The firm Fish Supply in Tromsø is behind the idea, and together with Fiskeriforskning, has developed the bag that has been named Bargo.
The bag resembles a windsock, and is constructed such that the water current inside the bag can vary independent of how fast it is towed through the sea.
Suitable for different species
The water speed flowing through the bag is regulated by adjusting the size of the opening at the back of the bag, and the water current can thus be adapted to the swimming speed that is suitable for different species.
The fish can swim slowly and calmly while being transported towards its destination. When the bag reaches a certain speed, it is pushed down just below the surface where the water resistance is less. Like a submarine, it will run far better submerged than in surface position because it requires less engine power and saves energy.
Faster transport
"One of the advantages of the bag is that live fish can be transported much faster than today. For example, a tow of saithe that takes 30 hours with a regular seine bag takes only six hours with the new towing bag", says Senior Scientist Kjell Midling.
Together with Scientist Kåre Aas, he has played a key role in practical testing and adaptation of the bag since the beginning of the project six years ago.
"Now we have a product that we know works. We have sold the first bag to a firm in Canada that uses it to transport herring from the catch area to the production plant", says Inge Henning Jenssen, the man behind the idea of a towing bag for fish.
Testing and documentation
"We will continue with testing and documentation of utilisation potentials, and Fiskeriforskning has an important role in this work with its special competence", says John Ingar Jenssen, son of the inventor and General Manager of Fish Supply, the company they have formed on the basis of the towing bag.
Scientist Kjell Midling also emphasises the importance of collaborating with the fishermen in the development work.
"It is very useful. Their experience and insight makes it easier for us to develop and adapt the technology for practical use."
Facts about the bag
- The bag is towed at speeds up to 7 knots (compared to today, where the speed for towing live fish is around 1.5 knots)
- The bag is made in different sizes, according to need. The largest holds 100 tonnes of fish.
- The wall in the bag is made of the same material used in airbags in cars.
- The firm Rantex in Mo i Rana sews the actual bag, while the Refa Frøystad Group in Finnsnes supplies the other materials. The latter also has responsibility for marketing and sales in Norway and a number of other Northern European countries.
- The bag is patent protected in all major fishing countries.
- Won first prize in the Venture Cup in 2001, a national competition for new business ideas.
- The bag is developed in collaboration with Fiskeriforskning and is financed by Innovation Norway, the Norwegian Raw Fish Organisation and the Fishery and Aquaculture Industry Research Fund. Fish Supply has also used its own funds in the project.
If you would like to know more about this subject, please contact Senior Scientist Kjell Midling, direct telephone (+47) 77 62 90 13, or visit the manufacturer of the towing bag at www.bargo.no.
