Torres:Braslia: Brazil is testing electric motors for winches on fishing vessels to reduce noise and emissions during fishing operations. The project is led by the Ministry of Fisheries and Aquaculture (MPA) in collaboration with the Federal University of Juiz de Fora (UFJF).
According to News Agency of Nigeria, the trials are being conducted in the southern and southeastern regions of the country. Representatives from the MPA and UFJF recently observed the tests in Torres, Rio Grande do Sul state.
The vessels involved in the project are used for gillnet and trawl fishing. The initiative aims to assess the technology’s benefits to fishermen, taking into account the vessels’ characteristics and the socio-economic conditions of fishing communities. The team has also presented trial results and outlined plans for the project’s next phase.
Electric motors were installed on a vessel owned by fisherman Benjamin Alves, who participated in the trials. Prof. Federico Sucunza, one of the project coordinators, emphasized the importance of collaboration between researchers and fishermen, noting the challenges of integrating this technology into traditional fishing vessels. The project seeks to leverage fishermen’s expertise to ensure the technology’s practical application.
Alves, the first fisherman to receive the equipment, noted that the electric motor could improve working conditions on board. The project also evaluates the viability and adaptability of the technology to various fishing conditions.
The experience in Torres is expected to contribute to further improvements in the equipment and support future energy-transition measures in the fishing sector. This initiative aligns with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and Brazil’s climate commitments, aiming to promote sustainable fishing practices while reducing emissions and environmental impacts.