Emissions from fuel combustion in Swedish cod fishery

This study presents emission data (CO2, NOx, CO, HC and SOx) for fishing vessels, calculated per kg of cod landed by Swedish fishermen. Three scenarios are included; one reflecting the fishery and fleet of 1999, one assuming modern engine technology and, finally, a future scenario assuming a slight increase in the use of passive gear (seines and long-lines) and pair trawls instead of single trawls, lower fishing effort and lower emission levels. The effects on the results of different allocation strategies for landed by-catches are evaluated. Data was gathered from official fishery statistics and engine emission data from one of the major manufacturers of marine diesels. Fuel consumption data for otter trawling and gillnet fishing was obtained by having fishermen fill out a questionnaire. The results include emission calculations for gillnet fishing and trawling, and indicate lower emissions per kg of cod caught for gillnet fishing, due to lower fuel consumption. Considerable options for decreasing fuel consumption and emissions produced in cod fisheries through changes in technology and fisheries policy were concluded from this work. Choosing allocation method was shown to be important for the final results, especially in mixed, high-value target fisheries.