Advancing Sustainable Development Goals in the Fishing Industry Through Renewable Energy

The commercial fishing industry is exploring a transition from fossil fuels to renewable energy sources, a critical move in alignment with several United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). This shift addresses the urgent need for cleaner energy and climate action, directly supporting SDG 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy) and SDG 13 (Climate Action). The Alaska Longline Fishermen’s Association (ALFA) is at the forefront of this initiative, investigating the integration of wind and solar power to reduce the industry’s carbon footprint and enhance its commitment to SDG 14 (Life Below Water) by promoting more sustainable maritime operations.

Solar Power Integration: Progress Towards SDG 7

Solar energy presents a viable option for reducing fuel consumption on commercial fishing vessels, thereby contributing to climate mitigation efforts under SDG 13. While not yet a replacement for primary propulsion, solar technology serves as an effective supplementary power source.

• Application: Solar panels can power non-propulsion systems, including refrigeration, lighting, and electronics.
• Benefits: This reduces overall fuel dependency, lowers operational costs, and decreases greenhouse gas emissions. It is particularly effective on vessels with limited space for larger engines or battery systems.
• Current Status: Linda Behnken, executive director of ALFA, notes that while solar technology is promising for the seafood processing sector, its application for small-scale commercial fishing boats requires further development, highlighting a need for continued progress under SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure).

Harnessing Wind Power for Sustainable Operations

Wind power is another renewable source being considered to advance the industry’s sustainability objectives. The installation of small wind turbines on vessels can supplement traditional power, furthering the goals of SDG 7 and SDG 13.

• Potential: Wind turbines can help offset energy demands and reduce fuel consumption, especially during long-haul trips in favorable wind conditions.
• Suitability: The effectiveness of wind power is vessel-dependent. It is most suitable for boats with larger superstructures or those operating in offshore environments.

Collaborative Innovation: A Model for SDG 17

Strategic partnerships are essential for driving the technological advancements required for a low-carbon fleet. The collaboration between ALFA, the Department of Energy’s Vehicle Technology Office (VTO), and Kempy Energetics exemplifies SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals).

1. The VTO Project: This partnership focuses on reducing carbon emissions from Alaska’s fishing fleet through the development of hybrid propulsion systems.
2. Kempy Energetics: Founded by Chandler Kemp, this firm provides specialized energy audits and develops cost-effective, sustainable energy solutions. Its work with ALFA on hybrid-electric systems for fishing vessels is a direct application of SDG 9, fostering innovation for sustainable industrial practices.
3. Hybrid Systems: According to ALFA, a hybrid diesel-electric system is the most feasible next step. These systems can work synergistically with wind and solar technologies to significantly decrease the fleet’s reliance on fossil fuels.

Future Outlook and Challenges for a Sustainable Fleet

The long-term vision of a fully electric fishing fleet faces significant technological hurdles, underscoring the ongoing need for innovation to fully realize the industry’s potential contributions to the SDGs.

• Primary Challenge: The energy demands of Alaska’s fishing operations, characterized by long trips and heavy power needs, make all-electric vessels currently unfeasible. Key limitations exist in battery storage capacity and power management systems.
• Path Forward: Continued investment in research and development is crucial. While a fully electric fleet remains a distant goal, the incremental adoption of solar, wind, and hybrid systems plays a vital role in reducing the industry’s environmental impact.
• Conclusion: Through continued innovation and strategic partnerships, wind and solar power are poised to become increasingly important components of a sustainable fishing future in Alaska, reinforcing the industry’s commitment to SDG 7, SDG 13, and the long-term health of marine ecosystems as outlined in SDG 14.

1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?

1. SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy

   • The article’s central theme is the fishing industry’s effort to “reduce its reliance on fossil fuels” by exploring and adopting renewable energy sources like “wind and solar power.” This directly aligns with the goal of increasing the use of clean energy.

2. SDG 13: Climate Action

   • The motivation for adopting renewable energy is explicitly stated as an effort to “reduce carbon emissions from Alaska’s fishing fleet” and “minimize their environmental impact.” This is a direct measure to combat climate change and its impacts.

3. SDG 9: Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure

   • The article discusses technological innovation, such as the development of “hybrid propulsion systems” and improvements in “battery storage and power management systems.” It also describes retrofitting industrial infrastructure (fishing vessels) with new technologies like solar panels and wind turbines to make them more sustainable.

4. SDG 14: Life Below Water

   • The entire context is the fishing industry. By seeking to reduce emissions and reliance on fossil fuels, the industry is working to minimize its environmental impact on marine ecosystems. The article concludes by mentioning the goal of achieving a “sustainable fishing future,” which is fundamental to protecting life below water.

2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?

1. SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy

   • Target 7.2: By 2030, increase substantially the share of renewable energy in the global energy mix.
     • The article directly addresses this by discussing how “wind and solar power have become an increasingly discussed option for commercial fishing vessels” and how they can serve as a “valuable supplement to traditional power sources” to reduce fuel consumption.
   • Target 7.3: By 2030, double the global rate of improvement in energy efficiency.
     • The article highlights that solar panels can power non-propulsion systems like “refrigeration, lighting, and electronics, potentially reducing fuel consumption.” This is a direct improvement in energy efficiency. The work of Kempy Energetics in conducting “energy audits” also points to this target.

2. SDG 13: Climate Action

   • Target 13.2: Integrate climate change measures into national policies, strategies and planning.
     • The collaboration between the Alaska Longline Fishermen’s Association (ALFA) and the “Department of Energy’s Vehicle Technology Office (VTO)” demonstrates the integration of climate mitigation strategies (reducing fleet emissions) into sectoral planning and technological development, supported by a government entity.

3. SDG 9: Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure

   • Target 9.4: By 2030, upgrade infrastructure and retrofit industries to make them sustainable, with increased resource-use efficiency and greater adoption of clean and environmentally sound technologies and industrial processes.
     • This target is perfectly illustrated by the article’s focus on retrofitting fishing vessels with “solar panels,” “small wind turbines,” and “hybrid diesel-electric” systems. This represents a direct effort to upgrade an industry’s infrastructure with cleaner technology to improve sustainability and efficiency.

4. SDG 14: Life Below Water

   • Target 14.2: By 2020, sustainably manage and protect marine and coastal ecosystems to avoid significant adverse impacts.
     • Although the target date has passed, the principle is relevant. The effort to “minimize their environmental impact” by reducing fossil fuel use is a direct action to protect the marine ecosystem from the adverse impacts of pollution associated with vessel operations.

3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?

1. For SDG 7 Targets:

   • Implied Indicator for Target 7.2 (related to 7.2.1: Renewable energy share): The number of fishing vessels adopting solar and wind power. The article implies this by stating that “Many Alaskan vessel owners have begun adopting renewable energy technologies” and that adding turbines “could make a lot of sense” for some boats. Tracking the adoption rate would measure the increasing share of renewables.
   • Implied Indicator for Target 7.3 (related to 7.3.1: Energy intensity): Reduction in fuel consumption per vessel. The article states that solar panels and wind turbines can “reduce fuel consumption.” The work of Kempy Energetics, which “specializes in energy audits,” directly implies the measurement of energy use to identify and quantify reductions.

2. For SDG 13 Targets:

   • Implied Indicator for Target 13.2 (related to 13.2.2: Total greenhouse gas emissions): Reduction in carbon emissions from the fishing fleet. The article explicitly mentions ALFA’s efforts to “reduce carbon emissions from Alaska’s fishing fleet” as a primary goal. This is a direct, measurable indicator of progress.

3. For SDG 9 Targets:

   • Implied Indicator for Target 9.4 (related to 9.4.1: CO2 emission per unit of value added): The rate of investment in and adoption of clean technologies. The article discusses the “VTO Project,” the development of “hybrid-electric for fishing vessels,” and the need for “continued innovation and investment.” Tracking these investments and the number of vessels retrofitted would serve as an indicator of progress.

4. For SDG 14 Targets:

   • Implied Indicator for Target 14.2: Implementation of measures to reduce pollution from vessels. The adoption of renewable and hybrid energy systems is a tangible measure to reduce the “environmental impact” of the fishing fleet on the marine environment, serving as a process indicator for protecting the ecosystem.

4. Table of SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

Source: nationalfisherman.com