The Conference

Scope and Objectives
Fishing technology has over the years developed rapidly resulting in highly efficient fishing vessels. Developments in sensor technology, new materials, machinery capacity and new gear systems, like for instance the triple trawl, have contributed to that. Within most fisheries catching capacity has developed way above what is needed, and this has in turn challenged the management measures aiming at keeping control of the total catching capacity.

Problems unsolved
Although the technological development has improved the efficiency within most of the world fishing fleet, fundamental problems such as overexploitation, poor fishing gear selectivity, large post harvest losses and poor utilisation of by-products are not solved. In addition, the working conditions onboard fishing vessels are generally poor and fishermen are more exposed to fatalities than workers in other occupations. Harvesting, processing and distribution of seafood products are also energy-intensive activities. Speaking in terms of sustainability, it can be questioned if the development so far has contributed in a positive direction. It could, therefore, be argued whether the development so far has contributed in a positive direction in terms of sustainability.

Ecosystem approach
Fishing technology and efficiency, conservation of the environment and safety at sea are closely linked to an overall long term goal of securing of clean, rich and productive oceans for wealth creation and sustainable use. This requires an ecosystem approach to fisheries research and management which poses new challenges to basic marine research, observation and harvesting technology, ecosystem assessment, modelling and prediction, and improved management tools and strategies. A new agenda for fisheries development, one that can meet the needs for sustainability, is called for. This agenda must focus on issues such as:

• Conservation of the environment
• Improving working conditions onboard fishing vessels
• Efficient utilisation of input factors (biomass, energy, capital and manpower)
• Food safety and quality
• Maximising value of catches The intent of the Nor-Fishing Technology Conference 2006 is to create a forum for communication and discussions between the many stakeholders in such a development.

Topics
Contributions aimed at improving sustainability in the catch and on-board processing of fish and other marine products will be given priority. The main topics of the conference are:

Macro Effects of Technology
• Needs for technology changes and fleet restructuring
• Models and methods for analyses of aggregate effects
• Capacity development within various management regimes
• Environmental analyses

Platforms for Fisheries Research
• Multifunctional research vessels
• Fishing vessels as research platforms

Safe and Effective Fishing Vessels
• Innovations in fishing vessel design
• Energy efficiency and environmental impact
• Monitoring and control of gear and vessel performance
• On board safety and operational aspects

Management and Economic Issues
• Fishing vessel and fleet management
• Logistics
• Economics

Technological Improvements in Fishing Gear
• Innovations in fishing gear selectivity
• Improvements versus gear impact on the seabed environment
• Fishing gears and methods for improved catch quality
• Fishing gear technology for new species
• Energy efficient active fishing gears

Ocean Forecasting and Climate Effects
• Weather, waves and environment forecasting
• Climate and predictions for fisheries

Catch Handling and Processing Technology
• Quality and food safety
• On board processing technology
• Refrigeration systems for reduced environmental impact
• Improved utilisation of catch

The organisers NFTC 2006 is organised by Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Institute of Marine Research, SINTEF Fisheries and Aquaculture Ltd and The Nor-Fishing Foundation.