Transboundary Movement of Atlantic Istiophorid Billfishes Among International and U.S. Domestic Management Areas Inferred from Mark-Recapture Studies

Billfish movements relative to the International Commission for the Conservation of Atlantic Tunas management areas, as well as U.S. domestic data collection areas within the western North Atlantic basin, were investigated with mark-recapture data from 769 blue marlin, Makaira nigricans, 961 white marlin, Tetrapturus albidus, and 1,801 sailfish, Istiophorus platypterus. Linear displacement between release and recapture locations ranged from zero (all species) to 15,744 km (mean 575, median 119, SE 44) for blue marlin, 6,523 km (mean 719, median 216, SE 33) for white marlin, and 3,845 km (mean 294, median 98, SE 13) for sailfish. In total, 2,824 (80.0%) billfish were recaptured in the same management area of release. Days at liberty ranged from zero (all species) to 4,591 (mean 619, median 409, SE 24) for blue marlin, 5,488 (mean 692, median 448, SE 22) for white marlin, and 6,568 (mean 404, median 320, SE 11) for sailfish. The proportions (per species) of visits were highest in the Caribbean area for blue marlin and white marlin, and the Florida East Coast area for sailfish. Blue marlin and sailfish were nearly identical when comparing the percent of individuals vs. the number of areas visited. Overall, white marlin visited more areas than either blue marlin or sailfish. Seasonality was evident for all species, with overall results generally reflecting the efforts of the catch and release recreational fishing sector, particularly in the western North Atlantic. This information may be practical in reducing the uncertainties in billfish stock assessments and may offer valuable insight into management consideration of time-area closure regulations to reduce bycatch mortality of Atlantic billfishes.

Freezing and cold storage of cat fish fillets

The freezing and cold storage changes occurring in skinless fillets of cat fish and the effect of packaging on the quality of frozen fillets during storage at -18°C were studied. Maximum shelf-life of 27 weeks was shown by fillets frozen as glazed (water) blocks and packed in polythene lined waxed cartons.

Canning of squid

A simple method for canning squid (Loligo sp.) is discussed. Hot blanching the dressed meat in 7% brine containing 0.2% citric acid for 5 min, packing and subsequent filling with 2% brine containing 0.2% citric acid and processing at 1.0 kg/cm² steam for 20 mm gave an excellent canned product with good shelf-life.

Improving the acceptability of canned mackerel tuna (Euthynnus affinis)

Methods for improving the colour and flavour of canned mackerel tuna (Euthynnus affinis) and modifications in the canning process are reported.

Studies on iced storage of common murrel (Channa striatus)

The iced storage characteristics of common murrel (Channa striatus) have been studied. The non-protein nitrogen and alpha amino nitrogen in the muscle of the fish decreased during iced storage and the total volatile base nitrogen at the end of iced storage was not high even though the fish became unacceptable during the period. There was steep decrease in total bacterial count during initial storages of storage and then increased steadily on further storage. The fish remained in acceptable condition for 8 to 9 days in ice.

Studies on freezing and storage of Psenopsis cyanea

The freezing and storage characteristics of Psenopsis cyanea caught on board FORV Sagar Sampada from a depth of 350 m off Cochin are reported. The fat content of the fish was high (15.58% on the weight of whole fish) and the meat was white in colour. Peroxide value, free fatty acids and thiobarbituric acid values increased during frozen storage and organoleptically the fish was acceptable up to 32 weeks at -22 ± 1°C.