Proximate and fatty acid composition of 40 southeastern U.S. finfish species

This report describes the proximate compositions (protein, moisture, fat, and ash) and major fatty acid profiles for raw and cooked samples of 40 southeastern finfish species. All samples (fillets) were cooked by a standard procedure in laminated plastic bags to an internal temperature of 70'C (lS8'F). Both summarized compositional data, with means and ranges for each species, and individual sample data including harvest dates and average lengths and weights are presented. When compared with raw samples, cooked samples exhibited an increase in protein content with an accompanying decrease in moisture content. Fat content either remained approximately the same or increased due to moisture loss during cooking. Our results are discussed in reference to compositional data previously published by others on some of the same species. Although additional data are needed to adequately describe the seasonal and geographic variations in the chemical compositions of many of these fish species, the results presented here should be useful to nutritionists, seafood marketers, and consumers.(PDF file contains 28 pages.)

Modified sorting technique to mitigate the collateral mortality of trawled school prawns (Metapenaeus macleayi)

The potential for changes to onboard handling practices in order to improve the fate of juvenile school prawns (Metapenaeus macleayi) discarded during trawling were investigated in two Australian rivers (Clarence and Hunter) by comparing a purpose-built, water-filled sorting tray against a conventional dry tray across various conditions, including the range of typical delays before the start of sorting the catch (2 min vs. 15 min). Juvenile school prawns (n= 5760), caught during 32 and 16 deployments in each river, were caged and sacrificed at four times: immediately (T0), and at 24 (T24), 72 (T72), and 120 (T12 0) hours after having been discarded. In both rivers, most mortalities occurred between T0 and T24 and, after adjusting for control deaths (<12%), were greatest for the 15-min conventional treatment (up to 41% at T120). Mixed-effects logistic models revealed that in addition to the sampling time, method of sorting, and delay in sorting, the weight of the catch, salinity, and percentage cloud cover were significant predictors of mortality. Although trawling caused some mortalities and comparable stress (measured as L -lactate) in all school prawns, use of the water tray lessened the negative impacts of some of the above factors across both the 2-min and 15-min delays in sorting so that the overall discard mortality was reduced by more than a third. When used in conjunction with selective trawls, widespread application of the water tray should help to improve the sustainability of trawling for school prawns.

Viability of seeds in food products proposed for field trips in Galapagos

Seeds of 14 plant species extracted from food products proposed for field trips in Galapagos were tested for viability. Strawberry Fragaria ananasa and Blackberry Rubus glaucus jams (Snob and Gustadina brands) contained no viable seeds. Schullo brand granola contained inviable Sesame Sesamum indicum seed, but Sesame in granolas prepared in Galapagos was viable. Sesame seed in bread was viable but Flax Linum usitatissimum seed in bread was not. Brown Rice Oryza sativa and Sunflower seeds Helianthus annuus were both viable. Fresh Apple Malus domestica, Naranjilla Solanum quitoense, Cucumber Cucumis sativus, Pineapple Ananas comosus, Pear Pyrus communis, Bell Pepper Capsicum annuum, Tomato Solanum lycopersicum, Grape Vinis vinifera all contained viable seeds. We recommend prohibiting any product with viable seeds from field trips to uninhabited areas. CDF Contribution Number 1009.

Improving methods and indicators for evaluating coastal water eutrophication: a pilot study in the Gulf of Maine

Study Goals and Objectives: 1) Improve existing nutrient-related eutrophication assessment methods, updating (from early 1990s to early 2000s) the eutrophication assessment for systems included in the study with the improved method. 2) Develop a human-use/socioeconomic indicator to complement the assessment indicator. The human-use indicator was developed to evaluate costs of nutrient-related degradation in coastal waters and to put the issue into a broader context relevant to the interested public and legislators as well as to scientists. 3) Project objectives included collecting existing water quality data, developing an accessible database appropriate for application to a national study, and applying the assessment methods to 14 coastal systems – nine systems north of Cape Cod and five systems south. The geographical distribution of systems was used to examine potential regional differences in condition. 4) The intent is to use the lessons learned in this pilot study on a national scale to guide completion of an update of the 1999 National Estuarine Eutrophication Assessment.

Successful inoculation of Artemia and production of cysts in the coastal saltpans of Bangladesh II

Bangladesh has no naturally occurring Artemia, and all the growing shrimp hatcheries of the country depend entirely on import of cysts from foreign countries. Following successful inoculation of Artemia and production of cysts for the first time in this country in a coastal saltpan (at Chanua, Banskhali) by the senior author (in 1989-90), a similar second attempt was made under this programme in a saltpan (1000 m super(2)) of Demoshia, Chakaria, Cox's Bazar, Bangladesh between January and April 1992. A total of 1639.9 g (dry weight) of cysts (i.e. 5.46 kg DW/ha/month) have been produced using the Red Jungle Brand, whereas the previous attempt obtained 517 g of cysts (i.e. 2.07 kg DW/ha/month) using the Great Salt Lake Brand.