Aquatic Food Products Research Articles

Circular economy for aquatic food systems: insights from a multiscale phosphorus flow analysis in Norway

As wild-caught fish become scarce, feed ingredients for farming fish, such as salmon, are increasingly sourced from agricultural plants that depend on mineral fertilizers. Since these fish are naturally carnivorous, they have difficulty digesting the phosphorus in plant-based feed. So additional phosphorus supplements are added to the feed, resulting in a disproportionate increase in mineral phosphorus use and emission. Aquatic food production is increasingly relying on agriculture and mineral phosphorus resources. The feed surplus and the excreta are seldom collected and recycled, leading to a massive loss of nutrients to water bodies and the seafloor, resulting in local risk for eutrophication. Norway currently produces more than half of the world’s Atlantic salmon, and it is set to increase production from currently 1.5 to 5 Mt. in 2050. This has large implications for feed supply and emissions globally. There is a lack of studies that analyze the phosphorus system in aquatic food production at a sufficient spatial and temporal granularity to effectively inform interventions for a more circular use of phosphorus. Here, we present a multi-scale phosphorus flow analysis at monthly resolution ranging between 2005 and 2021 for aquatic food production in Norway and quantitatively discuss the effectiveness of alternative strategies for improving resource efficiency. The results indicate that P emissions from aquaculture have nearly doubled in the period between 2005 and 2021. The P use efficiency (PUE) in Norwegian aquaculture was 19% in 2021. The addition of phytase to the feed could improve the PUE by 8% by reducing P supplements and emissions by 7 kt/y. The use of Integrated Multi-Trophic Aquaculture close to fish farming sites could absorb emissions by 4 kt/y by creating new marine food products. Sludge collection systems could reduce P emissions by 4 to 11 kt/y, depending on the technology. Using the sludge in local agriculture would exacerbate the current P accumulation in soils close to the coastline, given that the animal density in this region is already high. Hence, a large and sophisticated processing infrastructure will be needed to create transportable, high-quality secondary fertilizers for effective sludge recycling in regions with a P deficit.

Potential quorum-sensing inhibitor of Hafnia alvei H4-theaflavin-3,3´-digallate analyzed by virtual screening and molecular simulation.

Hafnia species can cause food spoilage via the quorum-sensing (QS) system. Thus, strategies that target QS in these bacteria might be a good approach to safeguard the quality of processed food. In this study, the amino acid sequence of the LasI Ha protein, a key QS regulator from Hafnia alvei H4, was used to construct its 3D structure for the virtual screening of potential QS inhibitors (QSIs) from the Bioactive Compound database. Four potential QSIs were obtained, and these were all theaflavins (TFs). Among them, theaflavin-3,3´-digallate (TF3) was found to outperform the others, displaying a higher docking score according to molecular docking analysis, and required only a sub-minimal inhibitory concentration (31.25 mM) to cause a significant decrease in the production of the autoinducer N-acyl homoserine lactone in H. alvei H4 and up to 60.5% inhibition of its motility. Furthermore, molecular simulation results indicated that TF3 could stably bind to a cavity within LasI Ha to form stable hydrogen bonds and hydrophobic interactions with various key residues of the protein to exert the inhibitory effect. Thus, TF3 may be considered a potential compound to protect against food spoilage caused by H. alvei H4 via the quorum quenching. IMPORTANCE Hafnia alvei, the main strain studied in this paper, is often isolated from spoiled foods, especially refrigerated protein-based raw foods, and is generally considered to be a spoilage bacterium whose spoilage-causing properties may be closely related to its own very strong population-sensing activity, so the strategy of quorum quenching against H. alvei H4 may be a good way to guarantee the quality of processed foods. Given the current global requirements for food safety and quality, coupled with negative consumer perceptions of the excessive inclusion of synthetic chemicals in food products, the use of natural compounds as QSIs in the storage of aquatic food products would seem more attractive.

Integrated aquatic and terrestrial food production enhances micronutrient and economic productivity for nutrition-sensitive food systems

Integrated aquaculture–agriculture (IAA) is a form of crop diversification where aquatic and terrestrial foods are grown together on a single parcel of land. We compare economic and nutrient productivity per hectare for 12 distinct IAA combinations, identified from a representative survey of 721 farms in southern Bangladesh. Just under half of households integrate agriculture into their aquaculture production. Regression analyses show positive associations between the integration of terrestrial foods into aquatic farming systems and nutrient productivity, but that nutrient productivity is partly disconnected from economic productivity. However, we find that production of specific combinations of aquatic foods and vegetables can simultaneously improve nutrient productivity and economic productivity, thereby promoting nutrition-sensitive agriculture (NSA). The approach demonstrated here can be applied to the design of NSA programmes that are important for realizing nutrition-sensitive food systems.

Estimating Chinese consumer's willingness to pay for aquatic food following Japan's discharge of radioactive wastewater

The Japanese government approved to discharge the radioactive wastewater stored on the Fukushima Nuclear Power Plant into the ocean in April 2021. Given the geographical proximity between China and Japan, and the importance of aquatic foods in Chinese diet, we examine Chinese consumer's valuation of aquatic foods following Japan's plan to discharge the radioactive wastewater. With an online survey, we adopt a payment card approach to elicit consumer's willingness to pay (WTP) for two aquatic food products, each from four sources that are at different levels of being associated with radioactive wastewater. Also, given the controversy surrounding the discharge, we specify two information treatments to examine the effect of information on consumer's WTP. Our main results are both information treatments positively affect consumer's WTP for aquatic foods from freshwater and seawater aquaculture. Moreover, positive information decreases consumer's WTP for aquatic foods caught in the East China Sea, and negative information also has negative yet insignificant effect. Lastly, in general, information negatively affects WTP for aquatic foods caught on high seas. These results highlight the importance of effective public communication regarding Japan's discharge of radioactive wastewater, and it may also be used to predict changes in China's aquatic food markets.

In-vitro bioaccessibility of pesticide residues in edible seaweeds: Exposure and health risk assessment

Bioaccessibility-based risk assessment can improve dietary recommendations for pesticide residue (PR) contaminated aquatic food products. The bioaccessibility of banned organochlorine (HCH, heptachlor, aldrin, endrin, DDT, and endosulfan) and pyrethroid (cypermethrin) pesticides in green (U. lactuca and C. racemosa) and red (K. alvarezii) seaweeds from Gulf of Mannar, Marine Biosphere Reserve Trust was assessed using in-vitro simulation digestion. Thermal processing of seaweeds significantly (p < 0.05) reduces the PRs concentration. The sum of PRs concentration was higher in U. lactuca and lower in K. alvarezii in raw seaweeds. C. racemosa had higher concentration after thermal cooking. PR bioaccessibility in seaweeds was 9–34%, 2–50%, and 7–34% in C. racemosa, U. lactuca, and K. alvarezii, respectively. Gulf of Mannar seaweeds represent no significant health risk (hazard risk <1). Ignoring PR bioaccessibility in aquatic foods may exaggerate the health risk of dietary exposure.

Investigation of Some Heavy Metal Resistance Genes in E.coli Isolated from Shrimp and Mussels

One of the biggest problems in the modern world is environmental pollution. All organisms are affected by the resulting pollution, albeit at different levels. One of the most important causes of pollution is the stable and non-perishable compounds formed due to heavy metals used in a wide range of environments. Heavy metal pollution, especially in the seas, causes cumulative accumulations in aquatic life, food and other products obtained from aquatic life, in living things that consume these products, and related diseases. The most critical sign of heavy metal pollution in water is the resistance formed against heavy metals in bacteria living in these waters. To determine the resistance to heavy metals in bacteria, the presence of resistance to Copper, Mercury and Manganese heavy metals in E. coli isolated from 18 mussels and 16 shrimps was genotypically investigated. For this purpose, the presence of pcoR genes for the determination of copper resistance, merA for the determination of mercury resistance, and mntR for the determination of manganese resistance was investigated in both plasmid and genomic DNA. As a result of the study, resistance genes were detected against heavy metals in 31 (91.17%) of 34 E. coli isolates examined. The presence of the pcoR gene (copper resistance) was found in 2 isolates (5.88%), the merA gene (mercury resistance) in only one isolate (2.94%) and the mntR gene (manganese resistance) in 8 isolates (23.52%). While pcoR and merA genes were not observed together in any isolates, pcoR and mntR genes were detected together in the genetic material of 10 isolates (29.41%). In comparison, mntR and merA genes were detected together in the genetic material of 7 isolates (20.58%). In 3 samples, all of the resistance genes against heavy metals were detected (8.82%).

Whole genome sequence analysis of Aeromonas spp. isolated from ready-to-eat seafood: antimicrobial resistance and virulence factors.

Aeromonas are widespread in aquatic environments and are considered emerging pathogens in humans and animals. Multidrug resistant (MDR) Aeromonas circulating in the aquatic environment and food production chain can potentially disseminate antimicrobial resistance (AMR) to humans via the foodborne route. In this study, we aimed to investigate AMR and virulence factors of 22 Aeromonas strains isolated from ready-to-eat (RTE) seafood. A multilocus phylogenetic analysis (MLPA) using the concatenated sequences of six housekeeping genes (gyrB, rpoD, gyrA, recA, dnaJ, and dnaX) in the 22 Aeromonas genomes and average nucleotide identity (ANI) analysis revealed eight different species; A. caviae, A. dhakensis, A. hydrophila, A. media, A. rivipollensis, A. salmonicida, A. bestiarum, and A. piscicola. The presence of virulence genes, AMR genes and mobile genetic elements (MGEs) in the Aeromonas genomes was predicted using different databases. Our data showed that the genes responsible for adherence and motility (Msh type IV pili, tap type IV pili, polar flagella), type II secretion system (T2SS) and hemolysins were present in all strains, while the genes encoding enterotoxins and type VI secretion system (T6SS) including major effectors were highly prevalent. Multiple AMR genes encoding β-lactamases such as cphA and blaOXA were detected, and the distribution of those genes was species-specific. In addition, the quinolone resistance gene, qnrS2 was found in a IncQ type plasmid of the A. rivopollensis strain A539. Furthermore, we observed the co-localization of a class I integron (intl1) with two AMR genes (sul1 and aadA1), and a Tn521 transposon carrying a mercury operon in A. caviae strain SU4-2. Various MGEs including other transposons and insertion sequence (IS) elements were identified without strongly associating with detected AMR genes or virulence genes. In conclusion, Aeromonas strains in RTE seafood were potentially pathogenic, carrying several virulence-related genes. Aeromonas carrying multiple AMR genes and MGEs could potentially be involved in the dissemination and spread of AMR genes to other bacterial species residing in the same environment and possibly to humans. Considering a One-Health approach, we highlight the significance of monitoring AMR caused by Aeromonas circulating in the food chain.

Development and evaluation of an intelligent UVC sterilization system for raw aquatic food production

AbstractRaw aquatic food is regarded as an important source of proteins. However, the presence of various bacteria can increase the risk of disease in humans. As a result, a crucial step in the processing of aquatic products is the disinfection of raw aquatic food. An intelligent ultraviolet c radiation (UVC) sterilization system was established and evaluated in this study. On the automated production line, the UVC lamp's sterilization intensity can be automatically adjusted to achieve intelligent sterilization of the various aquatic product categories. The system was implemented and evaluated for oyster surface sterilization experiments in the production line. The quality indicators of oysters, such as volatile salt nitrogen content and aerobic bacterial count, were measured before and after sterilization. The average sterilization rate of the intelligent system is 96.4%. The results showed that the system had an excellent sterilization effect and improved the shelf life of aquatic products.

Thermal Preference May Facilitate Spatial Coexistence of Two Invasive Fish Species in Lake Bosten, China

As aquaculture food production is expected to increase, introduced aquaculture species play an important role in meeting the rising demand for aquatic food products and contributing to great societal benefits. Species introduction forces sympatric species to coexist within the same ecosystem by niche segregation. Japanese smelt Hypomesus nipponensis and sharpbelly Hemiculter leucisculus are ecologically similar species and were introduced to Lake Bosten, the largest inland lake in Northwest China, accounting for more than 60% of the total production. We predicted that the coexistence of the two invasive species is mediated by habitat segregation. We analyzed spatiotemporal patterns of Japanese smelt and sharpbelly abundance in Lake Bosten to determine the patterns of spatial segregation between the two dominant fish species. Our results showed that, in Lake Bosten, sharpbelly are typically littoral dwellers when the surface temperature increases in spring and summer, while Japanese smelt often prefer pelagic waters, especially during summer and autumn when the surface temperature rises. Japanese smelt showed an affinity for deeper waters, using median depths 1.7 m deeper than those of sharpbelly, irrespective of the sampling season. Water temperature was the main underlying driver of such spatial segregation and coexistence of these two closely related species in Lake Bosten. Spawning, food resources, and fishing were also important possible factors affecting spatial segregation between the two species. Our results provide new information on niche partitioning patterns as strategies for the coexistence of the two dominant non-native fish in Lake Bosten, supporting the idea that ecologically similar species can avoid resource competition through spatial habitat segregation.

A decadal outlook for global aquaculture

A decadal outlook for global aquaculture

Mycotoxins in Seafood: Occurrence, Recent Development of Analytical Techniques and Future Challenges

The co-occurrence of mycotoxigenic fungi and mycotoxins in aquatic food commodities has recently become a source of severe worldwide food insecurity since these toxicants may damage human health. The consumption of aquatic food itself represents a relatively novel and non-negligible source of mycotoxins. Mycotoxins in seafood lead to important human genotoxins, carcinogens, and immunosuppressors. Consequently, it is crucial to quantify and characterize these contaminants in aquatic food products subject to extensive consumption and develop new regulations. The present paper provides an overview of recent advancements in liquid chromatography and mass spectrometry and the coupling of these techniques for identifying and characterizing mycotoxins in various fresh, comestible, and treated marine products. The disposable data display that a multiplicity of fungal species and further mycotoxins have been detected in seafood, comprising aflatoxins, ochratoxins, fumonisins, deoxynivalenol, zearalenone, and trichothecenes. In addition, a wider and up-to-date overview of global occurrence surveys of mycotoxin occurrence in seafood in 2017–2022 is explored. In this regard, the predominant occurrence of enniatins has been documented in seafood products. Likewise, special attention has been given to current EU seafood legal and existing national regulations of mycotoxins in seafood. In this way, rigorous national and international guidelines are needed for palpable and effective measures in the future. Nevertheless, controlling mycotoxins in aquatic foods is an ambitious aim for scientists and industry stakeholders to ensure sustainable global food safety.

Greenhouse gas concentrations and emissions from a plastic-lined shrimp pond on Hainan, China

Greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions caused by food production contributed on average 23% (12 ± 2.9 P(=1015)gCO2e yr−1) to the total anthropogenic GHG emissions between 2007 and 2017. Globally, China has the largest aquatic food production and the South American white shrimp Litopenaeus vannamei (L. vannamei) is gaining more and more economic importance. Here, we set-up an GHG monitoring system within a plastic-lined L. vannamei pond on the Chinese island of Hainan and developed a simple box model to better understand processes controlling the aquatic GHG production and emission within and from the pond. Measured data in line with model results showed that an increase of the pond water pH due to liming could have turned the studied pond from a CO2 source into a CO2 sink. Nevertheless, it remained elusive whether liming would finally act as a net CO2 sink to the atmosphere, considering CO2 emissions associated with its supply and the treatment of alkaline pond waters. The transformation of mangroves into aquacultures can, in turn, be seen as a CO2 source for the atmosphere, which enhances the residence of CO2 in the climate system by reducing its burial in sediments. However, in comparison to shrimp cultures in estuaries as well as mangroves and mangroves converted into paddy fields, crab ponds as well as earthen shrimp ponds, methane (CH4) and nitrous oxide (N2O) emission were low in the pond we studied. While N2O emissions from ponds were in general low, CH4 emission in the studied pond was up to orders of magnitude lower than at the other sites. Shielding pond-waters from impacts of ambient environments such as mangrove soils and ocean waters could be one reason for the low CH4 and N2O emission. However, the still poorly understood processes controlling fluxes of N2O and CH4 in aquacultures and mangroves impede the discussion on impacts of aquacultures on the greenhouse effect and hampers the development of further, more specific strategies to lower GHG emissions from shrimp cultures.

Machine Learning Integrated Multivariate Water Quality Control Framework for Prawn Harvesting from Fresh Water Ponds

Water contamination, temperature imbalance, feed, space, and cost are key issues that traditional fish farming encounters. The aquaculture business still confronts obstacles such as the development of improved monitoring systems, the early detection of outbreaks, enormous mortality, and promoting sustainability, all of which are open problems that need to be solved. The goal of this study is to provide a machine learning (ML)-based aquaculture solution that boosts prawn growth and production in ponds. The study described a proposed framework that collects data using sensors, analyses it using a machine learning framework, and provides results like a preferred list of water quality (QOW) variables that affect prawn development and yield, as well as pond categorization into low, medium, and high prawn-producing ponds. In this study, we use eight distinct machine-learning classifiers to discover the driving elements that influence the development and yield of aquatic food products in ponds in terms of QOW variables, as well as three feature selection approaches to identify the aspects that have the largest impact on the pond's total harvest performance. To validate and obtain satisfying results, the suggested system was installed and tested. The average F score and accuracy when yield is employed as a harvest parameter are determined to be 0.85 and 0.78, respectively. The average merit ratings of temperature, dissolved oxygen, and salinity are significantly higher than those of the other QOW components. The temperature variations are greatest during the second, fourth, and seventh weeks. Temperature, salinity, and dissolved oxygen are the three QOW variables that have the largest influence on overall pond harvest performance, according to the data. Additionally, it has been discovered that a key QOW factor in separating high-yielding ponds from low-yielding ponds is the temperature change following stocking.

Evaluating the effects of plasma-activated slightly acidic electrolyzed water on bacterial inactivation and quality attributes of Atlantic salmon fillets

In this study, an intervention non-thermal processing technology plasma-activated slightly acidic electrolyzed water (PASW) was developed to better preserve salmon fillets. Compared to the plasma-activated water (PAW) and slightly acidic electrolyzed water (SAEW), PASW treatment was found to be more effective in inactivating microorganisms. After PAW, SAEW, or PASW treatment for 120 s, the population of Shewanella putrefaciens (S. putrefaciens) was reduced by 2.04, 2.62 and 2.08 Log CFU/mL (P < 0.05) using plate counts, respectively. The test for the leakage of nucleic acids and protein in intracellular contents confirmed that PASW caused serious damage to the microbial cell structural integrity compared to that alone PAW or SAEW. Meanwhile, scanning electron microscopic observations also showed that PASW caused apparent bacterial structural changes. Besides, the PASW treatment did not alter color and textural properties of salmon fillets, and restrained lipid oxidation as compared to the control and SAEW treatments. In all, this study compared the bacterial inactivation mechanisms for PAW, SAEW, and PASW, and suggested that PASW was effective in inactivating S. putrefaciens of salmon fillets. Industrial relevancePlasma-activated slightly acidic electrolyzed water, an emerging technology in food processing, can be a potential green technology for the processing of aquatic food products. PASW treatment had higher disinfection efficacy than that of SAEW or PAW treatment alone, and no adverse effect on the quality of Atlantic salmon fillets. These results boost knowledge in the food preservation field, as well as the application of non-thermal processing in the food industry.

Impacts of nano/micro-plastics on safety and quality of aquatic food products.

The spread of nano/microplastics (N/MPs) pollution has gained importance due to the associated health concerns. Marine environment including fishes, mussels, seaweed and crustaceans are largely exposed to these potential threats. N/MPs are associated with plastic, additives, contaminants and microbial growth, which are transmitted to higher trophic levels. Foods from aquatic origin are known to promote health and have gained immense importance. Recently, aquatic foods are traced to transmit the nano/microplastic and the persistent organic pollutant poising hazard to humans. However, microplastic ingestion, translocation and bioaccumulation of the contaminant have impacts on animal health. The level of pollution depends upon the pollution in the zone of growth for aquatic organisms. Consumption of contaminated aquatic food affects the health by transferring the microplastic and chemicals. This chapter describes the sources and occurrence of N/MPs in marine environment, detailed classification of N/MPs based on the properties influencing associated hazard. Additionally, occurrence of N/MPs and their impact on quality and safety in aquatic food products are discussed. Lastly, existing regulations and requirements of a robust framework of N/MPs are reviewed.

A Review on Spoilage Microorganisms in Fresh and Processed Aquatic Food Products

Aquatic food products are greatly perishable owing to their biological compositions. Spoilage is defined as any alteration in food products that lead to unacceptable attributes to the consumers, mainly through sensory perception. Microbial spoilage is a common type of spoilage among seafood products. In this paper, we reviewed and discussed the various spoilage microorganisms (molds, yeasts, and bacteria) in fresh and processed fish and fishery products. Many studies reported that processed fishery products, such as salted, dried, and hot-smoked fish, are commonly spoiled by molds, mainly under the genus of Aspergillus and Penicillium. Yeasts as spoilage agents have been associated with fish and fishery products stored at low temperatures, notably dominated by two genera, Candida and Rhodotorula, while other yeast species have also been linked to heavily-salted fish and fermented aquatic foods. The important genera of spoilage bacteria that have been documented in fresh and processed fish and fishery products were Pseudomonas, Alcaligenes, Aeromonas, Enterobacter, Bacillus, Enterococcus, Psychrobacter, Escherichia coli, Listeria, Brochothrix, and Shewanella species. Microorganisms play an important role in the spoilage of processed and fresh fish/fishery products. Further research should be undertaken to fully understand the microbial world, particularly associated with aquatic food products.

Cooking methods effectively alter perfluoroalkyl substances and nutrients in cultured and wild bullfrogs

The ubiquitous distribution of perfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) poses a threat to the health of aquatic organisms and humans. Bullfrogs are considered a popular aquatic food product in South China, providing high protein and tasty cuisine; however bullfrogs have been shown to contain significant concentrations of PFASs. However, the risk-benefit ratios of PFASs and nutrient contents in cooked bullfrogs are not well understood. PFASs and nutrients were investigated in raw and cooked specimens of cultured and wild bullfrogs in this study. Novel PFASs showed higher detection levels and accumulation in wild bullfrogs than in cultured bullfrogs. Potential factors such as fat and fatty acid ratio affected PFASs accumulation in different tissues and by different cooking methods of bullfrogs. All cooking methods can reduce PFASs in edible tissues while significantly enhancing the nutritive value index (NVI) compared to raw bullfrogs. Steaming was the most effective way to reduce PFASs (rate of reduction was over 66%) and resulted in a lower risk of contributing to arteriosclerosis than other cooking methods assessed by atherogenicity index (AI) values. Cultured bullfrogs instead of wild bullfrogs were recommended for human consumption, and steaming was regarded as a better cooking method in terms of risk-benefit concerns. Overall, this work provides quantitative analysis of cooking methods that alter PFASs and nutrients in bullfrogs.

Decarbonizing Aquatic Food Production Through Circular Bioeconomy of Aquaponic Systems

Aquaponics is rapidly emerging as a sustainable aquatic food production system that addresses the many concerns associated with aquaculture, especially those related to environmental footprint. Depending on certain factors aquaponics can be graded as low-carbon, carbon neutral or carbon negative method. In aquaponics, water discharged from the fish production chamber feeds the plants and plants absorb the waste and filter the water which returns to the fish tank. This characterizes the circular bioeconomy of the system. Nitrifying bacteria play a vital role in biological filtration by way of transforming toxic waste into a form usable by plants. Grow-bed media filters are central in the nitrogen cycle in a closed-loop system. That is highly biodynamic, with the variables that tend to change the balance among the various components of the whole system. Optimization of biological processes allows the system-level changes within a specified range but because of self-renewal inherent in the operations, the system shows no overall change. Modulating the grow-bed media is the essential feature of this balancing mechanism. It includes selection of media filters according to their physical attributes. This paper seeks to advance the current understanding of the most critical aspects of aquaponics that could help in developing system designs for a truly aquatic carbon farming.

Using calcined oyster shell powder as a natural preservative for extending the quality of black king fish (Rachycentron canadum) fillets

AbstractAquacultural foods represent a valuable source of nutrition with high nutritional value and numerous health benefits. They are widely consumed as a palatable and easily digestible source of protein. However, they are highly susceptible to spoilage after harvesting and subsequent processing and storage. Natural and green biological methods for inhibiting or reducing the growth of microorganisms and controlling the quality of products during storage are of particular commercial importance. In this study, black king fish (BKF) fillets treated with calcined oyster shell powder (COSP) exhibited the dual benefits of extended shelf life and natural safety and nontoxicity. In particular, COSP inhibited acid‐producing microorganisms and aerobic bacteria by regulating pH throughout the refrigerated storage of BFK fillets. TVB‐N levels in BFK fillets were maintained below 20 mg/100 g, while peroxide values (PV), thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS), and trimethylamine (TMA) levels were all within acceptable ranges, all of which were significantly different (p &lt; 0.05) compared to the control group. In addition, the hardness and overall acceptability performance showed significantly favorable results compared to the control group. The results of this study may be widely applicable to aquatic food products. Minimizing postharvest and financial losses in large‐scale aquatic products production by extending shelf life will provide additional economic benefits.Novelty impact statement COSP treatment can inhibit the growth of microorganisms. COSP treatment can control the quality of products during frozen storage. Fish fillets treated with COSP exhibited the benefits extended shelf life and natural safety and nontoxicity.

Rights and representation support justice across aquatic food systems

Injustices are prevalent in food systems, where the accumulation of vast wealth is possible for a few, yet one in ten people remain hungry. Here, for 194 countries we combine aquatic food production, distribution and consumption data with corresponding national policy documents and, drawing on theories of social justice, explore whether barriers to participation explain unequal distributions of benefits. Using Bayesian models, we find economic and political barriers are associated with lower wealth-based benefits; countries produce and consume less when wealth, formal education and voice and accountability are lacking. In contrast, social barriers are associated with lower welfare-based benefits; aquatic foods are less affordable where gender inequality is greater. Our analyses of policy documents reveal a frequent failure to address political and gender-based barriers. However, policies linked to more just food system outcomes centre principles of human rights, specify inclusive decision-making processes and identify and challenge drivers of injustice.