Welcome   Sponsored By
Subscribe | Register | Advertise | Newsletter | About us | Contact us
   


Press Release: A better take on toothfishing – right down the line (video)

Click on the flag for more information about Norway NORWAY
Tuesday, August 11, 2020, 06:00 (GMT + 9)

When asked why a group of Norwegians would go all-in for longline fishing in Antarctic waters, oceans apart from their North Sea home base, Arne Birkeland has a disarmingly sincere reply: “We are fishermen,” explains Birkeland, CEO of Pesquera Azul, a Norwegian-owned longline fishing company operating out of Uruguay. “Any new opportunity in the fishing industry is exciting for us.”  

Birkeland and his founding partners see huge potential in the Patagonian Toothfish industry, not least because the current fleet is characterized by aging assets and inefficient methods. With an innovative new vessel design and longline technology to increase both volume and quality of the catch, Birkeland and Pesquera Azul are set to change all that.

Less lost catch, fewer lost lines

Arguably the main challenge for longline toothfishing is the whale population taking fish from the lines in large numbers. Studies have shown that as much as 70 percent of the catch is devoured by whales. “This reduces the catch, and depletes fish stock as well,” says Birkeland. “Toothfish stock is slow to build. If we can reduce the number of caught fish needed to fill quotas, we can help maintain the strength of the stock.”

Pesquera Azul’s innovative “Sago Extreme” concept, developed by Sago Solutions AS, encloses the catch using a cage that runs along the line, collecting and protecting live fish until they can be landed in the boat. Damage to the fish caused by gaffing when hauling laden lines is also eliminated.

Sago Extreme is a patented solution for automatic longlines - designed to secure the catch at seabed, making it unavailable for whale depredation and reducing the risk of losing catch in the hauling process.(Photo: Sago Solutions)

Sago fishing gear (Photo: Pesquera Azul)

Lost fishing lines are another major issue facing the Patagonian Toothfish industry.

“Some of the most productive fishing grounds are contaminated by lost equipment,” says Birkeland. For years the fleet has had to avoid these good fishing grounds due to these so-called “ghost lines”. Now Pesquera Azul is taking initiative for the cleanup.

Their new vessel, Ocean Azul, will be equipped with the “Ghost Gear Cleaner” toolkit to collect lost gear and return it to shore. The new boat will also be employing stronger line to reduce breakage, thus reducing both lost catch and lost gear. “Our goal is to have a vessel that retrieves more lines than it loses,” Birkeland states.

Meeting the challenges of Antarctica

Ocean Azul is designed and built specifically to face challenging Antarctic conditions, a departure from current practice, Birkeland relates. “Most longliners operating today are under-dimensioned for the Antarctic climate, and there are frequent incidents of hull damage due to ice.” Ocean Azul is built to the highest ice class for commercial vessels, ensuring a higher level of safety for both the crew and the environment. “We have also installed a redundant power supply, to ensure safe return to port in the event of main power plant failure,” he says.

A key feature of the new vessel is an extension housing the “Sago Pool”, an adjustable opening in the bottom of the ship that allows landing the catch in a protected space, as opposed to landing lines on the side of the vessel or in a traditional moon pool. In addition, the Sago Pool improves working conditions by calming the waves inside the pool.

 

Baited lines are also deployed from the enclosed Sago Pool. Traditional methods expose the lines to sea birds that get caught when they try to feed on the bait. “By deploying the line from inside the ship, we can eliminate this risk to the birds,” Birkeland says.  

Using model testing of the design, the team has learned that the Sago Pool itself reduces long-ship movement by 40 percent. “This makes it easier to work in the aft section of the boat, which was has been difficult with traditional design due to excess vessel motion,” Birkeland says. The Sago Pool design means added safety for crew as well, giving them a protected work environment in harsh Antarctic conditions.

In addition to the operational advantages provided by Ocean Azul, there is the economic benefit for the local and regional economies. “We have a local representative running the company in Uruguay, and the Ocean Azul will be an Uruguayan-registered vessel employing local crews,” Birkeland says. He reports that the overall enterprise should create 40-50 new local jobs.

“Sustainable fishing is a high priority for regional and local authorities, and our concept can help them achieve this goal,” says Birkeland. “A big part of what we are doing is helping to bring a higher standard of operations to the region.

Ready to go to work

After experiencing construction delays, the new vessel is basically ready for deployment, Birkeland says. “Covid-19 restrictions have made transportation of the necessary expertise to the yard a challenge, but we have now made arrangements to get people where we need them.” 

The Sago Extreme fish protection solution is also ready to go. “The equipment is on the quayside, ready to deploy,” Birkeland confirms. “The concept has been around for a while, but we have leveraged the technology and experience needed to put it to work.” He notes that support from Innovation Norway has provided a welcome boost to the development process.

While the innovative technology has been fully proven in sea trials, Ocean Azul is capable of employing traditional methods if needed. “This is not a gamble,” Birkeland assures. “We have backup systems that will allow us to operate even if we experience difficulties with the new systems.” 

Pesquera Azul will be conducting tests of the new systems as they go along, providing an objective comparison with traditional methods, Birkeland tells. The tests will be documented by third parties to ensure validity, including local scientists and experts.

Montevideo, Uruguay (red location) and Soth Atlantic with Antartic Area

Citing this and other examples of bilateral cooperation in the project, Birkeland views Pesquera Azul as a joint Norwegian-Uruguayan project: “We are in contact with the Uruguayan authorities in order to present the benefits of this project to both countries, and to Antarctic longline fishing.” He notes that the foreign ministry of Uruguay has expressed their support for the project. “Uruguay wants to be known as a secure investment environment, and we feel confident in getting their full support for this significant investment in the Uruguayan economy.”

Arne Birkeland feels certain that the Ocean Azul concept is an idea whose time has come: “We can improve the catch and strengthen fish stock, while significantly improving working conditions and safety for crews,” he concludes. “At the end of the day, these are the things that really matter for everyone in the fishing industry.” 

editorial@seafood.media
www.seafood.media


 Print


Click to know how to advertise in FIS
MORE NEWS
Worldwide
Jul 1, 06:00 (GMT + 9):
World Bank Report: Sustainable Aquaculture Poised to Generate 22 Million Jobs and Trillions in Investment by 2050
Spain
Jul 1, 06:00 (GMT + 9):
Not a Mussel in Cobre San Rafael's Hands: Opmega Stops Unloading at Vilaxoán Port Due to Environmental Ethics
Norway
Jul 1, 03:00 (GMT + 9):
Norway Pelagic Fishing Update Week 25
Argentina
Jul 1, 01:00 (GMT + 9):
Argentina's Shrimp Industry Faces Unprecedented Crisis, Billions in Losses Amid Labor Dispute
Republic of Ireland
Jul 1, 00:10 (GMT + 9):
Irish Fishing Industry Faces Staggering €800 Million Loss Under New EU-UK Brexit Deal
Brazil
Jul 1, 00:10 (GMT + 9):
AQUISHOW 2025: Health Course Unites Latin American Tilapia Leaders, Forging Sustainable Future
China
Jul 1, 00:10 (GMT + 9):
Insect Protein Boosts Shrimp Surimi: New Research Unlocks Enhanced Texture and Nutrition with Bee Pupa Powder
Viet Nam
Jun 30, 05:00 (GMT + 9):
Vietnam's Tuna Exports Rebound in May 2025 Amid Global Trade Shifts
United States
Jun 30, 04:00 (GMT + 9):
Anchovy-Dominated Diets Threaten West Coast Salmon, Study Reveals Fatal Vitamin Deficiency
European Union
Jun 30, 01:00 (GMT + 9):
New Study Calls for Overhaul of Plant-Based Seafood Labeling to Combat Consumer Deception
Indonesia
Jun 30, 00:10 (GMT + 9):
Indonesian Fisheries Soar: Southeast Sulawesi Exports to US, Thailand Confirmed to Meet Global Standards
Malaysia
Jun 30, 00:10 (GMT + 9):
Student-Led Lobster Farm at Malaysian University Emerges as Model for Sustainable Aquaculture & Entrepreneurship
Japan
Jun 30, 00:10 (GMT + 9):
Japanese Fish Industry Eyes Global Growth Amid Domestic Decline: Southwest Japan's Fisheries Push Exports through Aquaculture and Quality Control
United States
Jun 30, 00:10 (GMT + 9):
Cell-Cultured Salmon Hits US Menus, Signaling the Future of Sustainable Seafood
Spain
Jun 30, 00:00 (GMT + 9):
Other Media | iPac.aquacultura: CIM and EMBL team up to study how to curb red tides and anticipate the effects of heat waves



Lenguaje
FEATURED EVENTS
  
TOP STORIES
Peruvian Fishermen on Alert: Massive Squid Appearance Threatens Coastal Species
Peru Giant Squid Influx on Pucusana and Punta Negra Shores Sparks Predation Fears and Impact on Small Artisanal Fish Catches. LIMA – The sudden and massive appearance of pota (giant Pacific squ...
New Mississippi Seafood Labeling Law to Require Restaurants to Distinguish Domestic and Imported Products
United States Measure, Effective July 1, Aims to Inform Consumers and Promote Local Production, Despite Concerns Over Potential Shortages. BILOXI, Mississippi –  Starting July 1, a new seafood...
Norwegian Fishermen Alert: Seismic Activity Harms Catches and Fuels Conflicts
Norway New Report Reveals Direct Impact of Oil Exploration Surveys on Fishing, Especially Pelagic, Increasing Costs and Reducing Effectiveness. OSLO – A new and comprehensive research report from...
Fisherman's Day: Beyond the Ritual
Peru Every June 29th, as tomorrow, Peru fervently celebrates Saint Peter's Day and —in honor of his profession— Fisherman's Day. This deeply symbolic date combines religious devotion to the apo...
 

Umios Corporation | Maruha Nichiro Corporation
Nichirei Corporation - Headquarters
Pesquera El Golfo S.A.
Ventisqueros - Productos del Mar Ventisqueros S.A
Wärtsilä Corporation - Wartsila Group Headquarters
ITOCHU Corporation - Headquarters
BAADER - Nordischer Maschinenbau Rud. Baader GmbH+Co.KG (Head Office)
Inmarsat plc - Global Headquarters
Marks & Spencer
Tesco PLC (Supermarket) - Headquarters
Sea Harvest Corporation (PTY) Ltd. - Group Headquarters
I&J - Irvin & Johnson Holding Company (Pty) Ltd.
AquaChile S.A. - Group Headquarters
Pesquera San Jose S.A.
Nutreco N.V. - Head Office
CNFC China National Fisheries Corporation - Group Headquarters
W. van der Zwan & Zn. B.V.
SMMI - Sunderland Marine Mutual Insurance Co., Ltd. - Headquarters
Icicle Seafoods, Inc
Starkist Seafood Co. - Headquearters
Trident Seafoods Corp.
American Seafoods Group LLC - Head Office
Marel - Group Headquarters
SalMar ASA - Group Headquarters
Sajo Industries Co., Ltd
Hansung Enterprise Co.,Ltd.
BIM - Irish Sea Fisheries Board (An Bord Iascaigh Mhara)
CEFAS - Centre for Environment, Fisheries & Aquaculture Science
COPEINCA ASA - Corporacion Pesquera Inca S.A.C.
Chun Cheng Fishery Enterprise Pte Ltd.
VASEP - Vietnam Association of Seafood Exporters & Producers
Gomes da Costa
Furuno Electric Co., Ltd. (Headquarters)
NISSUI - Nippon Suisan Kaisha, Ltd. - Group Headquarters
FAO - Food and Agriculture Organization - Fisheries and Aquaculture Department (Headquarter)
Hagoromo Foods Co., Ltd.
Koden Electronics Co., Ltd. (Headquarters)
A.P. Møller - Maersk A/S - Headquarters
BVQI - Bureau Veritas Quality International (Head Office)
UPS - United Parcel Service, Inc. - Headquarters
Brim ehf (formerly HB Grandi Ltd) - Headquarters
Hamburg Süd Group - (Headquearters)
Armadora Pereira S.A. - Grupo Pereira Headquarters
Costa Meeresspezialitäten GmbH & Co. KG
NOAA - National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (Headquarters)
Mowi ASA (formerly Marine Harvest ASA) - Headquarters
Marubeni Europe Plc -UK-
Findus Ltd
Icom Inc. (Headquarter)
WWF Centroamerica
Oceana Group Limited
The David and Lucile Packard Foundation
Ajinomoto Co., Inc. - Headquarters
Friosur S.A. - Headquarters
Cargill, Incorporated - Global Headquarters
Benihana Inc.
Leardini Pescados Ltda
CJ Corporation  - Group Headquarters
Greenpeace International - The Netherlands | Headquarters
David Suzuki Foundation
Fisheries and Oceans Canada -Communications Branch-
Mitsui & Co.,Ltd - Headquarters
NOREBO Group (former Ocean Trawlers Group)
Natori Co., Ltd.
Carrefour Supermarket - Headquarters
FedEx Corporation - Headquarters
Cooke Aquaculture Inc. - Group Headquarters
AKBM - Aker BioMarine ASA
Seafood Choices Alliance -Headquarter-
Austevoll Seafood ASA
Walmart | Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. (Supermarket) - Headquarters
New Japan Radio Co.Ltd (JRC) -Head Office-
Gulfstream JSC
Marine Stewardship Council - MSC Worldwide Headquarters
Royal Dutch Shell plc (Headquarter)
Genki Sushi Co.,Ltd -Headquarter-
Iceland Pelagic ehf
AXA Assistance Argentina S.A.
Caterpillar Inc. - Headquarters
Tiger Brands Limited
SeaChoice
National Geographic Society
AmazonFresh, LLC - AmazonFresh

Copyright 1995 - 2025 Seafood Media Group Ltd.| All Rights Reserved.   DISCLAIMER