Traditionally containers made from bamboo, cane and grasses
were used to transport fish from when they were caught, to where they would be
sold or consumed. With the continued
industrialisation of the fishing industry, however, came an increasing need for
insulated fish boxes that would protect the fish during transit, so that they
could be sold in perfect condition.
Plastic is probably the most common material now used for
the humble fish box. Why? Because it is very effective at keeping the
fish at the right temperature when filled with ice, as the plastic delivers
good insulating properties and low ice meltage rates.
Plastic fish boxes are easy to get hold of as ready-made
items, and offer a number of advantages to the fishing industry, namely:
·
Making the handling of fish products easier by
reducing the need to frequently handle
·
Protecting the fish from damage during transit –
the smooth internal base ensures that the fish is not marked under the weight
of the ice
·
Insulating and chilling the fish for longer,
meaning that fishing trips can be extended to increase catch, and reduce costs
·
Once emptied and thoroughly cleaned, the fish
box can be used again
As you would expect of any plastic product, these fish boxes
are lightweight and strong. They can be easily stacked and stored, so that they
don’t get in the way when not in use – which is paramount within the confines
of a fishing vessel, and also during transportation.
It is not just freshly caught fish that needs to be
transported during this way but also prepared fish – in terms of fillets and
portions that are ready to go to restaurants and supermarkets. Fish
boxes made from plastic are the ideal storage container in this instance,
as they will protect the fish and ensure it arrives at the retail or food
outlet in a perfectly fresh condition.
Will we ever go back to bamboo or cane fish baskets?
These traditional items are still used by certain people
around the world – such as the tribes of Jharkhand in India, who use local
bamboo to make their fish baskets – and it is worth remembering that the
construction of these items provides a much needed income for the local
people. However, in the industrial age
of fishing where time is of the essence, wastage must be kept to a minimum and high
quality provided to the end consumer, this is where insulated plastic fish
boxes really are the best option.
