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News

Is the fish exhausted? How to respond?

It is known that if Icelanders are to handle a similar proportion of farmed fish products as we have obtained, it can be estimated that two hundred times as much aquaculture production is needed in this country. Global demand for aquaculture products, food originating in either fresh water or salty sea is expected to increase globally. The increased demand will drive increased production, new solutions and better utilization.

Research on the environmental impact of food value chains is and will be important in the future, as with an ever-increasing population, the strain on the earth's resources and the growing environmental impact, radical changes and new approaches to production methods are needed.

Birgir Örn Smárason at Matís has started doctoral studies at the University of Iceland in the field of environmental and resource studies. Birgir's work facilities are in Matís' office in Akureyri in Borgir við Norðurslóð, where emphasis is placed on the sustainable utilization of Arctic resources. Birgir's doctoral studies are in the spirit of the recent framework agreement between Matís and the University of Akureyri, especially on integrating research and development projects in the field of sustainable resource utilization.

The doctoral program aims to analyze the possibility of using new raw materials in fish feed from other types of organic matter than traditional use. Therefore, the environmental impact of the value chain of fisheries and aquaculture will be examined with a life cycle analysis in terms of resource use in comparison with other food production. The analysis of these value chains will be twofold, because with new ideas and solutions in the utilization of resources, it is necessary to have a measurable comparison to assess the effect of changes in the value chains. The development and possibilities of biomaterials in feed will be analyzed based on the utilization of resources, the composition of feed and biology and nutrition, as well as the development of new types of feed.

One of the key factors for prosperity in the future is research and development in the bioeconomy. The bioeconomy refers to the use of limited resources, or non-renewable resources, being minimized or replaced by the use of renewable resources, sustainable living and production where materials and energy are renewed as fast as we use them. Strengthening the global bioeconomy has positive consequences, such as economic growth and job creation in rural areas, reduced use and demand for fossil fuels, improved food security and improved economic and environmental sustainability of primary production and production companies, as well as better ensuring the continued existence of the environment.

For further information Arnljótur Bjarki Bergsson, division manager of Resources and Products at Matís.

News

Icelanders lead research project worth almost ISK 1 billion - fisheries management in Europe in focus

Iceland is playing a leading role in a new multinational project funded by the 7th European Research Program, valued at ISK 943 million (EUR 6 million).

MareFrame project: "Co-creating Ecosystem-based Fisheries Management Solutions"

Matís and University of Iceland play a leading role in a new large-scale multinational project that the 7th European Research Program has decided to fund for four years. The short title of the project is MareFrame and has the English title: "Co-creating Ecosystem-based Fisheries Management Solutions“. The grant amounts to EUR 6 million, but the total cost of the project is EUR 7.8 million. Iceland's share in the project amounts to approximately ISK 275 million, which will be divided between Matís, the University of Iceland and the Marine Research Institute. The grant is one of the largest project grants awarded in Europe in this field.

Matís is the project manager of MareFrame, which means that Matís is responsible for, among other things, managing the project's progress and communication with funders. All funding goes to Matís, which then pays its domestic and foreign partners. There is a lot of competition for research grants from the 7th research program. MareFrame received 14 points out of 15 possible in the opinion of the professional committee, which is a great result. With this, Icelandic scientists become even more established in international scientific collaboration.

The MareFrame project will develop a multi-stock fisheries management system and find ways to facilitate its implementation in Europe. Emphasis is placed on ecological, sustainable, social and economic management. Emphasis is also placed on co-operation with fishermen, fishing companies and processing, as well as other stakeholders involved in fisheries management.

Three out of every four fish stocks in the European Union are overfished today, of which 47% are in the Atlantic and 80% are in the Mediterranean, so there is a great need for new ways of managing fisheries. The European Union's fisheries policy is under review and, among other things, ways are being sought to curb overfishing.

One of the goals of the MareFrame project is to build on what has been successful in fisheries management, including the use of the Icelandic multi-stock model "Gadget"Which is also used widely abroad. At the same time, there is increased co-operation with those involved in fishing and processing in the fisheries sector, as well as other stakeholders in the development of fisheries management systems, which is a key factor in the implementation of the fisheries management system. MareFrame will, among other things, develop visual interfaces, computer games and computer-assisted learning techniques to present results and management methods, which learning techniques are partly the result of Icelandic research.

The MareFrame project involves a total of 28 institutions, companies and universities in 10 European countries (Denmark, Sweden, Finland, Poland, the United Kingdom, Spain, Italy, Romania, Norway and Iceland) as well as researchers from South Africa, Australia and New Zealand.

Dr. Anna Kristín Daníelsdóttir, division manager at Matís, is the project manager and dr. Gunnar Stefánsson, professor at the Faculty of Science at the University of Iceland, is the scientific project manager.

The inaugural meeting of the MareFrame project will be held at Matís' premises in Reykjavík on 11 - 13 February 2014.

The Drying Manual

Contact

Sigurjón Arason

Chief Engineer

sigurjon.arason@matis.is

Drying of fish

Matís has recently been working to increase the supply of accessible educational material related to the production of seafood. Some time ago, an electronic manual on the production of salted fish was published, and now a manual on drying fish is published.

Drying is one of the most important production methods for preserving food, and in Iceland this method has certainly been used since the beginning of the settlement. The knowledge and skills passed from person to person as each household had to take care of its own food production. Nowadays, this knowledge is far from being as general and it is therefore necessary to summarize the most important aspects of drying in educational books that can be used by producers, the general public in search of information or as textbooks in schools.

The making of this book was funded by Matís and the AVS Fund also supported the publication.

The manual can be accessed here: The Drying Manual - Diverse and useful information on drying fish.

News

Very successful consultation meetings

Matís, Matvælastofnun (MAST) and the Ministry of Industry and Innovation yesterday invited a consultation meeting on safe food | Consumer protection and business interests

Safe foods | Consumer protection and business interests

The meeting held at Sjávarútvegshúsið Skúlagata 4 was extremely good, as well as the same kind of meeting that Matvælastofnun offered in the afternoon in Selfoss. Both meetings were full of people and a great and good discussion ensued. The purpose of these consultation meetings was to present the Safe Food project and discuss the state of food safety in Iceland.

The Safe Foods project was originally part of the IPA plan for Iceland's accession negotiations with the EU, but has now been launched in the form of a bilateral project between the German and Icelandic governments. The status of food security in Iceland will be discussed in the light of being able to sell food both domestically and on the international market. Meeting guests will be given the opportunity to present their views and questions in a panel discussion at the end of the meeting.

The Safe Food project is intended to ensure food safety and protect Icelandic consumers. The project enables the Icelandic authorities, the Food Administration and the municipal health inspectorate to better enforce legislation on food safety and consumer protection. Safe food is developed in collaboration with Matís, Matvælastofnun, the Ministry of Industry and Innovation, the Federal Ministry of Food and Agriculture (BMEL), the Federal Institute for Risk Assessment (BfR) and the Lower Saxony State Office for Consumer Protection and Food Safety (LAVES) in Germany.

Safe foods | Food safety

The Safe Foods project will undoubtedly be a great springboard for Icelandic consumers, regulators and not least for producers and retailers. Consumers want more information about the substances that are and are not in the foods they consume and manufacturers and retailers also want this information to further increase consumer confidence in their products.

Further information can be found in the document Safe foods | Actions and yields and at Margrét Björk Sigurðardóttir from Matvælastofnun (MAST) and at Helga Gunnlaugsdóttir from Matís.

News

Matís at the Future Days of the Universities 2014

The Future Days of the Universities 2014 will be held on February 5 in Sólinn at Reykjavík University between 11-16.

As usual, Matís will have a large booth and will present his activities throughout the day.

Further information can be found at Framadaga website and at Jón Haukur Arnarson, Matís' human resources manager or Steinar B. Aðalbjörnsson, Matís' marketing manager.

About Framadaga

Framadagar is an annual event in university life where some of the country's leading companies present their activities to university students. The AIESEC student organization organizes Future Days every year. The Future Days of the Universities in 2014 will be held at Reykjavík University on Wednesday 5 February from 11-16. Students from all universities in the country come to the place to get to know the human resources managers of the country's main companies - and hopefully if they are lucky - apply for a job.

Future days 2014

This year, 60 exciting companies have announced their arrival and many lectures have been scheduled. Here you can view the brochure Framadaga 2014.

News

Nha Trang University in Vietnam and Matís sign a partnership agreement

The co-operation agreement is based on a draft agreement (MoU) signed by the United Nations University-Fisheries Training Program and Nha Trang University (NTU) on 30 May 2013. Matís and Nha Trang University's Food Science Agreement stipulates a five-year co-operation (2013 -2018).

The NTU Food Science Department was established in Vietnam in 1959. Over the past 50 years, the department has built up extensive research and teaching expertise and has graduated more than 5,000 food engineers, more than 1,000 food scientists (BSc) and hundreds of technical experts in fisheries and food science. NTU collaborates with over 300 companies in Vietnam and the university's contribution to the development of food production in the country is very large.

NTU's Food Science Department has about 60 employees, of which 90% have a master's or doctoral degree. Many of them have been educated in Japan, France, Iceland, Norway, Australia, Russia and beyond. There are now more than 3,000 students at the Faculty of Food Science at all levels, from students in technological development to doctoral students.

Matís is very pleased to announce a collaboration with Nha Trang University in the knowledge that the collaboration will be successful.

For more information Sveinn Margeirsson, CEO of Matís.

Reports

Use of canola oil in winter feed for salmon in the sea / Use of canola oil in winterdiets for Atlantic salmon

Published:

01/02/2014

Authors:

Jón Árnason, Jón Örn Pálsson, Gunnar Örn Kristjánsson, Ólafur Ingi Sigurgeirsson, Arnþór Gústafsson

Supported by:

AVS fund reference no. R 089‐12

Use of canola oil in winter feed for salmon in the sea / Use of canola oil in winterdiets for Atlantic salmon

An experiment was performed with different amounts of rapeseed oil (0, 50 and 80%) in winter feed for 570 grams of salmon raised in the sea with 28.2 ‰ salt (26 - 34 ‰) at an average temperature of 4.5˚C (3.8 - 5 , 6˚C). The fish doubled in weight during the 152-day trial period. TGC3 was an average of 2.9. The fat content of the feed had very little effect on the growth, feed intake, feed utilization and volume content of fish fillets. The composition of the feed fat did not have much effect on the color of the fillets, although fish that were fed only fish oil gave significantly (p = 0.017) lighter fillets than fish that were fed with rapeseed oil. The type of fat in the feed, however, had a significant effect on the fatty acid composition of the fat in both the feed and the fat in the fillets, especially the EPA, DHA content and the ratio of n-6 and n-3 fatty acids. However, the results show that the effect in the fillet fat is much smaller than in the feed fat, especially with the fatty acid DHA. It seems that DHA converts feed fat into fillet fat rather than using it as an energy source.

An experiment with different inclusion of Canola oil (0, 50 and 80%) in diets for 570 grams Atlantic salmon that was reared in sea water with average salinity of 28.2 ‰ (26 - 34 ‰) at average temperature of 4.5˚ C (3.8 - 5.6˚C). The fish doubled its weight during the 152 days trial period. TGC3 was on average 2.9. The fat type had had only minor effects on growth, feed intake, feed conversion and nutrient content in filet. The fat type in the diet did not have much effect on the filet color even though the fish that got feed with fish oil was significantly (p = 0.017) lighter in filet color than fish that got diets with Canola oil. Composition of the diets had market effect on the fatty acid composition of both dietary fat and filet fat in particular the content of EPA and DHA and the n ‐ 6 to n ‐ 3 ratio. However the results show lower effect in the filet fat than in the dietary fat, particularly regarding the content of DHA indicating that the fish is directing that fatty acid towards the storage lipid in the filet rather than using it as energy source.

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Reports

Survey of inorganic trace elements and aromatic polycyclic (PAH) in mussels and sediments at Grundartangi, Hvalfjörður, 2013 / Evaluation of inorganic trace elements and aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in blue mussel (Mytilus edulis) and sediment at Grundartangi, Hvalfjörður, 2013

Published:

01/02/2014

Authors:

Hrönn Ólína Jörundsdóttir, Natasa Desnica, Þuríður Ragnarsdóttir, Helga Gunnlaugsdóttir

Supported by:

Norðurál hf., Elkem hf

Survey of inorganic trace elements and aromatic polycyclic (PAH) in mussels and sediments at Grundartangi, Hvalfjörður, 2013 / Evaluation of inorganic trace elements and aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in blue mussel (Mytilus edulis) and sediment at Grundartangi, Hvalfjörður, 2013

The aim of the study is to assess the possible polluting effects of industrial plants at Grundartangi on the marine environment in Hvalfjörður. Environmental monitoring began in 2000 and was repeated in 2004, 2007 and 2011, as well as the implementation of monitoring was reviewed, including the addition of sampling sites and the number of measuring factors increased. This report reports the results of monitoring measurements on samples from 2013. Wild mussels (Mytilus edulis) were placed in cages at seven different stations along the coast at Grundartangi, on the north side of Hvalfjörður, including one reference point at Saurbæjarvík. The mussel cages were then picked up and examined two months later. To assess natural fluctuations in the concentration of substances and the size of mussels, one control sample was taken and frozen as soon as the mussel was put out for cultivation. Mortality and growth of mussels together with the main components (water, fat, ash and salt) were measured at the end of the study. The following inorganic trace elements and organic compounds were also measured in the soft tissue of mussels; arsenic, cadmium, copper, zinc, chromium, nickel, mercury, selenium, lead, vanadium, aluminum, iron, fluorine and 18 polycyclic hydrocarbons (PAHs). PAHs were also measured in sediment samples taken at the same locations as the mussel samples. There was not much difference between the stations, neither in terms of biological factors nor the main chemical factors in mussels. Mortality was low and in general the mussel seemed to be doing well. Inorganic trace elements were at a similar concentration or lower compared to previous studies and were measured at a similar concentration as in mussels from unpolluted places around the country and always at a lower concentration than the Norwegian limit for contaminated areas. Cadmium (Cd) was measured above the Norwegian minimum limit, but its concentration in mussels decreased during the fire at the factory sites. Therefore, it is not considered that high cadmium concentrations are associated with the industrial plants at Grundartangi, but are naturally associated with high background concentrations in the Icelandic environment. In cases where there are maximum levels for inorganic trace elements in food (Cd, Hg, Pb) their concentration in mussels after two months at sea near the establishments is always well below the maximum levels for food. Only 4 PAHs were detected above the volume detection limit in mussels, which is more than in 2011. Perylene and pyrene were always in the highest concentration of the 4 PAHs detected, but phenanthrene and fluoranthena in the lower concentration. However, the concentration of PAHs in mussels was always below the Norwegian limit values for contaminated areas for mussels. PAHs were detected in all but one of the sediment samples and it is likely that these PAHs in the sediment are related to industrial activities and shipping traffic in the area. Compared to the Norwegian reference values, all measured sediment sampling sites, outside the reference site, are classified as mild mild areas where the increase in PAH concentration is measured based on the definition of background area. This is the first time that measurements of PAHs have been carried out in sediment samples in this environmental monitoring for the industrial plants at Grundartangi and therefore it is not possible to compare the results with previous measurements. The effects of the industrial plants on mussels around Grundartangi appear to be limited if the substances measured in this study are taken into account. The impact on the ecosystem could be small, but small, compared to Norwegian and Canadian borders. It is therefore necessary to closely monitor and monitor the environment and the ecosystem in order to detect changes in pollution levels in this area. It is recommended to add another reference point outside Hvalfjörður.

The aim of this study is to estimate potential impacts of organic and inorganic pollutants on the costal marine ecosystem in proximity to the industrial activities at Grundartangi. The monitoring started in the year 2000 and hassince then been revised in terms of additional sample sites and measured elements and repeated in 2004, 2007 and 2011. This report summarizes the results obtained in the study performed in 2013. Caged mussels (Mytilus edulis) from a homogenous population were positioned at seven different locations along the coast close to Grundartangi industries including a reference cage at Saurbæjarvík. The mussel cages were then taken up after a two month monitoring period. In order to enable assessment of natural changes in compound concentration and mussel size over time, a reference sample was taken from the mussel pool when the cages were initially deployed at their monitoring sites. Death rate and growth of mussels as well as their main constituents (water, fat, ash and salt) were evaluated at the end of the monitoring period. Similarly, the following trace elements and organic compounds were analyzed in the soft mussel tissue: As, Cd, Cu, Zn, Cr, Ni, Hg, Se, Pb, V, Al, Fe, F and 18 PAHs. PAHs were also analyzed in sediment samples taken from the same sites. Little variation was observed in main constituents and biological factors between the different sample sites. Death rate was low and the mussels thrived well. In general, inorganic trace elements were similar or in lower concentration compared to previous years and always below the Norwegian environmental standards, except in the case of cadmium (Cd) that exceeded the lowest Norwegian environmental limit. The Cd concentration decreased in the mussels during the monitoring period which indicates that the Cd concentration is not related to the industrial activity at Grundartangi, but rather to a natural high Cd background concentration in the Icelandic environment. However, Cd as well as Hg and Pb meet the EU maximum limits for food consumption. Only 4 PAH congeners were detected above limits of quantification in the mussel samples. Perylene and pyrene were always in highest concentration of the 4 PAH congeners detected while phenanthrene and fluoranthrene were in lower concentration. The PAH concentration never exceeded the Norwegian standards for total PAH concentration for mussels. All or most PAHs were detected in all sediment samples except that no PAHs were detected at one sample site (S6). All sites except for the reference site fall into the category slight or moderate impactsites due increase in PAH concentration when compared to Norwegian reference values and below occasional effect levels compared to Canadian criteria. This is the first time that PAHs are analyzed in sediment samples to monitor the impact of the industrial activities at Grundartangi and thus it is not possible to compare these results with previous monitoring results. In conclusion, the effects of the industries at Grundartangi appear to be limited for the chemical compounds analyzed in the mussels. The impact on biota sediment seems to be low to moderate. Therefore, it is important to maintain frequent monitoring studies of the marine ecosystem near the Grundartanga industrial activities in order to be able to detect changes in pollution burden. An additional reference site in the outer parts of Hvalfjörður is recommended.

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Reports

Effects of bleeding methods on the quality and storage life of cod and saithe products

Published:

01/02/2014

Authors:

Magnea G. Karlsdóttir, Nguyen Van Minh, Sigurjón Arason, Aðalheiður Ólafsdóttir, Paulina E. Romotowska, Arnjótur B. Bergsson, Stefán Björnsson

Supported by:

AVS (R 11 087‐11)

Contact

Sigurjón Arason

Chief Engineer

sigurjon.arason@matis.is

Effects of bleeding methods on the quality and storage life of cod and saithe products

The aim of the project was to examine the effect of different bleeding methods on the quality and shelf life of different cod and saithe products. By identifying ideal conditions for bleeding, gutting and bleeding, it is possible to prevent product defects due to blood and at the same time increase the stability of the products in transport and storage. The fish were either bloodied in the hands and in the machine. Bleeding took place in slush or sea and the effects of different bleeding times were examined. The effect of waiting time on tires before bleeding was also assessed, as well as bleeding and gutting the fish in one step or two steps (gutting performed after bleeding). The products studied in this project were chilled and frozen cod and saithe products, as well as salted cod products. Of the variables studied in this project, their importance differed in terms of which fish species were involved and what the final product was. When comparing comparable sample groups of cod and saithe, it is seen that different conditions are suitable for each species. This supports the theory that it is probably not possible to transfer the best bleeding method of cod to saithe and vice versa. Bleeding time and type of bleeding agent (sludge vs. seawater) had a decisive effect on the stability of the cod and saithe products examined. Cod products, both chilled and frozen, from raw material soaked in sludge generally resulted in improved quality and stability compared to if soaked in seawater. In contrast to cod, the bleeding of saithe into the sea generally resulted in a stable end product. The way the fish were bled and gutted also had a decisive effect on the final products. In the case of frozen cod products, raw and gutted raw material in one step generally yielded a more stable product compared to raw material that was gutted after bleeding had occurred (two steps). Salted products, on the other hand, were much more stable in storage if the raw material was gutted after bleeding. Different results were also obtained for saithe depending on the final product involved. Bleeding and gutting of saithe in a machine had a positive effect on the shelf life of chilled products compared to if made by hand. Machine bleeding and gutting, on the other hand, resulted in a much more unstable product in the cold. The results of the project show that the effects of different bleeding methods are quite dependent on the raw material as well as the final product involved.

The main objective of the project was to study the effects of different bleeding methods on quality and storage life of various cod and saithe products. Products defects due to blood residues can be prevented by optimizing bleeding protocols, and hence increase the quality and storage life of the products. For this, fishes were either bled and gutted by hand or by machine. The bleeding (blood draining) was carried out with seawater or slurry ice, and the effects of different bleeding times in the tanks were also investigated. Moreover, the effects of waiting time (on deck) before bleeding, as well as the procedure of bleeding technique (bleeding and gutting in one procedure vs. gutting after blood draining) were investigated. The various products evaluated were chilled and frozen cod and saithe products, and salted cod products. The importance of the different parameters investigated in this project varied considerably with regard to fish species and the final products. Comparison of parallel treatments groups of cod and saithe demonstrated that optimum bleeding procedures are different for each species. Waiting time on deck and bleeding media (slurry ice vs. seawater) significantly affected the storage life of the cod and saithe products. Cod products, both chilled and frozen, from fish bled in slurry ice generally resulted in improved quality and storage life compared to fish bled in seawater. In contrast to cod, bleeding or saithe in seawater resulted however in more stable products. The procedure during bleeding and gutting also had great impact on the storage life of the various products studied. Shorter storage life of salted cod products was generally observed when the raw material was bled and gutted in one step compared to when gutting was performed after bleeding (two steps). Rather conflicting results were, however, observed for saithe and were depending on the type of final product. Bleeding and gutting of saithe by machine improved the storage life of chilled products compared to when the saithe was bled and gutted by hand. The machine procedure had, however, negative effects on the storage life of the frozen saithe products. Overall, the results of this project indicate that the effects of different bleeding methods are highly relative to fish species as well as the final product of interest.

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News

Signing of a co-operation agreement between HA and Matís

Stefán B. Sigurðsson, Rector of the University of Akureyri, Sveinn Margeirsson, CEO of Matís, and Ögmundur Knútsson, President of the School of Business and Natural Sciences at the University of Akureyri, recently signed a co-operation agreement.

The agreement lays the foundation for further strengthening of research and education in fisheries sciences, food sciences and biotechnology as well as collaboration in other areas of teaching and research, with the aim of being at the forefront in Iceland in the fields related to fisheries sciences and biotechnology, both taught at the University of Akureyri. One of the aims of the agreement is to strengthen teaching and research in the field of fisheries science, food science and biotechnology, among other things through access to international funds and co-operation in the field of utilization of Arctic resources.

Its goal is also to increase the number of people studying and researching in these fields, integrate research and development projects in the field of sustainable resource utilization, processing technology, biotechnology, food safety and public health, to mobilize more Matís employees in teaching at the University of Akureyri and give Matís employees the opportunity to to receive a professional academic evaluation from the University of Akureyri / School of Business and Natural Sciences and the possibility of visiting teaching positions, as articles will be published under the auspices of both parties, as well as sharing facilities, facilities and equipment.

The University of Akureyri is an Icelandic research university that takes an active part in international research. The university has about 1600 students in undergraduate and graduate studies, in on-site and distance learning. Fisheries science has been taught at the University of Akureyri since 1990 and biotechnology since 2002. The subjects are now taught at the Faculty of Natural Resources and the School of Natural Sciences at the University of Akureyri, which has also offered master's studies in fisheries and resource studies. Due to the nature of the study, teaching in fisheries science has from the beginning been carried out in collaboration with domestic fisheries companies and companies in related disciplines.

Matís is the largest research institute in the country that conducts research and innovation in the field of food and biotechnology for the benefit of the economy, public health and food and food security. Matís plays an extensive role in services in the field of research, education and innovation. Emphasis has been placed on meeting the needs of food producers and entrepreneurs, in collaboration with the education system, among other things in the form of practical projects with the participation of students.

The picture shows Sveinn Margeirsson, CEO of Matís, Ögmundur Knútsson, President of the School of Business and Natural Sciences at the University of Akureyri, Rannveig Björnsdóttir, Associate Professor at the Faculty of Natural Resources at the University of Akureyri and Director of Matís, and Stefán B. Sigurðsson, Rector of the University of Akureyri.

News written by Hjalti Þór Sveinsson and first published on the website of the University of Akureyri, www.unak.is.

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