Environmental Resources for Seafood

General

Cleaner production in Danish fish processing – experiences, status and possible future strategies
Danish fish processing industry has been one of the pioneers regarding implementation of cleaner production and environmental management systems. This article describes the experiences with cleaner production (CP) among leading Danish industries producing pickled herring and canned mackerel. The article emphasizes two case studies of ‘first mover’ companies, but data from other 'proactive' companies are also included. The article provides an overview of different types of CP solutions, improvement potentials, synergistic effects and possible trade-offs. The development of the applied solutions from the late 1980s until today are analysed and recommendations to future strategies at company level and policy level are provided. It is concluded that significant environmental improvements have been obtained for the analysed companies – especially concerning reductions in water consumption, wastewater emissions, and utilisation of fish 'waste' for valuable by-products. Still, more focus could be placed on the reduction of energy consumption, change of packaging types, and environmental impacts in other stages of the products life cycle. Authorities and companies have mainly focused on on-site reductions of wastewater emissions, but life cycle assessments show that more attention should be given to the reductions of environmental impacts in other parts of the product chain, e.g. fishing operations and transport as well.

Environmental, Health, and Safety Guidelines for Fish Processing
The Environmental, Health, and Safety (EHS) Guidelines are technical reference documents with general and industry specific examples of Good International Industry Practice (GIIP). When one or more members of the World Bank Group are involved in a project, these EHS Guidelines are applied as required by their respective policies and standards. These industry sector EHS guidelines are designed to be used together with the General EHS Guidelines document, which provides guidance to users on common EHS issues potentially applicable to all industry sectors. For complex projects, use of multiple industry-sector guidelines may be necessary.

Multimedia Environmental Compliance Guide for Food Processors
As food processors, you are regulated by a variety of federal laws administered by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) that impact human activities and the environment. Noncompliance with these regulations can damage human health and the environment, and result in significant financial liabilities for clean up costs or fines. Environmental compliance may be difficult for some food processors that do not have the time, staff, or other resources necessary to determine their responsibilities. Also, environmental regulations and laws can be complicated, and information on environmental compliance may be difficult to locate. Adding to these complexities, you must be aware of and meet stringent food safety requirements. To assist you, EPA, with special assistance from the American Frozen Food Institute (AFFI), the American Meat Institute (AMI), the National Food Processors Association (NFPA) and the Food Industry Environmental Council (FIEC), has developed this guide to address these issues.

Air

Emission Factor Documentation for AP-42, Section 9.13.1
Fish Processing—Final Report

Water/Wastewater

Processing Plant Waste Management Guidelines—Aquatic Fishery Products
The quantity and quality of water has received much public attention. As a result, lawmakers are considering, or have already passed, environmentally conscious legislation such as the Clean Water Act (CWA). Seafood processors must address the technological and economic impact of environmental issues on their future.

Preventing Pollution in Shrimp Processing
The wastewater from most breaded shrimp plants is about ten times more concentrated than domestic sewage. It commonly contains large amounts of organic matter, including small particles of shrimp flesh, breading, soluble proteins, and carbohydrates. When these materials flow into drains, they become pollutants that must be removed before the water can be discharged into streams, rivers, or estuaries.

Reduction in Waste Load from a Seafood Processing Plant
Wastewaters from fish processing plants are usually high in proteinaceous
compounds and oils. These waste streams can have extremely high biochemical
oxygen demand (BOD) and represent sizable discharge to the surrounding receiving
waters. The primary waste load in operating a frozen fish factory is directly
related to handling considerations aboard ship and to process practices once fish
are brought to shore.
    This project emphasizes the handling and processing of fish for purposes
other than industrial application. The approach taken is to manage problems
connected with all operations from transport and processing through storage.

Pollution Prevention Opportunities in the Fish Processing Industry
This report offers information on waste streams from fish processing and harvesting, conclusions reached during the roundtable discussions, and recommended topics for future research. Appended to the report are a list of participants, a bibliography of selected readings, and a resource listing of other key individuals and organizations involved with this industry.

Industrial Waste Abatement and Management Seafood Processing
The world seafood industry plays a significant role in the economic and social wellbeing of nations, as well as in the feeding of a significant part of the world’s population. Fishing and fish farming has emerged as one of the major food processing occupations of mankind. In ancient times, economically and socially backward people were employed in this profession. The advent of modern mechanized fishing vessels has brought vast changes in the attitude of the public fishing and seafood processing. From low income and socially backward communities the profession has shifted to the hands of industrialists and technologists. Today fishing and processing activities provide employment to millions of people around the world.

Energy

Energy Use in Specific Meat and Fish Processing Plants
The objective of this report is: "To analyse the energy audits completed at 10 meat and fish processing plants and prepare a report identifying energy use, savings potential and actions required to achieve savings as a sector study for the CCO SME project regarding implications of a future carbon tax." Contract reference: Cons547 Veritas Business Services.