|
|
Increasing the utilization and value of fishery resources
Increasing the utilization and value of fishery resources
Problem Statement
New processing technologies are needed to improve the utilization and value of
declining marine fish stocks and reduce the disposal of fish-processing wastes
into the environment. When shellfish become contaminated with microbes from
natural sources, shellfish growers suffer as a result of regulatory closures
and loss of consumer confidence.
Critical factors
- Processing practices determine how efficiently a resource is converted into
products and how much waste is discharged into the environment.
- Fish meal produced from fish-processing waste usually has low value because
of its high bone content.
- Some bacteria accumulate in shellfish tissues and threaten human health.
For example, Vibrio vulnificus, which occurs naturally in estuaries,
can cause severe illness and death.
- Other species of Vibrio bacteria found in shellfish (e.g., V.
parahaemolyticus) cause gastrointestinal illnesses in humans.
- Outbreaks of V. vulnificus have caused loss of consumer confidence,
restrictions on shellfish harvest, and economic losses to the shellfish industry.
Status of research
Researchers at the Northwest Fisheries Science Center (NWFSC) are approaching
fuller utilization of marine resources on two fronts. First, they are developing
methods which recover more flesh from targeted fish species. Most recently,
they have developed a new method for producing surimi for human consumption
from fillet trimmings of cod, pollack and underutilized species such as arrowtooth
flounder. This process is more efficient and cost-effective than the traditional
way of making surimi, although it has not yet proven its ability to produce surimi
of equal quality. Second, NWFSC scientists are working to identify and control
naturally-occurring microbial pathogens that are present in shellfish and limit
harvest. Blocking the ability of these bacteria to adhere to oyster tissue is one
approach being taken to reduce their presence in shellfish.
Future considerations
NWFSC researchers will continue to develop new methods of production that increase
the value of fish species which are not heavily exploited. At the same time, they
will strive to significantly reduce processing wastes and control seafood-borne
pathogens. Reducing wastes should improve the coastal environment, decrease costs
of waste disposal, and help create healthier coastal economies. New microbiological
methods of controlling seafood-borne pathogens will decrease risks to human health and
welfare, improve consumer confidence, and benefit coastal communities that are
economically dependent on this important industry.
Key Players
Resource Enhancement & Utilization Technologies (REUT) Division , NWFSC
University of Alaska
University of Washington
Oregon State University
University of California, Davis
Alaska Fisheries Development Foundation
Alaska Seafood Marketing Association
Interstate Shellfish Sanitation Conference
PacRim Shellfish Sanitation Conference
Contact: Dr. Walton Dickhoff, Director, REUT Division (206/860-3234)
NWFSC Issue Paper REUT 6204
Issue Papers Home
last modified 2002-07-30
|
|
