Different Types Of Fish Research Articles

Characterization and dietary regulation of glutamate dehydrogenase in different ploidy fishes

Glutamate dehydrogenase (GDH) plays a crucial role in amino acid deamination and has been used as an inductor of nutrients metabolism. In this study, we cloned and analyzed the GDH cDNAs in diploids (red crucian carp), triploids and tetraploids and characterized their expression profiles upon dietary treatments. Results showed a high sequence similarity of GDH among the three kinds of ploidy fishes and other vertebrates. Expression analysis revealed that GDH exhibited a distinct spatial pattern of expression in different types of fishes. The triploids and tetraploids had higher levels of expression than diploids in heart, liver, gill, muscle, fore-gut and mid-gut. The GDH expression was also developmentally regulated with a stronger expression around blastula stage. The maternal GDH transcripts were first detected from eggs and their expression dropped down from the gastrula stage to heart beat stage. Adult triploids showed the highest levels of GDH expression in liver during breeding season which may contribute to the good appetite and fast growth. In addition, triploids exhibited high growth rates and excess GDH expression compared with other two types of fishes. The liver GDH enzyme activities were also higher in triploids than red crucian carp and tetraploids. Moreover, GDH expression is regulated by dietary protein levels. Fish fed with either high or low protein diets showed higher levels of GDH expression. In summary, our results demonstrated for the first time that the different ploidy fishes had different patterns of GDH mRNA expression during development, breeding and non-breeding seasons, and as well dietary effects from different protein levels in diet. These data indicate that abundant GDH expression may play an important role in growth rates in triploids.

English

Biogenic amines are formed in some foods, especially fish and fish products as a result of the process of decarboxylation of free amino acids in food. The histamine (scombroid) poisoning arises from ingestion foods containing relatively high levels of histamine and other amines that act as histamine potentiators. Therefore, this study aims to explore the level of contamination by biogenic amines in fish and fish products in shore of Thuel – Saudi Arabia. One hundred and twenty of different fish samples were collected from Thuel shore markets. The biogenic amines histamine, cadaverine, putrescine and tyramine were determined in all samples and also in selected fish samples held iced for 0, 24 and 48 h. The effect of the commercial frying process on biogenic amines level was also tested using two different types of fish. Quantitative thin layer chromatography (TLC) analysis was used in biogenic amines determination. There are significant differences between the tested samples and the highest mean (mg/100 g) of putrescine. Cadaverine, histamine and tyramine were in loat fish (6.57), Baiad (3.348), Hareed (4.82) and Baiad (1.38), respectively. Significant increases in the level of biogenic amines were observed in fish held iced at 0, 24, and 48 h. A significant increase of histamine level was noticed in selected fish after commercial frying process. Key words: Biogenic amines, fish, frying, hazard analysis critical control point (HACCP),thin layer chromatography (TLC).

The relationships between fish heavy metal concentrations and fish size in the upper and middle reach of Yangtze River

Heavy metal (Cd, Cr, Cu, Hg, Pb, Zn) concentrations identified in the muscle tissue of seven fish species (silver carp Hypophthalmichthys molitrix, grass carp Ctenopharyngodon idellus, crucian carp Carassius auratus, carp Cyprinus carpio, Coreius heterodom, catfish Silurus asotus, and yellow-head catfish Pelteobagrus fulvidraco) from the Yangtze River were measured. Additionally, the relationships between fish size (length and weight), condition factor, and metal concentrations were investigated by linear regression analysis. Metal concentrations (mg/kg wet w.) were found to be distributed differently amongst the different types of fish. The highest concentrations of Cu (1.22) and Zn (7.55) were measured in yellow-head catfish. The catfish also showed strikingly high Cd (0.115) and Hg (0.0304) concentrations. The crucian carp and common carp showed highest levels of Pb (0.811) and Cr (0.239), respectively. The results of comparisons made between metal concentrations and the fish size parameters demonstrated positive relationships between fish sizes and metal levels in most cases, with negative relationships found only between mercury and chromium levels in the size of catfish and yellow-head catfish. The variance observed in the relationships between metal concentration and fish size, as measured among different fish species, may be related to the differences in ecological needs, swimming behaviors, and metabolic activity.

Contrasting effects of food quality and quantity on a marine top predator

Overfishing of predatory fish has contributed to an increase in forage-fish stocks. At the same time, a rising demand for forage fish to supply fishmeal markets, in combination with climate change, has put strong pressure on these stocks, and this, in turn, has had an impact on marine top predators. We examined how inter-annual variation in food quality (sprat Sprattus sprattus weight-at-age) and quantity (sprat abundance) influenced Baltic Sea common murres Uria aalge during chick-rearing. Fledging success, i.e. survival from hatching to fledging, showed a positive relationship with food quality, but we found no effect of food quantity. We found no rela- tionship between food quality and parental behaviour or chick feeding parameters, but a negative relationship between food quantity and trip duration. Our data indicate that there was room for parental birds to increase their effort to compensate for reduced food quality, but we found no signs of such compensation. We analysed different types of fish and seabird life-history data to separate effects of food quantity and quality on a top predator. Understanding such effects can contribute to clarifying causes and consequences for observed changes in life-history parameters and population dynamics of top predators.

Mercury Levels in an Urban Pregnant Population in Durham County, North Carolina

The adverse effects of prenatal mercury exposure, most commonly resulting from maternal fish consumption, have been detected at very low exposure levels. The omega-3 fatty acids found in fish, however, have been shown to support fetal brain and vision development. Using data from a prospective, cohort study of pregnant women from an inland area in the US South, we sought to understand the fish consumption habits and associated mercury levels across subpopulations. Over 30% of women had at least 1 μg/L of mercury in their blood, and about 2% had blood mercury levels above the level of concern during pregnancy (≥3.5 μg/L). Mercury levels were higher among Asian/Pacific Islander, older, higher educated, and married women. Fish consumption from any source was reported by 2/3 of the women in our study, with older women more likely to consume fish. Despite eating more fish meals per week, lower income, lower educated women had lower blood mercury levels than higher income, higher educated women. This suggests the different demographic groups consume different types of fish. Encouraging increased fish consumption while minimizing mercury exposure requires careful crafting of a complex health message.

Fatty acid composition and degradation level of the oils used in canned fish as a function of the different types of fish

An experimental investigation was carried out to assess the fatty acid composition and the degradation level of the covering oil present in canned fish. The most commonly marketed canned fish types were considered (tuna, sardines, anchovies, mackerels), as well as different kinds of covering oil: extra virgin olive oil, olive oil, refined seed oil. A total of 68 samples were analyzed. Two-way analysis of variance, followed by Fisher's Least Significant Difference test for multiple comparisons, and principal component analysis were carried out to compare the effect of both type of oil used and kind of fish on oil quality. The obtained results showed the lowest extent of both hydrolytic and oxidative degradation in samples containing extra virgin olive oil. In particular, the contents of triacylglycerol oligopolymers, imputable to secondary oxidative degradation, were equal to 0.17%, 0.50% and 0.74% for extra virgin olive oil, olive oil and refined seed oil, respectively. Olive oil showed significantly higher hydrolytic degradation, with diacylglycerols equal to 3.37%, but lower oxidative degradation and trans isomers content than refined seed oil. Finally, the type of fish did not seem to influence the extent of oxidative and hydrolytic degradation, with the only exception of sardines’ covering oil. This oil, characterized by the highest polyunsaturated fatty acid content, showed the highest values of oxidized triacylglycerols (1.32%) and specific absorption at 232 ( K 232, 4.030), indices of primary oxidative degradation.

A la búsqueda de un sector pesquero sostenible

The fishing sector is facing serious problems due to the excessive exploitation of animals, the destruction of the bottom of the sea because of the different types of fishing, the extraction of immature fishes, etc. We find the origin of all these problems in the 80’s thanks to the mechanization of the fishing boats, which increased the power of the boats, the catch levels and the different ways of fishing. From several institutions in the three fields of action (international, national and local) great efforts are being made in order to reduce these negative impacts, looking for a more sustainable fishing industry that can supply societies with food. At the same time, they will reduce the negative impacts of the environment. These institutions are promoting the aquaculture activities with great inversions as a solution to the fishing crisis and it is increasingly achieving a greater weight in the production of our society.

The Association Between Blood Mercury Level and Blood Pressure Differs by the Type of Fish Consumed in Children

PP-30-134 Background/Aims: The balance of contaminant risk and nutritional benefit from fish consumption is not clear. Mercury exposure, which is related to fish consumptions, has been shown to play a role in blood pressure. The objective was to assess the association of blood mercury levels (BML) with blood pressure (BP) by the type of fish consumed in children. Methods: We assessed BML and BP of ∼3200 children aged 7–9 years from the nationwide cohort study, the Children's HEalth and Environmental Research (CHEER). Children's dietary intake was measured by a food frequency questionnaire, from which the intake frequencies of different types of fish were calculated. Children were dichotomized into 2 groups based on BML and the level of each type of fish consumed. Multivariate analyses were performed to examine the interaction between fish intake and BML on BP. Results: We found a positive association between BML and BP. When we stratified our data by BML and fish intake, log transformed systolic and diastolic BP were higher (P for difference = 0.01, P for interaction = 0.06–0.07) in the high BML group (GM = 3.0 μg/L) than in the low BML group (GM = 1.1 μg/L) among the children with the low level of blue fish intake (<once per week). For the high blue fish intake group, there was no association between BML and BP. Consumption of white and shell fishes did not modify the association of BML with BP. Conclusion: The role of fish in the association between BML and BP depends on the level and type of fish consumed.

Dietitians knowledge of omega‐3 rich foods

Since omega‐3 fatty acids (n‐3s) reduce heart disease risk, and potentially other health problems, e.g., inflammation, mental disorders and poor birth outcomes, it is important for nutrition and health educators to teach the public which foods are rich in n‐3s. To see if dietitians had adequate knowledge of foods rich in n‐3s, surveys were conducted with Registered Dietitians (N=189) in Colorado, Kansas, Nebraska and New Jersey. The majority of the responses were different types of fish and nuts/seeds. Salmon (n=134; 71%), mackerel (n=65; 34%), and tuna (n=62; 33%) were the fish most frequently named, with 97%, 97%, and 95% response certainty respectively. Two other fish were named by more than ten percent of the dietitians, herring (n=23; 12%) (97% response certainty) and sardines (n=25; 13%) (100% response certainty). Walnuts (n=40; 21%) and flaxseeds (n=49; 26%) were also frequently named with high response certainty (98% and 96%). Other foods, e.g., n‐3 rich oils, eggs, wheat germ, and soybeans were also named by some of the dietitians. The survey results show that dietitians had limited knowledge regarding food sources of n‐3s, indicating a need for information resources on this subject for health and nutrition educators. This research was funded by the New Jersey Agricultural Experiment Station and the Rutgers University Food Policy Institute.

An evaluation of fishery co-management experience in an Amazonian black-water river (Unini River, Amazon, Brazil)

We evaluated the implementation of a fishing agreement, which was created by negotiation among all users of the resources as a co-management strategy because its definition was a result of meetings between all users of the resources. The fishing agreement was implemented in Unini River, a tributary of the right bank of Negro River. Our approach was based on the perception of the people who live in that area, called ribeirinhos. The management strategy was based on spatial distribution of the different types of fishing. We used two logistic regression models to identify the variables which are important to determine the previous concordance and satisfaction with the agreement. First, we analyzed the initial effort to implement the agreement. The variable that influenced the decision of support for the agreement and satisfaction with the results of agreement in both models was the distance from the interviewee’s residence to the sport fishing area. The results showed that the perception of improvement in well-being of the communities and structured social organization are crucial for the success of the co-management strategy.

Fish Consumption During Pregnancy, Prenatal Mercury Exposure, and Anthropometric Measures at Birth in a Prospective Mother-Infant Cohort Study in Spain

Previous studies suggested that there may be an association between birth size and the type and amount of fish consumed during pregnancy. One study suggested an inverse association between fetal growth and fatty fish but not lean fish. No association between mercury exposure and birth size has been reported. The aim of this population-based cohort study was to investigate the effect of the different types of fish consumed in late pregnancy on prenatal mercury exposure and to assess the association of the type of fish consumed and corresponding mercury exposure with birth weight, birth length, and classification as small for gestational age (SGA) in newborn infants. The association between total cord blood mercury and consumption of different types of fish by pregnant women was determined in 554 singleton live-born infants for several birth outcomes. For each subject, the frequency of fish consumption in the different fish groups was placed into 1 of 4 categories (<1 portion/mo, 1–3 portions/mo, 1 portion/wk, and ≥2 portions/wk). Multivariate analysis showed that newborns in the highest quartile of total mercury weighed 143.7 gm less (95% confidence interval [CI]: −251.8–35.6) than those in the first quartile (P for trend = 0.02), and also had an increased likelihood of having an SGA birth length, with an odds ratio of 5.3 (95% CI: 1.2–23.9; likelihood ratio test, P = 0.03) but with no linear relation (P for trend = 0.13). Mothers who consumed ≥2 portions/wk of canned tuna had offspring with higher birth weights than mothers who consumed <1 portion/mo (P for trend = 0.03), and had a lower risk of having an infant with an SGA weight (P for trend = 0.01). Women who consumed ≥2 portions of lean fish/wk had a lower risk of having an infant who was SGA for length compared with those who ingested <1 portion/wk, and consumption of ≥2 portions/wk of large oily fish was associated with an increased risk of an infant who was SGA for weight, but these associations were not statistically significant (P for trend >0.05). These findings show that the amount and type of fish consumed during pregnancy may influence fetal growth and other birth outcomes.

Fish consumption during pregnancy, prenatal mercury exposure, and anthropometric measures at birth in a prospective mother-infant cohort study in Spain

Background:Birth size has been shown to be related to maternal fish intake, although the results are inconsistent.Objective:The objective was to assess the association of consumption of different types of fish and prenatal mercury exposure with birth weight, birth length, and classification as small for gestational age (SGA) in newborns.Design:Cord blood total mercury was measured in 554 newborns in a population-based cohort born from 2004 to 2006. Fish consumption was classified in 4 frequency categories (<1 portion/mo, 1–3 portions/mo, 1 portion/wk, and ≥2 portions/wk).Results:When multivariate models were adjusted, newborns in the higher quartile of total mercury weighed 143.7 g less (95% CI: 251.8, 35.6; Pfor trend = 0.02) and had higher odds of being SGA for length (odds ratio: 5.3; 95% CI: 1.2, 23.9; Pfrom likelihood ratio test = 0.03) without a linear relation (Pfor trend = 0.13) compared with those in the lowest quartile. Mothers consuming ≥2 portions/wk of canned tuna had newborns who weighed more than those who consumed <1 portion/mo (Pfor trend = 0.03) and a lower risk of having infants who were SGA for weight (Pfor trend = 0.01). Consumption of ≥2 portions/wk of large oily fish was associated with a higher risk of being SGA for weight and consumption of lean fish with a lower risk of being SGA for length compared with the consumption of <1 portion/mo, but in neither case was there a linear relation (Pfor trend >0.05).Conclusions:The role of fish in fetal growth depends on the amount and type of fish consumed. The findings for mercury warrant further investigation in other settings.

Fish consumption and the incidence of cerebrovascular disease

Studies of the beneficial role of fish consumption in the prevention of CVD are not consistent in their findings, particularly those studies that focus on the risk of stroke. The aim of the present study is to investigate the relationship between the consumption of different types of fish and the subsequent incidence of cerebrovascular disease (CVA). We prospectively evaluated the association between consumption of different types of fish and CVA in 3958 men and women aged 40-79 years who were free of heart disease and had participated in a health examination survey from 1967 to 1972. A total of 659 incident cases of CVA occurred during a follow-up until the end of 1994. A dietary history interview method provided data on habitual consumption of fish and other foods over the preceding year at baseline. Total fish intake did not predict CVA, but consumption of salted fish suggested an increased risk of intracerebral haemorrhage. The relative risk of intracerebral haemorrhage between the highest tertile of salted fish consumption and non-consumers was 1.98 (95 % CI 1.02, 3.84; P for trend = 0.06) after adjustment for age, sex, energy intake, smoking, BMI, physical activity, geographic area, occupation, diabetes, use of post-menopausal hormones, serum cholesterol, hypertension, and consumptions of butter, vegetables, fruits and berries. The relationship between fish consumption and stroke risk is not straightforward. How the fish is prepared for consumption may play an important role, affecting the association.

Fish, Long-Chain Omega-3 Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids and Prevention of Cardiovascular Disease—Eat Fish or Take Fish Oil Supplement?

The association between fish consumption and risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD) has been extensively studied. Although the results are inconsistent, the majority of studies are in favor of cardioprotective effects of fish consumption. There is little doubt that long-chain ω-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (LCn-3PUFAs) in fish are the key nutrients responsible for the benefits and are important for CVD prevention. Although fish is valued as a source of these fatty acids, it also provides other nutrients that may have cardioprotective effects. It is likely that the beneficial effects of fish consumption on the risk of CVD are the synergistic effects among nutrients in fish, and the integrative effects of fish consumption may reflect the interactions of nutrients and contaminants in fish. This review summarizes the epidemiology of fish or LCn-3PUFAs with major CVD risk factors as well as coronary heart disease mortality and stroke. This review also discusses the possible difference between whole fish as a nutrient package and fish oil supplements as a source of LCn-3PUFAs with respect to CVD prevention. Further studies are needed to investigate the potential adverse effects of contaminants in fish and the possible different effects from different types of fish and cooking methods.

Higher sea fish intake is associated with greater bone mass and lower osteoporosis risk in postmenopausal Chinese women

We examined the cross-sectional association of the intakes of different types of fishes with bone mass and osteoporosis risk in postmenopausal Chinese women. We found that higher intake of sea fish is independently associated with greater bone mass and lower osteoporosis risk among postmenopausal Chinese women. Fish contains many important nutrients that are beneficial on bone health, but limited data on the relationship between fish intake and bone health are available. We examined the association of the intakes of different types of fishes with bone mineral density (BMD) and bone mineral content (BMC) and osteoporosis risk. This population-based cross-sectional study was conducted among 685 postmenopausal Chinese women. Habitual dietary intakes were assessed using food frequency questionnaire. BMD and BMC at the whole body, lumbar spine, and left hip were measured with dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry. After adjusting for the potential confounders, we observed dose-dependent relations between sea fish intake and BMDs, BMCs, and osteoporosis risk; the mean BMDs were 3.2-6.8% higher, and BMCs 5.1-9.4% higher in the top quintile groups (Q5) of sea fish intake than in the bottom quintile (Q1) at the whole body and hip sites (p < 0.05); the odds ratios (95% confidence interval (CI)) for osteoporosis (T-score < -2.5) in Q5 were 0.23 (0.08-0.66), 0.12 (0.03-0.59), and 0.06 (0.01-0.44) compared with those in Q1 at the whole body, total hip, and femur neck, respectively. No independent association between consumption of freshwater fish or shellfish and bone mass was observed. Higher intake of sea fish is independently associated with greater bone mass and lower osteoporosis risk among postmenopausal Chinese women.

Differences in predicted catch composition between two widely used catch equation formulations

Fishing gear selectivity varies among different types of fish (e.g., species, age, sex, or length groups), but their relative catch composition also depends on the fishing process. The continuous (Baranov) formulation assumes that fishing mortality and natural mortality occur together during the fishing season and that there are multiple encounters between fish and fishing gear. For this formulation, predicted catch composition depends on fishing mortality, and at high fishing mortality levels the entire population can be caught provided the selectivity is nonzero for all age groups. In contrast, the discrete formulation assumes that fishing mortality occurs separately from natural mortality and that fish encounter at most only one set of fishing gear. The discrete formulation is easier to compute, but the predicted catch composition is independent of fishing mortality, and some of the population remains unexploitable. The correct choice of equations depends on the particular fishery and fishing mortality levels; at low fishing mortality levels the predictions differ little, but at high fishing mortality levels where multiple gear encounters could occur, the continuous formulation is preferable.

Effect of Different Types of Fish on Rats Suffering from Diabetes

The present work was conducted to study the beneficial effect of different types of fish on diabetic rats and diabetic rats treated with insulin. This study investigated the chemical composition of four types of fish (Mackerel, Sardines, Smoked herring and Bolti) and also the effects of these types on the nutritional value and the levels of serum (glucose, lipid fractions, kidney and liver functions) of diabetic rats. The chemical composition "on dry bases matter" of processed fish types revealed that the bolti fish had the highly percent of protein, while the highest percent of fat was found in mackerel and sardines. The mackerel had the highest percentage of polyunsaturated fatty acid, followed by sardines, herring and bolti. Seventyfive male Albino rats used in this study, weighing (150 +/- 5 g) were divided into three main groups (n = 25). The first main group was considered negative control. The second main group was injected with 150-mg/kg-body weight of recrystallized alloxan to induce hyperglycemia. The third main group was injected with 150-mg/kg-body weight of recrystallized alloxan to induce hyperglycemia and treated with insulin injection. Each main group was divided into five subgroups. The first subgroup from each main group fed on a casein diet, while the second, third, fourth and fifth subgroups fed on basal diet containing mackerel, sardines, herring and bolti, respectively. Feeding diabetic rats with the different types of diet (fish diet) resulted in an improvement of the nutritional parameters. The mean values of serum glucose, cholesterol, triglycerides, LDL-c, HDL-c, VLDL-c, uric acid, urea nitrogen, aspartate amino transferase (AST) and alanine amino transferase (ALT) decreased in all treated groups especially with the mackerel and sardine diet, followed by bolti, as compared to the positive control groups (fed on a casein diet), while the levels of serum cholesterol and LDL-c increased in the groups fed on the herring diet. On the other hand, diabetic rats that were treated with a low insulin dose and fed on the mackerel diet, showed non-significant differences in the levels of all parameters, as compared to non-diabetic rats.

Injury risk at the work processes in fishing: A case-referent study

Epidemiological studies on occupational injuries describe the incidence ratios related to the main strata in the industries, while the injury incidence ratios for the specific work processes within the work places have not yet been studied. The aim was to estimate the injury rate-ratios for the main work processes in commercial fishing. A case-referent design with samples of person-time was used. The reported injuries to the National Maritime Authorities for a 5-year period for four types of commercial fishing defined the cases. The odds for the referents were calculated from samples of person-times for the specific working processes. Odds Ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (95% CI) were calculated for the specific working processes. A total of 560 cases were included and the samples of referent working periods were 63110 min in total. The largest part of the injuries (n = 318 injuries) 56.8% were related to three main working processes 5-7 (WP 5-7): preparing, shooting and hauling of the fishing gear and nets. The OR's for the specific working processes varied highly. The OR for WP 5-7 in total was 2.4 (2.10-2.77) with variations from of the OR s from 1.10 to 3.5 in different types of fishing. The OR's for traffic on board was 15.3 (12.0-19.4). The variations in the odds ratios indicate that the fishermen continuously shift between low and high-risk areas pointing out areas for prevention. The case-referent design with samples of person-time is useful for other areas of prevention.

Choosing Safe Fish: Too Little Data on the Menu

In recent years, both the benefits and the potential health risks of eating certain types of fish have been well publicized. Consumption advisories by government agencies as well as media reports have raised public awareness of high mercury concentrations in certain fish, particularly swordfish, shark, king mackerel, and tilefish. In this month’s issue, scientists at Rutgers University, the Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences Institute, and the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection contend that such efforts still are not enough to allow consumers to make truly informed decisions about which fish to eat, how often, and in what quantities [EHP 113:266–271]. With the overall objective of exploring how the information communicated in public health advisories might be enhanced, the group looked at the potential variation in fish mercury levels between regions within a state, between neighborhoods of different economic strata, and between types of stores. They also wanted to determine whether regional levels were significantly different from reported national levels posted by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) online at http://www.cfsan.fda.gov/~frf/sea-mehg.html. For the statewide comparison, the investigators analyzed the mercury content of samples of three types of fish commonly available in New Jersey—tuna, flounder, and bluefish. The fish were purchased between July and October 2003 from grocery stores and fish markets in regions throughout the state, and in both high- and low-income communities. The species—as expected—varied significantly in their mercury content, with large predatory tuna containing the most and bottom-feeding flounder the least. Mercury content did not vary significantly among store types or economic areas. Just one regional difference emerged: flounder purchased at fish markets along the Jersey shore had higher mercury levels than flounder from markets in other areas, possibly due to the fish coming into the stores from different sources, such as regional distribution centers. To compare actual mercury measures against data reported by the FDA, the team purchased and assayed samples of six additional types of fish (Chilean sea bass, porgy, red snapper, croaker, cod, and whiting) and two types of shellfish (shrimp and scallops) from central New Jersey markets. These species were chosen because of their wide availability in the state. Mean levels of mercury were higher in the sea bass, croaker, whiting, and shrimp available in New Jersey—as well as the tuna sampled in the first tier of the study—than predicted by the FDA’s data; the actual mean for one fish, croaker, was nearly three times the FDA estimate. The authors say these discrepancies show that the FDA should update its database (the data provided were collected mainly from 1990 to 1992). They also suggest that the agency consider providing regional breakdowns of aggregate mercury levels so state agencies can evaluate possible risks for their citizens. According to the researchers, this was the first study of mercury levels in commercial fish that included examination of fish availability, cost, and consumer preference as variables in consumer choice. Flounder struck the best balance between ready availability, affordable cost, and low mercury content. The authors suggest that state agencies responsible for health risk communication conduct more comprehensive studies and disseminate findings on consumers’ fish preferences as well as fish cost, availability, and contamination, including data on commercial fish species with low levels of mercury. Such information would enhance consumers’ ability to make rational decisions about fish consumption. Fish clearly can be a healthful food providing a relatively low-fat protein source as well as beneficial nutrients that protect against cardiovascular disease, the authors point out. They are pursuing studies that more clearly portray the balance between benefits and risks associated with eating different types of fish.

Classification and coding of commercial fishing injuries by work processes: An experience in the Danish fresh market fishing industry

Work-related injuries in commercial fishing are of concern internationally. To better identify the causes of injury, this study coded occupational injuries by working processes in commercial fishing for fresh market fish. A classification system of the work processes was developed by participation in fishing vessel trips where observations and video recordings of the work operations on board were collected. Subsequently the system was pilot tested using the Danish Maritime Authority injury reports. The developed classification system contains 17 main categories and up to 13 sub-categories of the work processes for each of the five different types of fishing. A total of 620 injury reports were reviewed and coded. Five percent (n = 33) of these were fatal injuries. The working processes were identified and coded according to the developed classification system for 553 (89%) injury reports: Danish seiner (n = 83), gill-netter (n = 122), beam trawler (n = 71), twin-trawler 2-T (n = 96), single/pair trawler 1-T (n = 181). Sixty-seven (11%) of the reports were unclassifiable due to lack of information. Preparing, shooting, and hauling of the gear and nets accounted for 50% of the injuries; they were most serious type of injuries such as fractures and sprains. Walking about the ship, in particular embarking and disembarking, climbing and descending ladders accounted for nearly one-fifth of the injuries. We found that the working processes related to working with the gear and nets vary greatly in the different fishing methods. Coding of the injuries to the specific working processes allows for targeted prevention efforts.