posted 12-07-2004 10:56 AM                    

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2. The manufacture of ice

2.1 Sea or freshwater

When considering the manufacture of ice on board fishing vessels, seawater will be the natural choice of raw material. When considering whether to use fresh or seawater in land-based plants, the decision will depend on several factors, such as the availability of regular supplies, the location of the ice plant and the intended use of the ice (e.g. for use on board fishing vessels or on shore). Whatever type of water is used, it must be remembered that the resultant ice will come into direct contact with food. For this reason it is essential that the water used is free from contamination that could cause risks to human health or tainting of the fish so that it becomes unacceptable. This implies that the water must be of drinking-water quality and comply with the safety standards laid down by such bodies as the World Health Organization.

The use of seawater ice for chilling fish has been studied for several years and, with the development of suitable small ice machines that can be installed on board fishing vessels, this alternative is becoming more feasible for fishermen. The main advantages of the use of seawater ice are:

It can be produced at sea or on shore where shortages of freshwater are a serious problem or where freshwater is expensive.

Since space on fishing vessels is limited, the ability to produce ice when and if it is needed, rather than having to predict needs before a fishing trip begins, can have practical advantages.

Slightly lower storage temperatures can be obtained with seawater ice; therefore the shelf-life of fish can be prolonged. Commercially available flake/scale ice machines can manufacture seawater ice with a temperature from -9 °C to -20 °C and a variable percentage of salt content.

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