Category: Reports

Reports

Arctic Charr for the niche market

Published:

01/11/2011

Authors:

Birgir Þórisson, Gísli Kristjánsson, Sigrún Elsa Smáradóttir, Ólafur Ögmundarson

Supported by:

AVS Fisheries Research Fund - Preliminary project

Arctic Charr for the niche market

This report presents the results of a preliminary project on the marketing of Icelandic farmed char in a niche market in German-speaking Europe. Information was obtained from experts in the field of marketing and sales in Germany by e-mail and telephone interviews. The report contains a SWOT analysis for possible marketing efforts in the special market. The results of the SWOT analysis facilitate an overview of each aspect so that strengths and opportunities can be utilized, while reducing the effects of weaknesses and threats. 

This report describes the results of pre ‐ project on the marketing of Icelandic farmed Arctic charr in German ‐ speaking Europe´s niche market. Information was gathered from experts in the field of marketing and sales in Germany both by e ‐ mail and interviews over phone. The report includes a SWOT analysis of the potential niche markets for Arctic charr. The results of the SWOT analysis give an overview of the current market situation for Arctic charr and strengthens the opportunities while reducing the impact of weaknesses and threats when Arctic charr is marketed.

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Reports

Effect of post ‐ slaughter time intervals on yield and quality of farmed cod

Published:

01/11/2011

Authors:

Kristín Anna Þórarinsdóttir, Aðalheiður Ólafsdóttir, Kolbrún Sveinsdóttir, Ásbjörn Jónsson, Hannes Magnússon, Kristján G. Jóakimsson, Sveinn K. Guðjónsson

Supported by:

AVS (R 11 006‐010)

Contact

Aðalheiður Ólafsdóttir

Sensory evaluation manager

adalheiduro@matis.is

Effect of post ‐ slaughter time intervals on yield and quality of farmed cod

The purpose of the experiment was to investigate whether the waiting time (0, 2, 4 hours) from slaughter to processing had an effect on weight uptake during injection and the properties of frozen fillets. In addition, changes in thawed fillets during refrigerated storage were assessed. Changes in weight, chemical content, water resistance, microbial growth and levels of degradable substances were monitored, as well as the fillets were sensitized. For comparison, untreated fillets were used. Weight gain was greater as the waiting time became longer. Salting increased the water resistance of the fillets and reduced shrinkage during thawing and boiling compared to untreated fillets. The injected fillets were therefore also juicier. Higher water resistance of injected fillets is explained by the fact that a higher proportion of water was inside the muscle cells in the injected fillets, while the extracellular fluid was higher in untreated fillets and proportionally more water was loosely bound. The number of micro-organisms was higher in injected fillets, as expected, as the injection spreads micro-organisms throughout the muscle instead of being found only on the surface of the muscle after filleting. Damage symptoms therefore became more pronounced in injected fillets as the storage of thawed fillets progressed over a 2-week period, despite the fact that the fillets were not initially considered more relaxed. Desalination of salted fillets was higher according to TBA values, but its effect was not noticeable on sensory evaluation. Higher salt content was thought to increase the death stiffness of the injected fillets and give a rubberier and stiffer texture compared to untreated fillets. The appearance of injected fillets was poorer, they were a bit darker and more uneven than untreated fillets.

The aim of the experiment was to evaluate the effect of post ‐ slaughter time intervals on injection yield and characteristics of frozen cod fillets. In addition, to evaluate changes in thawed fillets during chilled storage. Weight gain by injection was higher as the waiting time was longer. Salting increased water retention during storage and cooking in comparison to untreated fillets. Therefore, the injected fillets were also juicier. The higher water retention of injected fillets was explained by a higher percentage of water within the muscle cells while the ration of intercellular fluid was higher in untreated fillets. Spoilage became more pronounced in injected fillets over 2 weeks of chilled storage of the fillets after thawing. Oxidation was higher in salted complex as expressed by higher TBARS ‐ values, but the effect was not observed in sensory analysis. Higher salt content seemed to increase rigor contraction in injected fillets and result in a more rubbery texture of the injected fillets, which were also slightly darker and more heterogeneous than untreated fillets.

Report closed until 01.01.2015

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Reports

Effects of additives and different salting methods on the utilization and quality of farmed cod products / Effects of additives and different salting methods on yield and quality of farmed cod products

Published:

01/11/2011

Authors:

Kristín Anna Þórarinsdóttir, Aðalheiður Ólafsdóttir, Kolbrún Sveinsdóttir, Ásbjörn Jónsson, Hannes Magnússon, Kristján G. Jóakimsson, Sveinn K. Guðjónsson

Supported by:

AVS (R 11 006‐010)

Contact

Aðalheiður Ólafsdóttir

Sensory evaluation manager

adalheiduro@matis.is

Effects of additives and different salting methods on the utilization and quality of farmed cod products / Effects of additives and different salting methods on yield and quality of farmed cod products

The aim of the experiments was to examine the effect of salting methods and brine composition on the utilization and quality of products processed from farmed cod before freezing to death. Fillets were either injected or injected and pickled. The brine was of different salinity, in addition to which the use of polyphosphate and a mixture of citrate and ascorbate was examined. Changes in utilization, water content, water resistance and quality were monitored over a 9-month period in frost. The results of the project show that it is possible to increase salt uptake and weight changes of fillets by changing processing processes even though the fish has not died of freezing. There was a definite difference in efficacy symptoms in the first 3 months depending on whether the fillets were only injected or injected and pickled. With longer storage, the difference between the groups decreased. At the beginning of storage, factors that characterize fresh products were prominent, but as the storage period progressed, factors such as cold storage odor, freezing taste, craving and tableware odor became more prominent. The use of phosphate and a mixture of citrate and ascorbate appeared to be able to reduce the development to some extent according to the results for TBARS, but the effect was not found in color measurements or sensory evaluation. 

The aim of experiments was to investigate the effects of different salting methods and brine composition on yield and quality of products, processed from pre ‐ rigor farmed cod. Fillets were either injected or injected and brined. Different brine concentrations were used, as well as polyphosphates and a mixture of citrate and ascorbate. Changes in yield, water content, water retention and quality of the products were followed over 9 months period of frozen storage. Results show that it is possible to increase the salt uptake and weight changes of the fillets by altering processing procedures for the pre ‐ rigor fish. The curing characteristics of the products depended on salting methods, ie if the fillets were only injected or injected and brine salted before freezing, especially during the first 3 months. Longer storage time reduced the difference between the groups. At the beginning of the storage, freshness characteristics were strong but during storage attributes like frozen odor and taste, rancid taste and dish cloth odor become predominant. Oxidation was reduced by use of phosphate and the mixture of citrate and ascorbate, as indicated by lower TBARS ‐ values. However, the effect was neither detected in results from color measurements nor sensory analysis.

Report closed until 01.01.2015

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Reports

Seasonal variations in quality and processing properties of whiting (Merlangius merlangus) by season

Published:

30/10/2011

Authors:

Ásbjörn Jónsson

Supported by:

Fisheries Project Fund

Seasonal variations in quality and processing properties of whiting (Merlangius merlangus) by season

The aim of the project was to build up a specific knowledge base for cod (Merlangius merlangus) and obtain information on the variability of its quality and processing properties (chemical and physical properties) according to the season. For comparison, information on haddock was used. The results showed that fillet utilization (processing utilization) was related to carcass production, as there was a positive correlation between fillet utilization and body mass index, which was noticeably highest in March. At the same time, there was less release in the fish compared to other seasons. The results of the project seem to indicate that it is not appropriate to fish for halibut around the spawning season, or in the middle of summer, in terms of processing, physical and other quality characteristics.

The aim of the project was to study seasonal variation in quality and processing properties of whiting (Merlangius merlangus). Haddock was used as a reference group. The results showed positive correlation between fillet yield and condition factor, with highest value in March. At the same time gaping was minor. The results indicated that during spawning time it is not suitable to catch whiting with regards to processing‐ and quality properties.

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Reports

Offshore aquaculture farming. Report from the initial feasibility study and market requirements for the innovations from the project / Requirements and market possibilities for technological solutions in offshore farming

Published:

01/10/2011

Authors:

Ólafur Ögmundarson, John Holmyard, Gunnar Þórðarson, Friðrik Sigurðsson, Helga Gunnlaugsdóttir

Supported by:

Nora and T.Þ.S.

Contact

Gunnar Þórðarson

Regional Manager

gunnar.thordarson@matis.is

Offshore aquaculture farming. Report from the initial feasibility study and market requirements for the innovations from the project / Requirements and market possibilities for technological solutions in offshore farming

This report assesses the technical requirements and market potential of bedding that could be suitable for the development of mussel farming in the high seas, in difficult conditions. The technology used for mussel farming worldwide was examined, including inland farming, offshore farming and partly in unprotected environments. Most of the world's mussel farming takes place in a protected environment, where there is shelter from the ocean waves and are built up with surface floats or a line that does not withstand the stress of the ocean waves. Nevertheless, inland cultivation needs strong anchors that could also be sufficient for offshore cultivation. Offshore mussel farming is usually based on deep-sea or semi-rigid lines laid below sea level, which are less dependent on the tidal waves and the forces that accompany them, but can be serviced from the surface. The majority of offshore crops are either already large-scale cultivation or will become large-scale cultivation with thousands of acres. Service and maintenance of fields in such conditions call for problems and make high demands on strength and reliability. Such equipment calls for cost-effective and reliable equipment, which can be positioned with great precision and large numbers and sizes suitable for relatively small service boats. The equipment that best meets such requirements is a screw anchor that can be positioned with equipment from the surface without the use of a diver. Offshore mussel farming has been successful on a large scale in China, France and Italy for decades. This breeding method has also become widespread, albeit to a lesser extent, in the United Kingdom, Germany, Ireland, the USA, Bulgaria and New Zealand. Larger crops are being prepared in New Zealand and the United Kingdom, and indeed in many other countries, and the viability of such crops is being developed. The market in the near future for anchorages designed for offshore mussel farming will largely be driven by the market need for the mussel itself, which in turn will be determined by the general economic development in market countries. The policy of the European Union and individual states within it in aquaculture is to introduce large-scale cultivation of common mussel and seaweed cultivation, which could lead to great market potential for equipment for such cultivation. There is a strong emphasis on the renewable utilization of resources that could increase offshore cultivation of mussels. Future demand for equipment such as screwdrivers could also come from inland cultivation, as such equipment is cheap and safe and easy to use, and is in good competition with older types of equipment that have been in use so far.

This report consists of an appraisal of the technical requirements and market potential for a mooring system that will prove suitable for use by offshore mussel farming developments in high energy exposed locations. A review is carried out of the technology that is currently in use in mussel farming industries around the world, including those in inshore environments, offshore environments and partially exposed environments. Most mussel farms around the world are located in sheltered inshore waters and consist of surface rafts or long lines that are deemed unsuitable for high energy exposed locations. Despite this, inshore mussel farms often require high holding power mooring systems that will also be suitable for use at offshore locations. Offshore mussel farms generally consist of submerged or semi ‐ submerged long lines of a variety of designs that are suitable for withstanding high energy conditions while still enabling access to the crop supported by the lines. The majority of offshore farms are either currently, or will soon become, large scale operations with numbers of moorings in the thousands. Inspection and maintenance of moorings in these circumstances is often problematic and absolute reliability is a high priority. This brings with it the requirement for a cost effective, reliable mooring that can be placed accurately and rapidly in large numbers by relatively small, standard mussel farm service vessels. The mooring system that best meets these requirements is the helical or screw ‐ in anchor that can be placed remotely without the use of a dive team. Offshore mussel farming has been successfully carried out on a large scale in China, France and Italy for several decades. This form of aquaculture has also been adopted in smaller scale commercial and trial projects in the UK, Germany, Ireland, USA, Bulgaria and New Zealand. Large scale developments are scheduled for the near future in New Zealand and the UK and many other mussel producing countries are known to be considering trials pending the success of current projects and the development of suitable economic conditions. The near future market for offshore mussel farm mooring systems will largely be driven by the market for the mussels themselves which is dependent on the general economic climate. Aquaculture strategies at EU and individual state level which promote large scale integration of mussel and seaweed farming with offshore renewables could lead to a very large long term market potential for offshore mussel farm mooring systems, if these strategies are implemented. Further markets for these mooring systems could arise from their use by existing inshore finfish and shellfish aquaculture providing that they were cost effective in comparison to the systems currently in use.

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Reports

Full processing of mackerel

Published:

01/10/2011

Authors:

Ásbjörn Jónsson, Ragnheiður Sveinþórsdóttir

Supported by:

AVS Fisheries Research Fund

Full processing of mackerel

The main objective of the project was to develop valuable products for human consumption from mackerel caught by pelagic vessels as well as to assess the profitability of such processing. Mackerel products for human consumption are much more valuable than products from fishmeal processing and there are great interests in processing for human consumption, such as canning and hot smoking. Experiments were carried out with the processing of mackerel in canning. Mackerel was boiled in tomato puree and smoked and boiled in oil. There was also an experiment with hot smoking of mackerel. The efficiency of such processing was done together with a sensitivity analysis, based on a yield of 13%. Positive results of experiments with mackerel processing in canning and hot smoking, together with a profitability assessment of such processing, indicated that such processing was profitable in the long run.

The main objective of this project was to develop valuable products from mackerel for human consumption together with evaluation of profitability of such processing. Mackerel products for human consumption are more valuable than products from oil and meal processing. Trials were done on processing mackerel products from canning in oil and tomato puree, and hotsmoking. Profitability of such process was evaluated with IRR (internal rate of return) of 13%. Favorable results of the project indicated that processing of canned and smoked products could be profitable in the long ‐ term.

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Reports

Values from by-products of slaughter and meat processing - Report for 2009

Published:

01/10/2011

Authors:

Guðjón Þorkelsson, Ágúst Andrésson, Óli Þór Hilmarsson, Ásbjörn Jónsson, Ólafur Reykdal

Supported by:

Agricultural Productivity Fund

Contact

Guðjón Þorkelsson

Strategic Scientist

gudjon.thorkelsson@matis.is

Values from by-products of slaughter and meat processing - Report for 2009

The project is about making value from by-products of slaughter and meat processing. The technical goal was to adapt and develop processing methods that transform by-products from cheap human food, feed and waste into expensive special products that will be sold to customers in other countries. The aim of research and education was to participate in and strengthen cluster collaboration and promote the training of young scientists. The project is for two years. This is a report on the previous years of the project, during which research and development projects were carried out on products from the intestines and rumen, improving the utilization of blood and offal. Freeze-drying of organs for drug and biochemical production also began.

The project is about creating more value from slaughter and meat processing by ‐ products. The technical aim is to adapt and develop processes to convert by ‐ products from being low value food, feed and waste to high value products for export. The aim is also to train young scientists by allowing them to take part in the project. This is a status report from the first year of the project. The project included:

- Development of casing processes

- Better utilization of organs and bloods

- Freeze drying of products for biotechnological development

Report closed

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Reports

Nutrient value of seafood - Proximates, minerals, trace elements and fatty acids in products

Published:

01/10/2011

Authors:

Ólafur Reykdal, Hrönn Ólína Jörundsdóttir, Natasa Desnica, Svanhildur Hauksdóttir, Þuríður Ragnarsdóttir, Annabelle Vrac, Helga Gunnlaugsdóttir, Heiða Pálmadóttir

Supported by:

AVS Fisheries Research Fund

Contact

Ólafur Reykdal

Project Manager

olafur.reykdal@matis.is

Nutrient value of seafood - Proximates, minerals, trace elements and fatty acids in products

Measurements were made of the main substances (protein, fat, ash and water), minerals (Na, K, P, Mg, Ca) and trace elements (Se, Fe, Cu, Zn, Hg) in the main types of marine products prepared on the market. These included fish fillets, roe, shrimp, lobster and various processed products. Measurements were made of fatty acids, iodine and three vitamins in selected samples. Several products were chemically analyzed both raw and cooked. The aim of the project was to remedy the lack of data on Icelandic seafood and make it accessible to consumers, producers and retailers of Icelandic seafood. The information is available in the Icelandic database on the chemical content of food on Matís' website. Selenium was generally high in the marine products studied (33-50 µg / 100g) and it is clear that marine products can play a key role in satisfying people's selenium needs. The fatty acid composition varied according to the types of seafood and there were special characteristics that can be used as indicators of the origin of the fat. The majority of polyunsaturated fatty acids in seafood were long-chain omega-3 fatty acids. The amount of minerals was very variable in seafood and there are changes in the concentration of these substances in processing and cooking. There was little loss of the trace elements selenium, iron, copper and zinc during cooking. Measurements were made on both selenium and mercury as selenium counteracts the toxicity of mercury and mercury is one of the undesirable substances in marine products. In all cases, mercury proved to be well below the maximum levels in the regulation. Roe and roe products had the special feature of containing very much selenium but also very little mercury.

Proximates (protein, fat, ash and water), minerals (Na, K, P, Mg, Ca) and trace elements (Se, Fe, Cu, Zn, Hg) were analyzed in the most important Icelandic seafoods ready to be sent to market. The samples were fish fillets, roe, shrimp, lobster, and several processed seafoods. Fatty acids, iodine, and three vitamins were analyzed in selected seafoods. A few seafoods were analyzed both raw and cooked. The aim of the study was to collect information on the nutrient composition of seafood products and make this information available to consumers, producers and seafood dealers. The information is available in the Icelandic Food Composition Database. Selenium levels were generally high in the seafoods studied (33‐50 µg / 100g) and seafoods can be an important source of selenium in the diet. Fatty acid composition was variable depending on species and certain characteristics can be used to indicate the fat source. Polyunsaturated fatty acids were mainly long chain omega ‐ 3 fatty acids. The concentration of minerals was variable, depending on processing and cooking. Small losses were found for selenium, iron, copper and zinc during boiling. Both selenium and mercury were analyzed since selenium protects against mercury toxicity and data are needed for mercury. Mercury in all samples was below the maximum limit set by regulation. Roe and lumpsucker products had the special status of high selenium levels and very low mercury levels.

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Reports

Quality of coastal fishing catches 2011

Published:

15/09/2011

Authors:

Jónas R. Viðarsson, Sigurjón Arason, Sveinn Margeirsson, Guðjón Gunnarsson, Garðar Sverrisson, Örn Sævar Holm, Þórhallur Ottesen

Supported by:

Ministry of Fisheries and Agriculture

Contact

Jónas Rúnar Viðarsson

Sviðsstjóri rannsókna

jonas@matis.is

Quality of coastal fishing catches 2011

At the end of the summer, the Ministry of Fisheries and Agriculture requested from Matís, Matvælastofnun and the Directorate of Fisheries that an assessment be made of the quality of coastal fishing catches. Matvælastofnun had already, in collaboration with the Directorate of Fisheries, launched an effort that dealt with catch treatment in general for all day-trip boats and that work was used in the project. A steering group was formed for the project and it decided that the focus would mainly be on a few principles that affect product quality, ie. icing and cooling, worms in the flesh, size and classification, bleeding and gutting, sorting and finishing in pots, color of redness and procedures in fish markets. Measurements and other data collection took place in June, July and August. Data were collected as follows:

• The Directorate of Fisheries and MAST measured the temperature of the catch when landing around the country.

• The fish markets increased the temperature measurements in their catch and provided the results with the project.

• MAST employees investigated various issues related to the handling of catch among small boat fishermen.

• Matís' employee interviewed the parties that handle the catch of coastal fishing boats the most.

• Matís employees visited the fish market to check procedures.

The results of the survey show that inshore fish vary in quality. Coastal fishing boats fish during the hottest season when fish are in poor condition for natural reasons, they tend to stay close to land where the fish are small, there are more worms and the color of the red is darker (kelp); they usually land uncut catches and the size distribution is large. Access to ice is limited in some ports, gutting services are generally no longer available and the transport of ungutted catch between parts of the country at this time of year can be detrimental to the raw material if the catch treatment has not been satisfactory. Ensuring the quality of the catch is therefore a problem for the coastal fishing fleet. The most influential factor in the quality of inshore fishing is cooling. In general, it can be said that the coastal fishing fleet performs well in comparison with the traditional day-trip boats in terms of cooling, and it is not possible to distinguish a significant difference between these fishing groups. The results of the audit also indicate that the cooling of coastal catches has improved from the previous year. It should be noted, however, that cooling needs to be further improved to meet the requirements set out in regulations. Classification and gutting are also factors that affect the quality of coastal fishing catches. It is important that fish markets and their customers find acceptable ways to ensure that buyers are given the size of fish they consider to be buying, but the authorities will need to consider changes to regulations on gutting to ensure the maximum quality of inshore catches. With regard to other factors influencing quality, it is most natural for market laws to prevail, ie. that price and quality go hand in hand, but in order for that to happen, it is necessary to increase the visibility of quality factors in the fish markets and increase promotion. Efforts were made to educate, measure and monitor day-trippers in the summer of 2011 and it is important that the government ensures that this path is continued next year.

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Reports

Monitoring of the marine biosphere around Iceland 2009 and 2010 / Pollution monitoring in the marine environment around Iceland 2009 and 2010

Published:

01/09/2011

Authors:

Helga Gunnlaugsdóttir, Natasa Desnica, Þuríður Ragnarsdóttir, Hrönn Jörundsdóttir

Supported by:

Ministry of the Environment and Ministry of Fisheries and Agriculture

Monitoring of the marine biosphere around Iceland 2009 and 2010 / Pollution monitoring in the marine environment around Iceland 2009 and 2010

This report presents the results of an annual monitoring project funded by the Ministry of the Environment and the Ministry of Fisheries and Agriculture. The purpose of this monitoring is to fulfill Iceland's obligations regarding the Oslo and Paris Agreement (OSPAR), as well as the AMAP (Arctic Monitoring Assessment Program). The data have been sent to the International Council for the Exploration of the Sea (ICES) database. The Marine Research Institute collects samples and Matís oversees the preparation of samples and measurements of trace elements in the marine environment. The samples are measured at Matís and at the University of Iceland Laboratory of Pharmacology and Toxicology. Various inorganic trace elements and chloro-organic substances were measured in cod caught in Hafró's annual spring rally in March 2010 and in mussels collected at 10 locations around the country in August / September 2009. Monitoring in the marine environment near Iceland began in 1989 and samples are collected once a year. for a year and worked according to international sampling instructions. The data is collected in a database, the report provides overview images for some of the materials monitored. Cadmium is regionally higher in Icelandic mussels compared to mussels from other countries. The results show changes in the pattern of chlorine organic matter in mussels collected near Hvalstöðin in Hvalfjörður in September 2009, there were no visible changes in the concentration of these substances at the mussel collection site at Hvammsvík in Hvalfjörður or at any other collection site around the country studied in 2009. Important is monitoring these changes in the pattern of concentration of chlorinated organic substances in mussels in the monitoring project in the coming years to see if they are still present. A detailed statistical analysis of the data is in progress, i.e. Scientific methods can be used to estimate the increase or decrease of pollutants in the marine environment in Iceland.

This report contains results of the annual monitoring of the biosphere around Iceland in 2009 and 2010. The project, overseen by the Environmental and Food Agency of Iceland, is to fulfill the OSPAR (Oslo and Paris agreement) and AMAP (Arctic Monitoring Assessment Program) agreements. The project was funded by the Ministry of the Environment and the Ministry of Fisheries and Agriculture. The data has been submitted to the ICES databank (ices.dk). The collection of data started 1989. Matís is the coordinator for marine biota monitoring and is responsible for methods relating to sampling, preparation and analysis of samples. The samples were analyzed at Matís and the Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology at the University of Iceland. Trace metals and organochlorines were analyzed in cod (Gadus morhua) caught in March 2010 and in blue mussel (Mytilus edulis) collected in August / Sept 2009. Marine monitoring began in Iceland 1989 and the sampling is carried out according to standardized sampling guidelines. Changes were observed in the organochlorine concentration patterns in blue mussels collected year 2009 at the sampling site Hvalstod in Hvalfjordur, no noteworthy increase in organochlorine concentrations was however observed in blue mussels obtained at Hvammsvík in Hvalfjordur nor any of the other sample sites studied year 2009. These results need to be followed up in the annual monitoring of the biosphere around Iceland next year to see if this change in contaminant concentration pattern continues. A thorough statistical evaluation is ongoing on all available data from this monitoring program to analyze spatial and temporal trends of pollutants in the Icelandic marine biosphere.

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