SEE ALSO
Co2 emission along coastline alarming
For every kilogram of fish caught along the Tamil Nadu coastline, the state witnesses CO2 emissions of more than half a kilogram. A study by the Mercantile Marine Department (MMD) of DG Shipping initiated by a city-based environment agency concluded that the annual diesel consumption in the state fishing industry was 77.5 million litre which was adding to the state’s pollution.
“The coastline’s total carbon footprint is 2.40 tonne of CO2 per year and each kilogram of landed fish emits .605 kg of CO2. While launch boats and fibre boats alone registers .5 to 1.5 kg of carbon emission for each kilogram of fish, Tuna long liner boats emit 5.24 kg carbon per kilogram of fish as they need more energy for deep sea fishing,” says R. Kannan, CEO of Energi services, the agency which initiated the study. “The study report will be helpful in understanding the environmental impacts of fishing,” he added.
According to industry sources, the study report, which highlights the increasing amount of pollution and carbon substances along the TN coastline, will be helpful in implementing the usage of alternative fuels in vessels and the use of renewable energy like solar energy and small wind turbines.
“The fishing industry in Kerala has already shifted to natural fuels and most of the fishing boats there are using liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) cylinders. This shift has reduced green house gas emissions and has also increased the fuel efficiency of the vessels,” said Dr P. Mishra, principal officer, Mercantile Marine Department (MMD). According to him, the study result will also be useful to introduce better fish finding methods using satellite-imaging systems.
“Also the increased rate of CO2 presence in consumable fish products alerts the industry about the need for vessels in better sailing conditions, especially for catching certain fish in deep seas that need more energy,” added Dr Mishra.
Source: www.deccanchronicle.com