The CSIR, South Africa's science and technology provider, has said the South African fishing industry must start using less water during fish processing, according to a report from fis.com.
The CSIR is encouraging processors to undergo training in Cleaner Production Technology as part of its Bio/Chemtek's food, science and technology programme in collaboration with Danida to promote greener and more efficiency industry.
Currently the local fishing industry uses around 20 tons of water for each ton of fish that is processed. Counterparts in Denmark, which has some of the most progressive environmental policies in the world, use about 1.5 tons of water to one ton of fish, claims the CSIR.
Part of the cleaner production training includes video footage taken of plant activities, unbeknown to the participants, and then shown to the workers and management. The video is used to assist in designing more efficient plant processes, implementing measures to reduce water usage, better utilise products and reduce the effluent load of a factory.
The CSIR reports water savings of up to 50 per cent and a reduction in effluent loads as a result of the training.
The visual approach was the brainchild of Willie Hall, business area manager of food, science and engineering at the CSIR. Hall says he has videoed fish being wasted by incorrect alignment of cutters, crate loads of product washed down drains, and fish damaged due to poorly designed conveyor systems.
The programme is also being tried in the fruit and meat industries with similar results.