Rotatable Fish Drying Frame

The Rotatable Fish Drying Frame is aimed at formalising a specific fish-drying process already used by different communities in Africa. The frame allows for the drying of up to 100 kg of fresh fish at a time using the existing iteration. The key principle is that after one week of drying, the drum containing the fish may easily be rotated 180° in a rural or coastal setting without mechanical or electrical assistance. At this point, the drying process may run (2 weeks) to completion after removing the drying bin, and the frame itself, which can then be used for the next batch to be dried.

The concept is best applied where there is an abundance of fish (whether primary or by-catch) but a lack of services and utilities. In an ideal situation, this drying process would take place in a basic venue or processing area prior to the dried fish being packed and stored. The low water activity and other ingredients used would then also contribute to the shelf life of the product for local consumption or export to a large African market.

Benefits:

• The drying method itself is a proven one, both in terms of microbiological safety and shelf-life of the dried product.
• It is easy to rotate and dry multiple batches of fish with no need for electricity and/or further mechanical assistance in remote coastal or riverine areas.
• It may be used in remote sites where access to the market for the sale of fresh fish is not easy.
• It may be used for drying by-catch species, which generally has a low selling price or which are dumped.

Offering:

 We are seeking a licensing partner who is interested in licensing and commercialising the product.