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Nofima Mat, the Norwegian Institute of Food, Fisheries and Aquaculture Research, has looked at the correlation between the choice of gear, vessel size, catch size and the quality of raw materials from the coastal fleet and has reported findings that indicate the quality is deteriorating.
The results of the study indicate that structuring in the coastal fleet has led to catch efficiency gaining greater priority than quality.
Hook-caught fish from small vessels gives the best quality and least variation, but nonetheless reduces these landings in the coastal fleet. The perception in the fishing industry is that the raw material quality from large catches from large vessels is the worst. The catch size has increased for all vessel groups.
The pricing system gives room for fish buyers to make a deduction for poor quality and to pay more than the minimum price for premium quality but this only happens to a small degree
No documentation is currently available to show that a general raise in quality of the raw material provides increased added value.
In the study, Nofima points out that the regulatory process could be used to help improve the quality of fresh raw materials.
“However, this should not be done until the potential of increased added value as a result of increased quality may be documented,” said the project manager, scientist Edgar Henriksen.
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