Comparative Assessment of Fuel-Use and Carbon-Emission Intensities of the Fishing Systems at Chinnamuttom Fishing Harbour, India

Abstract Fuel consumption and associated carbon dioxide (CO₂) emissions are important indicators of the operational energy performance of capture fisheries. This study compared fuel-use intensity (FUI) and carbon-emission intensity (CEI) among trawlers, gillnetters and longliners operating from Chinnamuttom Fishing Harbour, Kanyakumari, Tamil Nadu, during December 2025–May 2026. Operational data on fuel consumption and landed catch were used to estimate FUI, expressed as kilograms of fuel consumed per kilogram of fish landed, and CEI, expressed as kilograms of CO₂ emitted per kilogram of fish landed. Fuel-related CO₂ emissions were estimated using fuel-specific emission factors. The results showed clear differences in the two indicators among fishing systems. Trawlers recorded the highest mean FUI (0.533 kg fuel kg⁻¹ fish) and CEI (1.673 kg CO₂ kg⁻¹ fish), followed by gillnetters (0.337 kg fuel kg⁻¹ fish and 0.947 kg CO₂ kg⁻¹ fish). Longliners recorded the lowest mean values, with an FUI of 0.301 kg fuel kg⁻¹ fish and a CEI of 0.844 kg CO₂ kg⁻¹ fish. Monthly variation was also evident: trawlers exhibited their highest FUI and CEI in February, while gillnetters recorded their highest values in April. Longliner intensities showed a slight decline between March and May. These findings indicate that the fishing systems differed in fuel use and estimated operational CO₂ emissions relative to landed catch during the study period. The results provide a location-specific baseline for assessing energy use and operational emissions at Chinnamuttom Fishing Harbour. However, the six-month observation period and the shorter sampling window for longliners limit annual comparisons. Year-round monitoring with consistent fuel-conversion procedures and vessel- and trip-level data is needed to strengthen comparative assessments and identify opportunities for improving fuel efficiency.