Fuel and energy use in the fisheries sector
2015
Muir, J.F.
The role of fuel and energy in the fisheries sector is an important yet little noted issue in natural resource, food and trade policy. While specific aspects of fuel use and cost have periodically concerned the fishing industry and its policy and management agents, the strategic issues of these have been relatively unquestioned until recently. However, in the midst of growing concern for rationalization of fisheries management, for energy and greenhouse gas linkages in climate change mitigation, for competitive options for smaller-scale producers, and for consumer appreciation of the environmental footprint of food choices, these issues deserve further exploration. This publication addresses the utilization of fuel energy by the global fisheries industry. It explores the complete supply chain from aquatic raw materials to consumption, including capture fishing, aquaculture, post-harvest activities, distribution and retail presentation. This is the first such global overview, and although it has not been possible to set out complete and integrated value-chain perspectives, it provides initial data to demonstrate a range of critical characteristics and trends, with implications for sector development and relevant policy and strategic investment needs. As discussed more fully in the document, there are important interactions to consider in policy and practice, not just in ensuring the viability of the fisheries sector, but in linking energy cost with competition between capture fisheries and aquaculture, with choices of fishing methods or aquaculture systems, with implications for fishing effort, resource pressure and management strategies, and with the costs of making food available to consumers at all levels.
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