After two years of testing of New Zealand’s new Precision Seafood Harvesting (PSH) method, scientists say they can already see that survival rates for fish are better than expected.
The new fish harvesting method promises to be a potential replacement for traditional fishing methods. It is a large, flexible PVC liner with specifically sized holes along its length that allow undersized fish to escape before they are even brought on board a fishing vessel.
It also means that fish brought on board stay in better condition because they are still swimming in the liner when they are on the deck so are less stressed and much less likely to be injured.
Dave Woods, the programme manager for PSH, said a fully functioning and commercialised PSH has huge potential to increase the sustainability of New Zealand’s fisheries.
“The objective is to massively increase the proportion of small fish or unwanted by-catch that can be returned to the sea completely unharmed by our fishing. It’s about the future of our fisheries and about the future of our seas – helping to ensure our oceans are full of life," he said.
As well as taking better care of the fish, this new way of harvesting also opens up potential new markets and opportunities for better quality fish to be delivered to consumers.
Precision Seafood Harvesting is the commercialisation phase of nearly ten years of New Zealand research involving three native fishing companies - Aotearoa Fisheries, Sanford and Sealord, which are investing NZ$26m in the programme.
The other half of the funding comes from the Ministry for Primary Industries, which is matching the industry investment under a Primary Growth Partnership. Scientists at Plant & Food Research are also working with the fishing companies to develop and trial the technology on board commercial fishing vessels.
