Category: Reports

Reports

Inorganic trace elements in organisms in NW Iceland

Published:

01/12/2007

Authors:

Helga Gunnlaugsdóttir, Guðjón Atli Auðunsson, Guðmundur Víðir Helgason, Rósa Jónsdóttir, Ingibjörg Jónsdóttir, Þuríður Ragnarsdóttir, Sasan Rabieh

Supported by:

AVS Fisheries Research Fund, Fisheries Research Institute, Matís

Inorganic trace elements in organisms in NW Iceland

The purpose of the study was to seek explanations for the uniqueness of NV targets, especially in Arnarfjörður, with respect to inorganic trace elements, especially cadmium, in organisms. For this purpose, the concentration of trace elements in samples of mussels (Mytilus edulis), scallops (Chlamys islandica) and sea sediments was measured in several places around Iceland, with special emphasis on the collection of samples on NW tickets. The main results of the project are that the concentration of cadmium in mussel samples from Arnarfjörður is generally considerably higher than in other samples taken from mussels on NV tickets and this difference is statistically significant (T-test, α = 0.05 (5%)). There is also a tendency for the concentration of iron, copper, manganese and zinc to be lower in mussels in Arnarfjörður than in other fjords in the north-west, and this difference is most noticeable for iron and zinc. The results show that the concentration of cadmium in mussels from Arnarfjörður is above the EU maximum values for mussels in 9 samples out of 10, in addition there are samples of mussels from cultivation belts from Hestfjörður in Ísafjarðardjúpur and Ósafjörður (in from Patreksfjörður) above the EU limit (1.0 mg / kg wet weight for sandwiches). Mussel samples from Dýrafjörður, Seyðisfjörður in Ísafjarðardjúpur and Patreksfjörður by Sandoddi are also very close to the EU border. The amount of trace elements in sediments on NV fishing grounds seems to be very similar to previous measurements of trace elements in Icelandic sea sediments in these areas. This indicates that the explanation for the high concentration of cadmium in mussels from Arnarfjörður is probably not to be found in the higher concentration of cadmium in sediments in this area. The results of the project provide information on the uniqueness of Icelandic waters in terms of inorganic trace elements. Such information and scientific data are a prerequisite for Icelanders to be able to influence decision-making when setting maximum values for food, for example in the EU. The results of the project have already been used to influence the increase in EU maximum levels for cadmium in sandwiches and have been sent to EFSA for data collection on cadmium in food.

The aim of this research was to investigate the unique position of the territorial waters around NW-Iceland, especially Arnarfjörður, with respect to trace elements, particularly cadmium, in biota. In order to achieve this goal, trace elements in blue mussels (Mytilus edulis), scallops (Chlamys islandica) and sediments around Iceland were analyzed, with special emphasis on sampling in the NW-Iceland area. The main results from this research indicate that cadmium levels are statistically higher in blue mussels from Arnarfjörður compared to other areas in NW-Iceland (T-test, α = 0.05 (5%)). In contrast with cadmium, the iron, copper, manganese and zinc concentrations were lower in the blue mussels from Arnarfjörður in comparison with other areas in NW-Iceland. This difference was most obvious with regard to iron and zinc. The cadmium level in blue mussels from Arnarfjörður, Hestfjörður in Ísafjarðardjúp and Ósafjörður exceeds the maximum cadmium level (1.0 mg / kg wet weight) set by the European commission (EC) for Bivalve molluscs. The cadmium level in blue mussels from Dýrafjörður, Seyðisfjörður in Ísafjarðardjúpi and Patreksfjörður are also close to the maximum cadmium level set by EC. The results for trace elements in sediments from Arnarfjörður do not however explain the high levels of cadmium observed in blue mussels from this area.

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Reports

Improved quality of herring for human consumption

Published:

01/12/2007

Authors:

Ásbjörn Jónsson, Hannes Hafsteinsson, Irek Klonowski, Valur N. Gunnlaugsson

Supported by:

Nordic Innovation Center

Contact

Valur Norðri Gunnlaugsson

Research Group Leader

valur@matis.is

Improved quality of herring for human consumption

Herring is one of the most important fish species in the North Atlantic and the Baltic Sea. Although a large part of the catch goes to human consumption, about 85% of herring is processed into fish oil and flour. There is a general desire to increase the consumption of herring for human consumption. It was important to study the different factors that affect the quality of herring and especially how they are controlled by biological conditions. The main reason for the quality problems in herring is the high content of compounds that promote development, and affect the color and texture changes, as well as the loss of nutrients. Better quality results in increased competition for herring production in the Nordic countries, as well as a positive consumer attitude towards herring products. The main goal of the project was to improve the quality and quantity of herring, for consumption, by researching the quality of the raw material after fishing. Emphasis was placed on quality immediately after fishing and the quality of the raw material after varying periods of frost. Factors such as fishing location and fishing time did not affect the quality of the herring. However, freezing at -20 ° C had a significant effect on the quality of the raw material.

Herring is one of the most important fish species in the North Atlantic and Baltic Sea, with an annual catch exceeding 2 million tonnes. Although a large part of these fish is used for human consumption, as much as 85% of the herring is used for industrial production of fish meal and fish oil. There is a general wish to increase the utilization of herring for human consumption. Thus, it was important to study the various parameters which influence the quality of herring, and in particular how these paramenters are controlled by biological factors. A major reason behind quality problems arising during post-harvest handling of herring is its high content of compounds that efficiently catalyzes the development of rancidity, pigmentation, texture changes and loss of nutritional value. Improved quality will result in increased competitiveness of the Nordic fish processing industry and would improve the attitude among consumers towards herring products. The general objective of the project was to improve the quality and quantity of herring to be used for food production by investigating how natural variation in raw material characteristics affects post-harvest quality. Attention was given to the quality immediately after landing and the quality after period of frozen storage. The results indicated no clear differences in the quality of herring regarding catching place or season. The frozen storage for a prolonged time had the major influence on the quality of herring fillets.

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Reports

Knowledgeable fish consumers: Do consumers benefit from education about quality characteristics and fish handling?

Published:

01/12/2007

Authors:

Kolbrún Sveinsdóttir, Aðalheiður Ólafsdóttir, Hannes Magnússon, Emilia Martinsdóttir

Supported by:

AVS Research Fund

Contact

Kolbrún Sveinsdóttir

Project Manager

kolbrun.sveinsdottir@matis.is

Knowledgeable fish consumers: Do consumers benefit from education about quality characteristics and fish handling?

The goal of AVS Knowledgeable Fish Consumers is to prepare guidelines for consumers with general information on quality characteristics and fish handling. The purpose is to improve the public's knowledge of fish, which will hopefully contribute to increased consumption and the increased value of seafood. This report describes the preparation of the instructions and the results of a course held for consumers on how to assess the freshness of fish and an introduction to the content of the instructions. The course was divided into two parts. In the first part, eight consumers received a short lecture on the quality characteristics of cod and how they change during storage. They were trained to evaluate the freshness of raw and boiled cod fillets of different freshness according to rating scales. In the second part of the course, the (same) consumers were asked to rate raw and cooked fillets according to their own taste and also to evaluate freshness. Furthermore, they were asked for suggestions regarding the instructions, the grading scales and whether the content of the course was useful. The results of the course indicated that guidelines of this kind are fully relevant to consumers. The course participants' assessment of raw and cooked fish fillets according to grading scales showed that they were quick to adopt the methods and descriptions given of different raw materials. At the end of the course, the participants in question were more confident in assessing the quality of fish, believing that they would enjoy fish meals better than before and that they would buy fish more often than before. It would be sensible to follow up the project with a larger group of consumers, both to obtain a more reliable assessment of the usefulness of such guidelines, as well as to monitor the long-term impact of this type of information. The annexes to the report provide guidance and a shortened rating scale for consumers to assess the freshness of fish.

The aim of the project Fróðir fiskneytendur (English: Informed fish consumers) is to write guidelines about seafood with general information for consumers about quality attributes and fish handling. The purpose is to increase knowledge about fish in general, which will hopefully result in increased fish consumption and increased value of seafood. This report describes the conception and writing of the guidelines and the results from a workshop on evaluation of fish freshness and fish handling, held for consumers. Eight consumers received a lecture about fish handling and sensory quality of cod. They were trained to evaluate the freshness of raw- and cooked cod fillets of different storage times, using short sensory grading schemes. The consumers were also asked to grade the fillets according to their liking. In addition, the participants were asked for comments on the guidelines and the grading schemes and to evaluate if the topic in the workshop was useful. The results indicated that the guidelines and sensory grading schemes for freshness evaluation were useful for consumers. After the workshop, consumers felt more confident about evaluating fish, thought they would enjoy fish meals more than before and would buy fish more often.

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Reports

Isolation, purification and research into antihypertensive peptides from fish proteins

Published:

01/12/2007

Authors:

Margrét Geirsdóttir, Guðmundur Óli Hreggviðsson, Lárus Freyr Þórhallsson, Rósa Jónsdóttir, Patricia Hamaguchi

Supported by:

AVS

Contact

Margrét Geirsdóttir

Project Manager

mg@matis.is

Isolation, purification and research into antihypertensive peptides from fish proteins

Studies of peptides derived from various food proteins have found peptides with antihypertensive properties. Icelandic fish proteins could potentially become an important source of such peptides that could be used for the development of valuable fish products and health food. The aim of the project is to study this activity in fish peptides and to isolate, purify and define peptides with antihypertensive effects. The report reports the first results on the isolation of fish protein peptides and measurements of their antihypertensive effects.

Various processed food proteins have been reported to include peptides with possible antihypertensive effect. Fish proteins are a potential source for such blood pressure-lowering peptides that might be used to develop valuable fish products and nutraceuticals. The aim of this project is to study the activity of fish proteins and isolate, clarify and define peptides with antihypertensive properties. The report presents the first results regarding the isolation of fish protein peptides and their bioactive properties as ACE inhibitors.

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Reports

Shelf life tests on cod pieces: Effects of supercooling on salt and protein injected cod muscles

Published:

01/12/2007

Authors:

María Guðjónsdóttir, Kolbrún Sveinsdóttir, Hannes Magnússon, Sigurjón Arason

Supported by:

Rannís Research Fund

Contact

Kolbrún Sveinsdóttir

Project Manager

kolbrun.sveinsdottir@matis.is

Shelf life tests on cod pieces: Effects of supercooling on salt and protein injected cod muscles

An integrated refrigeration study was performed on the effects of salting, protein injection and subcooling on the quality, chemical and physical properties of salt and protein injected cod muscles. The study shows that by injecting salt and protein into the muscle, utilization can be improved, drip reduced and the boiling efficiency of the muscle increased. On the other hand, the injection of salt and protein into muscles increases microbial growth and the formation of erratic alkalis, thus shortening the shelf life of the product. However, lowering the storage temperature could inhibit the growth of microorganisms and the formation of erratic alkalis. Decreased storage temperature, however, led to cell damage due to ice formation on the surface regardless of the salinity of the muscle. Therefore, it is not considered desirable to store fresh or lightly salted cod muscle at temperatures below -2 ° C. The effect of rinsing the samples in a brine bath after injection was also investigated. Such rinsing did not significantly affect the water and salinity or efficiency of the samples, but showed a reduction in the formation of erratic bases. It is therefore advisable to rinse fillets in brine after injection to prevent damage to the best extent possible. Sensory evaluation results showed that the properties of the muscle changed significantly with the injection of salt and protein into the muscle, but the injected groups lost their freshness characteristics until the fresh untreated control group.

A combined cooling experiment was performed on the effect of salting, protein injection and superchilling on the quality and physicochemical properties of brine and protein injected cod muscle. The study showed that brine and protein injections lead to increased processing and cooking yield, as well as decreased drip. Injection of salt and proteins increase on the other hand microbiological growth and the formation of volatile nitrogen bases, which in turn leads to shorter shelf life. By lowering the storage temperature this growth of microorganisms and volatile nitrogen bases could be decreased. If the storage temperature is kept too low this on the other hand led to cell damages due to ice crystallization on the muscle surface, independent on the salt content of the muscle. It is therefore not recommended to store fresh and light salted cod at temperatures below -2 ° C. The study also viewed the effect of brining the muscle after brine and protein injection. This brining had no significant effect on the salt or water content of the muscle but decreased the amount of volatile bases. It is therefore recommended that cod muscle is always washed in brine after injection to keep damaging processes at a minimum. Sensory analysis showed a significant difference between the characteristics of brine and protein injected samples to unprocessed cod muscle. The injected groups also lost their freshness characteristics earlier than the unprocessed control group.

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Reports

Shelf life tests on cod pieces: Effects of supercooling, pickling and gas packaging on the physical and chemical properties of cod muscles

Published:

01/12/2007

Authors:

María Guðjónsdóttir, Hannes Magnússon, Sigurjón Arason, Guðrún Ólafsdóttir, Sigurður Bogason

Supported by:

AVS, Rannís Technology Development Fund, Rannís Research Fund

Contact

Sigurjón Arason

Chief Engineer

sigurjon.arason@matis.is

Shelf life tests on cod pieces: Effects of supercooling, pickling and gas packaging on the physical and chemical properties of cod muscles

An integrated refrigeration study was carried out on the effect of salting, different packaging methods and salting methods as well as the effect of subcooling on the quality and shelf life of cod muscles. The results show that storage is a more desirable salting method than injection salting from a microbiological point of view and with regard to drip and boiling efficiency. However, if the salinity during storage becomes too high, the muscle will gel. In the experiment, it was not considered to improve the quality of the fish to inject proteins into the muscle in addition to the salt. Microbial growth and the amount of wandering alkali decrease with decreasing temperature, so it is desirable to keep the temperature as low as possible, without the fish freezing. At -4 ° C, the surface of the fish in all groups, regardless of salinity, was frozen and the ice crystal formation increased with storage time. This ice crystal formation took place much more slowly at -2 ° C and is therefore considered a desirable storage temperature for lightly salted cod muscles. Air-packed packaging (MAP) also proved to be a more desirable storage method than foam packaging, as microbial growth and increase in erratic base was slower in the MAP packaging, which led to longer shelf life.

A combined cooling experiment was performed upon the effect of salting, different packaging and salting methods as well as the effect of superchilling on the quality and shelf life of cod muscle. The results show that brining is a better salting method that brine injection in terms of bacterial growth as well as increased yield. On the other hand, if the salt concentration becomes too high, gelation of the muscle proteins begins. The study also showed that injection of proteins along with salt injection did not improve the quality of the muscle. Microflora and the formation of volatile nitrogen bases decreased with lowering temperatures. It is therefore preferred to store fish at as low temperatures as possible, without letting the muscle water freeze. At -4 ° C the water at the muscle surface was frozen in all groups, independent of salt content, and the ice crystallization increased with storage time. This crystallization was much slower at -2 ° C and therefore this temperature is recommended for storage of light salted cod muscle. Modified Atmosphere Packaging (MAP) turned out to be a better packaging method than Styrofoam packaging, since the increase in bacterial growth and volatile nitrogen bases was slower in the MAP. This also lead to increased shelf life.

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Reports

Use of bioactive substances in halibut farming

Published:

01/12/2007

Authors:

Jónína Þ. Jóhannsdóttir, Heiðdís Smáradóttir, Jennifer Coe, Rut Hermannsdóttir (MS student), María Pétursdóttir, Rannveig Björnsdóttir

Supported by:

Líftækninet HA (2005-2007), KEA University Fund (2006)

Use of bioactive substances in halibut farming

The main goal of the project was to promote the increased performance of halibut in fire and use environmentally friendly methods. Bioactive substances were used that were easy to obtain, contributed to the increased value of seafood and also had some of the desired activity, ie. bactericidal / inhibitory, prebiotic or immunostimulatory activity. Experiments were made with various materials in the project, ie. chitosan derivatives as well as peptides derived from blue whiting, cod and saithe. The effect of treatment with the substances was assessed in terms of the growth and performance of larvae and forage animals as well as in terms of the composition of the bacterial flora and the stimulation of a non-specific immune response in larvae. The main results indicate that the most suitable method for introducing substances into larvae is to use feed animals (Artemia) and a method was developed in the project to treat them. The bioactive substances did not appear to have a bactericidal effect in the rearing environment of the feed animals, but did contribute to a change in the composition of the bacterial flora. Bioactive substances seemed to be used primarily as supplements as feed animals were plump and playful. The performance and quality of larvae in the breeding units of Fiskey hf. is very different and there is no obvious relationship between the performance of the peritoneal stage and the performance and quality of the larvae at the end of the initial feeding. The composition of bacterial flora was also found to be very different in peritoneal larvae and larval feeding larvae. Three separate experiments were carried out in the Fiskey juvenile farm where the larvae in the initial feeding were treated with bioactive substances. The main results showed that it is important to treat with the right concentration of substances and for a reasonably long time as too much concentration can have a negative effect on the growth and metamorphosis of larvae. Treatment with blue whiting peptides was thought to give promising results and have a beneficial effect on larval metastasis. Bioactive substances did not appear to have a decisive effect on the number of bacterial bacteria in the gastrointestinal tract of larvae, but treatment with blue whiting and cod peptides could potentially alter the composition of the flora. Studies on the non-specific immune response of halibut larvae revealed the presence of C3 and Lysozyme from the end of the peritoneal stage, but IgM production does not begin until about 28 days after the start of feeding. Higher levels of IgM were detected during the first weeks in larvae treated with saithe peptides and this may indicate an immunostimulatory effect. The results of the project as a whole indicate that the bioactive substances studied did not have a decisive effect on the bacterial flora of the farm, but the treatment of larvae in starter feeding with the right concentration of bioactive substances could have a good effect on larval performance and stimulate larval immune response. of the farm when they have not yet developed a specialized immune response.

The aim of this project was to promote increased survival of halibut larvae during first feeding by using bioactive products. The bioactive products were selected by the criterion that they were easily accessible and induced any of the desired effects ie inhibiting bacterial growth, prebiotic effects or immunostimulants. The products studied are chitosan and peptide hydrolysates from blue whiting, cod and saithe. The effects of treatment were evaluated with respect to growth and survival of larvae and the live feed (Artemia) as well as effects on bacterial numbers or the community structure of the intestinal microbiota of larvae and stimulation of the innate immune system of the larvae. The results indicate that treating live feed (Artemia) is a suitable method to carry the bioactive products to the larval intestines during first feeding and a new technique has been standardized for treatment of the live feed with the products. The bioactive products did not affect the total bacterial count in the Artemia but the composition of the bacterial community may be changed as a result of the treatment. The Artemia seems to use the bioactive products as a food supplement and was well suited to be used as live feed. A significant variation in overall success of larvae was observed without any obvious correlation between survival of larvae at the end of the yolk sac stage and at the end of first feeding. A different bacterial pattern was observed in the intestine at the yolk sac stage compared to first feeding larvae. Three separate experiments were carried out in the halibut production units at Fiskey Ltd. where larvae were treated with various bioactive products. The results emphasize the importance of treating larvae with the appropriate concentrations of the products, as elevated concentrations can negatively affect growth and metamorphosis of the larvae. Treatment with peptides from blue whiting resulted in relatively good survival of larvae with similar success of metamorphosis compared to control units. The bioactive products did not affect bacterial growth but there were indications that peptides from blue whiting and cod may affect the composition of the intestinal community of bacteria in the larvae. Results from studies of the immunological parameters indicate the presence of C3 and Lysozyme already from the end of the yolk sac stage and the initialization of IgM production after approximately 28 days in feeding. Production of IgM was stimulated in larvae treated with peptides from saithe, indicating immunostimulating effects of this product. The overall results indicate that the bioactive products studied did not affect the bacterial flora during the first production stages of halibut larvae. However, if used in the appropriate quantities and at the right time, the products may promote survival and growth and stimulate the innate immunity of larvae.

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Reports

Prevention in aquaculture. Part A - Prevention in cod farming

Published:

01/12/2007

Authors:

Hélène L. Lauzon, Sigríður Guðmundsdóttir, Agnar Steinarsson, Matthías Oddgeirsson, Bergljót Magnadóttir, Ívar Örn Ásgeirsson, Berglind Gísladóttir, Eyjólfur Reynisson, Sólveig K. Pétursdóttir, Þuríður Ragnarsdóttir, Maja Herold Pedersen, Birgitte B. Budde, Bjarnheiður K. Guðmundsdóttir

Supported by:

AVS Fund (R 41-04)

Prevention in aquaculture. Part A - Prevention in cod farming

The aim of Part A was to increase the efficiency of cod farming by increasing the survival of eggs / larvae and promoting increased growth of larvae in starter feeding. The results show that the composition of the microbial flora explained the declines better than the total microbial or Vibrio counts. Extensive analysis of the microflora of aquaculture systems and larval stage results led to the determination of desirable and undesirable bacteria. Chemical measurements in cod farming at the roe and larval stages showed that little accumulation of substances took place in the farmed liquid, except at the beginning of dry feeding. The choice of additive bacteria was decided on the basis of a specific screening process and expected use in cod farming. The use of supplemental bacteria in bathing eggs and / or larvae was examined, but continuous bathing from the egg stage onwards to the larval stage usually led to better results, greater growth and vitality. The use of complementary bacteria also affected the microflora and the development of larvae shortly after hatching, which was confirmed, among other things, by measurements of proteins from the immune system. The use of supplemental bacteria in juvenile farming was investigated and indicated an increase in growth rate. It has not been possible to prove that increased disease tolerance can be achieved with the use of supplementary bacteria in juvenile farming, but there were positive indications of this. The main bottlenecks in the development of prevention methods were the live food animals, which caused a high microbial load. The development of probiotic rodents with other complementary microorganisms did not work well. Investigations into the infectious potential of the cod bacteria in cod fry showed that they did not cause any symptoms or cause death.

The aim was to increase the competitiveness and success of cod aquaculture by increasing survival and development from hatching through the larval stage. This was achieved by developing preventive methods to control important chemical and biological parameters. The results revealed that differences in microbiota composition between different larval treatments explained the success or lack thereof, better observed than total microbial or Vibrio counts of rearing water or larvae. Microbiota analysis and survival rates have hence led to the definition of desirable and undesirable bacteria, the latter being especially Vibrio sp. Assessment of selected chemical parameters was performed at pre- and posthatching periods, indicating NH3 build-up in the rearing water upon dry feeding. The selection of probiotic bacteria was based on a specific screening and their anticipated use in cod farming. Application of selected bacteria was tested for surface treatment of eggs and / or larval bathing, and the continuous use before and after hatching usually led to increased survival, growth and tolerance as well as influencing larval microbiota and immunological development. Application of selected probiotic bacteria was also tested with cod juveniles with increased growth rate. Disease resistance of probiotic-fed juveniles to fish pathogens was not confirmed. Development of probiotic rotifers proved difficult due to their high microbial load. Probiotic strains applied ip to cod juveniles were not found to be virulent

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Reports

Use of RFID tags in fish processing, process control and traceability

Published:

01/11/2007

Authors:

Sveinn Margeirsson

Supported by:

AVS Fisheries Research Fund

Use of RFID tags in fish processing, process control and traceability

The aim of this project was to develop and implement RFID tags in fish processing. The project was funded by the ACP Fund. RFID tags are emoticons that emit radio waves. The project included the development of a methodology for maintaining batches from the reception of fish tanks and through processing, without slowing down the processing, the development of screw-on plastic caps with RFID tags to facilitate their replacement in fish tanks and the adaptation of RFID reading on forklifts. The project was supported by the results of two other projects, "Processing Forecast" and "Processing Forecast" and also benefited from work on the project "Profit Maximization". These projects have demonstrated the relationship between the origin of the catch and its processing characteristics and aim to use information recorded in fish processing to streamline and improve the management of the value chain of marine products, from fishing and to the market. A prerequisite for being able to use measurement results in forecasting is that the relationship between measurements carried out at different stages of production is known. In other words, the premise is traceability that is secured by RFID. The use of RFID tags in fish processing thus supports the work and development that has taken place in these projects, as the security and accuracy of the models used there are largely based on standardization in information processing. Such standardization is achieved precisely by implementing automation in the recording of material flows in the processing. The use of RFID tags has become quite widespread in retail, and the Wal-Mart retail chain has, among other things, taken advantage of the technology, which has been developing rapidly in recent years. It is considered to offer great potential for increased profits for companies in production and retail, among other things with less waste, improved possibilities for production and inventory management and possibilities for providing information to customers. Partners in the project were FISK Seafood, Matís, Maritech and Sæplast.

This project was aimed at developing and implementing RFID labels in fish processing. RFIDs are labels that transmit radio signals. The project included sustaining sequences from landing of fish tubs, through stockroom and processing, without slowing down the processing (sustaining sequences from catch to landing had been solved earlier). It also included the development of a plug, containing the RFID label, for easier exchange of labels and adjustments of RFID reading on a fork lift. The project took aim in, and collaborated with, other projects, such as “Processing forecast of cod” and “Contribution margin maximisation” (both funded by the AVS fund and Rannís), which have shown that the origin of catch and season of catch influences the processing properties of the catch. FISK Seafood, Matís, Maritech and Sæplast (Promens-Dalvík) collaborated on the project and it was funded by the AVS-fund, under the ministry of fisheries.

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Reports

Gender analysis of fish

Published:

01/11/2007

Authors:

Dr. Sigurlaug Skírnisdóttir, Msc. Eiríkur Briem, Msc. Hlynur Sigurgíslason, Dr. Guðmundur Ó. Hreggviðsson, Dr. Sigríður Valgeirsdóttir, Dr. Jónas Jónasson, Dr. Sigríður Hjörleifsdóttir

Supported by:

Technology Development Fund (Icelandic Research Centers)

Contact

Sigurlaug Skírnisdóttir

Project Manager

sigurlaug.skirnisdottir@matis.is

Gender analysis of fish

The aim of the project was to find a gender-related difference between the genetic material of pike and females in salmon, halibut and cod. This information was then to be used to develop a gender analysis test for these fish species. Gene and female repositories for the three species were prepared by subtraction pairing. The sequences obtained in the gene pool were sequenced, palpated, and then plated. The flakes were then paired with genetic material on the hens and females and the binding was assessed for the sexes. The project involved a great deal of technical and market innovation, combining high-tech methods from molecular genetics and information technology to solve the existing market problem in gender analysis in aquaculture. The risk in the project was whether there was a sufficient gender difference in the genome of these fish to detect it by flake analysis. This project was a great challenge and although the final goal was not achieved, it worked out in terms of methodology and great results were obtained. The project was therefore important for development and method development within the companies Stofnfisk, Matís-Prokaria and Nimblegen Systems in Iceland.

The goal of the project was to develop a sex determination method for the three fish species, cod, salmon and halibut. Gene libraries for female and male fishes were produced for the three fish species by using the subtraction hybridization method from whole genomic DNA. Probes were designed for all the sequences obtained and the probes were put on microarrays. The microarrays were hybridized with DNA from both male and female fishes and the difference scored. The risk of the project was to determine if there is enough gene difference between the sexes of these three fish species to be analyzed by using microarrays. The project did not reveal sex determination genes, but this assignment was a big challenge for the three companies Stofnfiskur, Matís-Prokaria and Nimblegen Systems. Many new methods and technical solutions were solved during the project and a large set of results were built up. The project was an important part of the fast growing and development of the companies.

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