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As well as careful handling of rigid containers, boxes or baskets with frames can be used as protective packaging to prevent physical damage. Any rigid packaging must be strong enough to allow stacking without the packaging collapsing or compressing the products. Packaging must not break due to normal handling and must be strong enough to withstand transport. Packaging should not make carrying difficult and should contain up to 15kg of product. 

If artisanal fish products have not been fully dried and are left in storage for too long, moulds will inevitably grow on exposed surfaces. The obvious way of preventing mould is to dry the product fully in the first place. However, this can be complicated by several factors: it can be difficult to judge when a product is dry (e.g. a product may be dry on the surface but damp inside); there is a tendency not to dry product too much if the end product is to be sold by weight; and high humidity can result in the uptake of moisture by a product during storage. 

Moulds can be removed with water and products re-dried or re-smoked. However, a long-term solution is to use storage facilities which are well designed with good ventilation and which are protected from rain and groundwater. During rainy seasons it will be important to inspect the stored products every few days. Fish with high mold growth must be discarded because of the risk of mycotoxins.   

Good packaging can prevent mould attack by keeping the fish dry. Fish products can be packed in cardboard boxes which are covered with polythene to prevent the ingress of moisture. Plastic is preferred over other the materials as it is water proof. However, if plastic is to be used as packaging, the fish product must be properly dried and not damp. 

Fish is susceptible to beetle infestation once the moisture content is lowered. Therefore, artisanal fish products are subject to beetle infestation throughout storage and transportation and the potential for FLW is great. There are several approaches to controlling FLW caused by insect (beetle) infestation: 

Damage from animal pests, such as rodents, can be controlled by careful design of the building used for storage. Simple precautions include avoiding large gaps in the construction through which animals may enter. Ventilation openings must be screened against birds. Careful choice of packing materials can also afford some protection for fish during storage (e.g. plastic or metal sheet boxes). Implementing a proper pest management system is also advisable. 

Rancidity due to oxidation will affect fatty fish more than lean fish. Oxidation requires contact with air, so packaging which provides an air tight barrier will help reduce oxidation. Salt is known to accelerate oxidation. Antioxidants and chelators are used on food products to prevent oxidation.