Implementation of Energy-Efficient Technologies in Fisheries: Installation of Solar Technology on Board Croatian Purse Seiner

Greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from the fishing sector contribute significantly to global climate change. While the environmental footprint of fishing fleets is relatively smaller compared to cargo and passenger fleets, their contribution to CO2 emissions cannot be ignored. In alignment with international agreements such as the Paris Agreement and the recent Glasgow Climate Pact, efforts are being made to reduce GHG emissions in various sectors, including fisheries. This paper focuses on the Adriatic Sea, influenced by the MedFish4Ever Declaration, to examine the potential of Renewable Energy Sources (RESs) in mitigating the environmental impact of fisheries. Specifically, this paper presents a case study of implementing solar energy to power auxiliary systems on a purse seiner fishing vessel. Solar energy holds promise as a sustainable power source for fishing vessels, offering economic and environmental benefits. The study investigates the feasibility of using solar energy to meet the energy demands of a purse seiner operating in the Adriatic Sea. However, the lack of free space on the surface of the vessels makes it impossible to fully exploit the solar potential, and thus the investment in such a system becomes questionable. For this reason, another option in the form of onshore infrastructure for electricity supply from the power sector with 100% PV power systems is suggested.