Canada State of the Water Report 2023” by the Marine Stewardship Council, which certifies 61 percent of Canada’s wild-caught seafood to MSC standards. However, this certification mainly covers major fisheries, leaving poorly managed fisheries, including capelin, Atlantic herring, and northern cod, unaccounted for.

Oceana Canada urges the Canadian government to follow the example of the U.S., emphasizing that, since 2000, the U.S. has successfully rebuilt 49 stocks and has rebuilding plans for 84 percent of its overfished stocks. The organization calls for expedited implementation to ensure the well-being of fishing communities and marine ecosystems.

Environmental experts have expressed serious concerns about the issuance of fishing permissions to fish mahaldars and fishermen from both Arunachal Pradesh and Assam near the D. Ering Wildlife Sanctuary.

This issue, along with commercial fishing and driftwood timber operations, is adversely affecting the ecology of the region and disrupting the movement of waterbirds, including those in the Dibru-Saikhowa National Park.

The Deputy Commissioner of Kupwara, Ayushi Sudan, chaired a District Level Committee (DLC) meeting to finalize beneficiaries under the Pradhan Mantri Matsaya Sampada (PMSSY) fisheries sector.

During the meeting, 27 applicants were found eligible for the allotment of one auto e-rickshaw each, supporting fish marketing facilities under the PMSSY initiative.

The D. Ering Wildlife Sanctuary division in Pasighat, in collaboration with the Eco-Development Committee (EDC) and Community Monitoring & Surveillance Team (CSMT), conducted a six-day workshop and waterbird census.

Led by Delhi-based ecologist and ornithologist Tarun Kumar Roy, the program aimed to assess the impact of commercial activities on the sanctuary’s ecology, particularly in relation to waterbirds.

During the workshop, Roy highlighted the delayed and reduced arrival of migratory birds from colder regions, speculating that changing climatic conditions might be contributing to the shift in bird patterns.

He emphasized the need for a comprehensive study if this trend continues. Roy commended the D. Ering Wildlife Sanctuary for its significant wetland, a favored destination for migratory and other wetland birds.

However, concerns were raised during field surveys as three fishermen were found illegally camping and fishing inside the sanctuary area. The team also intercepted driftwood timber operators near the Assam-Arunachal Pradesh boundary. Roy stressed that such illegal activities disrupt the natural habitat and presence of waterbirds in the sanctuary.

The workshop not only addressed ecological concerns but also focused on enhancing the sanctuary’s protection and conservation efforts. Smty Ponung Ering Angu, a retired Joint Director of ICDS and daughter of late Daying Ering, expressed satisfaction over the sanctuary’s gradual recovery due to effective protection and conservation measures in the past five years.

Environmental experts and officials are urging a thorough examination of fishing permissions and commercial operations to safeguard the ecological balance of the D. Ering Wildlife Sanctuary and its impact on waterbird movement in the region.