Sardina Pilchardus Research Articles

Relevance of current PCB concentrations in edible fish species from the Mediterranean Sea

Legal restrictions and bans have led to a steady decrease in PCB environmental concentrations. Yet, in recent years PCBs have been found at very high levels in the Mediterranean Sea, for instance, in some apex predators. This work aimed to investigate current PCB (eighteen congeners: #28,52,77,81,101,105,114,118,123,126,138,153,156,157,167,169,180,189) concentrations in the Mediterranean Sea and their relevance today, focusing on their occurrence in edible fish species typically consumed in the Mediterranean diet. In spring 2017, a total of 48 fish samples from the Northern Thyrrenian Sea were collected: 16 specimens of sardine (Sardina pilchardus), 16 of anchovy (Engraulis encrasicolus) and 16 of bogue (Boops boops). PCBs were quantified in the muscle of the animals by means of GC-QqQ-MS. They were found in all samples at the greatest concentrations (ng/g w.w.) in sardine (4.15–17.9, range), and very similar values between anchovy (1.01–7.08) and bogue (1.46–7.22). WHO-TEQ PCB values followed the same order, i.e. sardine (0.410–1.24, range in pg/g w.w.) > anchovy (0.0778–0.396) ~ bogue (0.0726–0.268). These concentrations lied below the European limits of 75 ng/g (w.w.) for the six indicator PCBs and 6.5 pg/g WHO-TEQ for dioxins and dioxin-like PCBs in muscle meat of fish. Additionally, estimated weekly intakes (EWI, in pg WHO-TEQ/Kg/week) for sardine (1.2), anchovy (0.29) and bogue (0.35) scored below the safe value proposed by EFSA of 2 pg WHO-TEQ/Kg/week. When comparing with data reported for the same species in previous Mediterranean studies, values found here were lower than those surveyed in the late 90s and early 2000s; however, they were often not notably different from concentrations reported in last years. This builds up on the concept of a current slow decrease of PCBs in the Mediterranean Sea, likely linked to new inputs and/or remobilization of burdens, and reinforces the need of continous monitoring of these legacy contaminants still ubiquitous today.

Year-round energy dynamics of sardine and anchovy in the north-western Mediterranean Sea

Variability in body condition and energy storage has important implications for fish recruitment and ecosystem structure. Understanding strategies for energy allocation to maintenance, reproduction and growth is essential to evaluate the state of the fish stocks. In this study, we address the energetics dynamics of the annual cycle of anchovies (Engraulis encrasicolus) and sardines (Sardina pilchardus) in the north-western Mediterranean Sea using indirect and direct condition indices. We assessed and validated the use of morphometric, biochemical and energetic indices for both species. Annual patterns of the relative condition index (Kn), gonadosomatic index (GSI), lipid content (% lipids) and energy density (ED) were linked to the energy allocation strategy. Our results highlight that anchovy mainly rely on income energy to reproduce, while sardine accumulate the energy during the resting period to be used in the reproduction period. Consequently, variability in the lipid content and ED between seasons was lower in anchovy than in sardine. In both species, we observed an early decline in energy reserves in late summer-early fall, which may be related to unfavourable environmental conditions during spring and summer. Regarding the use of different condition indices, both direct indices, lipid content and ED, were highly correlated with Kn for sardine. ED was better correlated with Kn than lipid content for anchovy. For the first time, a relationship between ED of gonads and GSI for sardine and anchovy was provided, highlighting the importance of the energy invested in reproduction. This work provides new insights into the energy dynamics of sardine and anchovy. We also demonstrate which are the most suitable indices to measure changes in the physiological condition of both species, providing tools for the future monitoring of the populations of these two commercially and ecologically important fish species.

Mercury levels in commercial mid-trophic level fishes along the Portuguese coast – Relationships with trophic niche and oxidative damage

Abstract Sardines (Sardina pilchardus) and mackerels (Scomber spp. and Trachurus spp.) are amongst the most common fish caught along the Iberian coast for human consumption and, as mid-trophic level organisms, they constitute essential prey in the diet of several marine predators. Thus, the assessment of trophic ecology, contamination exposure, and stress responses in such organisms provides valuable information on the environmental health in the mid-trophic chain and the potential risks for consumers. This study aims to contribute for an integrative mercury assessment of the marine ecosystem by measuring stable isotopes, mercury levels, and oxidative stress parameters in five commercial fish species in the northeast Atlantic. Samples of muscle and liver were collected from a total of 116 individuals in two fisheries assessment surveys (Spring and Autumn) along the whole Portuguese coast. Mercury concentrations and stable isotope analysis (δ13C and δ15N) were performed in the muscle, while oxidative stress parameters (lipid peroxidation and DNA damage) were measured in both muscle and liver. Mercury concentrations were found to be considerably lower than values recorded in previous studies and the limits set by the European Union law, which confirms the non-toxic status of these species along the Portuguese coast, concerning this harmful element. Interestingly, no differences were found among the three genera, despite clear differences in trophic niches. Still, mercury concentrations were significantly higher during Autumn than Spring, possibly due to upwelling events during the Summer. Moreover, no relationships between the mercury concentrations and oxidative stress parameters were found. Overall, this work provided an integrative mercury assessment of commercial fishes from the mid-trophic chain, particularly from pelagic (and neritic) regions in the northeast Atlantic, showing that mercury concentration in these species is low. However, it is important to note that this study focused on small- and medium-sized specimens (overall ranging from 13–25 cm in length), and thus higher concentrations of mercury may be present in larger fish due to bioaccumulation.

Maturation of the European sardine Sardina pilchardus under experimental conditions strengthens bioenergetic estimate

This study aims at (1) experimentally estimating first sexual maturation of the European sardine S. pilchardus, (2) using the results to calibrate existing bioenergetic models. During the 183 days-experiment, fish growth and body condition were assessed by biometry, and gonads were weighed when present. Age, wet weight and total length at first maturity were estimated at 262 days, 10.79 ± 0.75 g, and 11.26 ± 0.21 cm, respectively. Including these traits in biphasic Von Bertalanffy models did not significantly improve simulations for either length or weight data, meaning that energy allocation was not impacted by these traits. The implementation of the results in the Dynamic Energy Budget (DEB) calibration procedure strengthened the parameter set of the existing model, but resulted in significant changes in the energy allocation. Our results are a first step that will allow the design of new experiments to further quantify maturation and reproduction rates in diverse environmental conditions, consolidating DEB model calibration.

Human biotoxic, Human Reproduction Effects and Biomarkers to Assess the Health of the Ecosystem by Estimate the Ratios of Heavy Elements

This study was conducted to investigate the concentration of some heavy metals (Cr, Zn, Cu, Cd, Pb) in some types of frozen and canned fish in Diwaniyah. Five types of fish were widely available (Stromateus Sp., Parastromateus niger, Labeo rohita , Sardina pilchardus ). And the number of replicates of one species, where the number of fish during the study period 20 fish. The results obtained showed a difference in results and the concentrations of the heavy elements above were measured by ppm (0,231-13,18 / 0.012-0,915 / 0.028-0,0234 / 0,400-2,161 / 0.021-0,141) for Cr, Zn, Cu, Cd and Pb respectively. The above results showed the increase in concentrations of heavy metals compared to previous studies, as well as their comparison with global and local determinants of these elements. The concentrations of heavy elements in the tissues of the muscles and muscles of theStromateus Sp fish (0.30, 0.89, 0.89, 0.89, -0.59 / ND / 0.100) for CR, Zn, Cu, Cd and Pb respectively. But in gils and frozen erythematic muscles were (0.2 / 0.473 - 0.019 / 0.043 - 0.053 / 0.115 - 1.589 / 0.929 - ND / 0.100) for Cr, Zn, Cu, Cd and Pb respectively.

Hamsi (Engraulis encrasicolus) ve sardalya (Sardina pilchardus) iç organlarından tripsin eldesi ve bazı fonksiyonel özelliklerinin tespiti

In this study, nutritional composition analysis of internal organs of anchovy (Engraulis encrasicolus) and sardine (Sardina pilchardus), trypsin activity determination of trypsin enzyme obtained from internal organs, protein solubility and color values of extracted trypsin parameters examined. Nutritional composition of internal organs: the moisture content of the anchovy internal organs 78.92±0.11 %, the ash 2.26±0.55 %, the protein 10.82±2.05 %, the fat 6.49±0.55 % were estimated. The moisture content of the sardine internal organs 81.07±1.03 %, the ash 0.71±0.04 %, the protein 5.08±2.08 %, the fat 2.01±0.17 % were estimated. Enzyme activity and spesicific activity of anchovy trypsin which are 0.064 U/mg, 0.17 U/ml were estimated, respectively. Enzyme activiy of sardine trypsin as 0.051 U/ml and spesific activity as 0.19 U/mg were estimated. In the enzyme purification step, 13.6 g of 1 kg anchovy and 18.9 g of powder trypsin were obtained from 1 kg sardine.

First Large-Scale Eastern Mediterranean and Black Sea Stock Assessment Reveals a Dramatic Decline

The Mediterranean Sea is classified as a “data-poor” region in fisheries due to its low number of assessed stocks given its biodiversity and number of exploited species. In this study, the CMSY method was applied to assess the status and exploitation levels of 54 commercial fish and invertebrate stocks belonging to 34 species fished by Turkish fleets in the Eastern Mediterranean (Levantine) and Black Seas, by using catch data and resilience indices. Most of these marine taxa currently lack formal stock assessments. The CMSY method uses a surplus production model (SPM), based on official catch statistics and an abundance index derived from scientific surveys. The SPM estimates maximum sustainable yield (MSY), fishing mortality (F), biomass (B), fishing mortality to achieve sustainable catches (Fmsy), and the biomass to support sustainable catches (Bmsy). Our results show the estimated biomass values for 94% of the stocks were lower than the required amount to support sustainable fisheries (Bmsy). Of the 54 stocks, 85% of them can be deemed as overfished; two stocks were not subject to overfishing (Sardina pilchardus and Trachurus mediterraneus in the Marmara Sea) while only one stock (Sprattus sprattus in the Black Sea) is healthy and capable of producing MSY. Annual values of the stock status indicators, F/Fmsy and B/Bmsy, had opposing trends in all regions, suggesting higher stock biomasses could only be achieved if fishing mortality is drastically reduced. Recovery times and levels were then explored under four varying F/Fmsy scenarios. Under the best-case scenario (i.e., F = 0.5Fmsy), over 60% of the stocks could be rebuilt by 2032. By contrast, if normal fishing practices continue as usual, all stocks will soon be depleted [if not already] (F = 0.95Fmsy), whose recover may be impossible at later dates. The results of this study are supported by previous regional assessments confirming the overexploitation of Turkish fisheries is driving the near-total collapse of these marine wild fisheries. Hence, the need to urgently rebuild Turkey’s marine fisheries ought to be prioritized to ensure their future viability.

Plastics occurrence in juveniles of Engraulis encrasicolus and Sardina pilchardus in the Southern Tyrrhenian Sea

We report the presence of microplastics on the external surface and in the gastrointestinal tract of white late-larval and juvenile stages (fry) of clupeid fishes caught in the Southern Tyrrhenian Sea. The average highest number of plastics debris was recorded on Sardina pilchardus (0.53 items/specimen); a lower average number of items was observed for Engraulis encrasicolus (0.26 items/specimen). The plastics were characterized by fibers that differed in shape, colour and composition. Polyester, polypropylene, polyacrylonitrile, polyethylene, polyamide, nylon, rayon and polyurethane segments were detected by Raman and FTIR spectroscopies. Traces of organic components and dyes, compounds that are generally included in the polymer matrix to modify its base properties, were also identified on microplastics. Our results raise concerns for the potential transfer of synthetic materials through the marine food web and into humans, given the prominent role of S. pilchardus and E. encrasicolus within the food web as main food source for many marine species.

Ingestion of microplastics by pelagic fish from the Moroccan Central Atlantic coast

As in the rest of the world, plastics are the most dominant marine litter category in Moroccan Atlantic waters. This work aims to identify the presence of microplastics in the stomach contents of three small pelagic species of the Central zone of the Atlantic, located between Cape Cantin (33°N) and Cape Boujdor (26°N): Scomber spp., Truchurus truchurus and Sardina pilchardus; Also, to map the spatial distribution of the investigated species. A total of 251 individuals were examined, composed by 118 Scomber spp, 82 Sardina pilchardus and 51 Trachurus trachurus. The characterization of microplastics ingested by those species was identified by FTIR. The results showed the presence of three polymers: Polyamide (PA), Acrylic (PC) and Polystyrene (PS), in 26% of the individuals studied. The presence of polymers was accumulated in Atlantic horse mackerel (Truchurus truchurus) with 30%, then in mackerels (Scomber spp.) with 27%, and European pilchardus (Sardina pilchardus) (9%). Fish containing microplastics in their stomachs are concentrated, mainly in the northern part of the study area. This zone has significant artisanal fishing activity and large rivers that can be source of microplastics.

Microplastic ingestion and diet composition of planktivorous fish

AbstractPlanktivorous pelagic fish are susceptible to accumulating microplastics (MP), which have the same size range as their prey and accumulate in their feeding and spawning grounds. We analyzed stomach contents of pelagic fish (European sardine, horse mackerel, anchovy, chub mackerel, Atlantic mackerel, and bogue) from Atlanto‐Iberian waters to investigate the relationship between MP ingestion, their diet composition and select a potential bioindicator. We found significant differences between diet of the studied fish species in terms of prey type and size. MP ingestion was significantly related to diet composition. Species with diets that include smaller prey (European sardine, chub mackerel, and bogue) had lower MP concentration in the stomachs than fish depending on larger mesozooplanktonic prey. Horse mackerel had the highest proportion of larger prey (> 1000 μm) and the highest MP abundance in the stomachs, and thus are a suitable bioindicator for MP monitoring in the pelagic Iberian ecosystem.

Major changes in sardine growth and body condition in the Bay of Biscay between 2003 and 2016: Temporal trends and drivers

In the Bay of Biscay, mean body length and weight of sardines (Sardina pilchardus) have been decreasing since the early 2000s and could severely impact the fishing and seafood industry sector. These trends have no apparent link with fishing pressure, although the latter has been increasing since the late 2000s. As part of an effort to develop suitable assessment and management tools for this stock, we investigated the life-history traits of sardine and analyze its seasonal and inter-annual variations. Based on 14 years of morphometric data from both scientific surveys and professional samples, we analyzed the variability in sardine body condition and its responses to environmental changes. Generalized Additive Models revealed an age-sex specific decreasing trend in body length over the study period, with most of the variability explained by the age class. Linear Mixed Effect Models applied to the body condition evidenced its strong seasonality and an age class specific decreasing trend. Regardless of age class, maximal body condition is reached at the end summer, after the spawning and plankton productive periods. Overall, annual trends in body condition-at-age showed remarkable coherence, with a significant decrease since 2007 for all age classes, suggesting that factors influencing body condition operate at population level. The shift in sardine body condition towards lower values could be broken down into three periods, with a high dependence on surface Chlorophyll-a and sea surface temperature. However, this study highlights that the period supporting the main decrease in body condition is characterized by high Chlorophyll-a, the available proxy for food, which is counterintuitive. Such a result suggests more complex trophic responses involving secondary production, with potential shift in the timing of the production and/or the quality of the food. At the population level, those changes may have a long-term negative effect, with a decrease in body length and important changes in phenology (length at first maturity, reproductive phenology) and potential consequences on sardine population dynamics in the Bay of Biscay.

Extraction and characterization of ß-chitin from sardine’s scales Sardina pilchardus (Walbaum, 1792)

Sardine ( Sardina pilchardus ) is a common Mediterranean pelagic fish known as an important source of marine products in Morocco. In parallel, the high processing of sardines produces a huge quantity of sardine scales that causes environmental problem. Using the sardine scales for the production of chitin can enhance the economic value of sardine factories, and can reduce their adverse impact on nature. This study aimed to extract and characterize chitin for the first time from sardine scales basing on demineralization and deproteinization. The physicochemical structure of chitin extracted from sardine scales was determined by FT-IR, TGA, XRD, SEM, and EDAX. FTIR analysis revealed the β-form of the chitin extracted. The molecular weight (Mw) and the degree of Acetylation (DA) obtained were about 145KDA and 76% respectively. TGA determined thermal stability for the obtained chitin, which ranged between 150 to 250°C. XRD showed the amorphous structure of s-chitin extracted and the crystalline index value of the chitin extracted (CrI) was 68%. While SEM and EDAX exposed that the chitin extracted has characterized by long chains and high purity. The results obtained in this current study showed that Sardina pilchardus can be used as a new alternative source of chitin.

Sardine Roe as a Source of Lipids To Produce Liposomes.

Sea-derived materials have promising applications in the medical, pharmaceutical, and biotechnological fields. Fish roe, for example, is a highly nutritional product, presenting diverse beneficial effects on human health. Therefore, this work explored extracts of sardine (Sardina pilchardus) roe, due to the well-known health benefits of this fish, to produce novel and promising delivery systems. After morphological, histological, and histochemical characterizations of sardine roe, their lipids were extracted using two different approaches, namely, Bligh and Dyer (BD) and methyl-tert-butyl ether (MTBE) methods. Gas chromatography/mass spectrometry analyses demonstrated that lipid extracts contain several fatty acids, such as ω3 polyunsaturated fatty acids. The lipids, especially phospholipids, were used to produce multilamellar liposomes (MLVs). These delivery systems presented size heterogeneity, a negative surface charge, and the ability to control the release of the encapsulated anti-inflammatory drug, namely, celecoxib. Biological assays indicated that MLVs produced with MTBE lipidic extracts presented a better cytocompatibility than those obtained by the BD method. This can be further improved if the lipid extracts are processed by chemical extraction. Therefore, sardine roe-derived lipids can produce drug-delivery systems with the potential to be applied in the biomedical field.

Fatty acid composition and parasitism of European sardine (Sardina pilchardus) and anchovy (Engraulis encrasicolus) populations in the northern Catalan Sea in the context of changing environmental conditions.

The status of sardine and anchovy populations in the northern Mediterranean Sea has been declining in recent decades. In this study, fatty acids and parasitism at different reproductive and feeding stages in these two species were assessed using specimens caught along the northern Catalan coast, in order to assess the links between lipid dynamics, reproduction and feeding in these two species and to contribute towards an explanation of the potential causes of the current poor situation of the stocks. The results support the use of fatty acid levels as indicators of the body condition of sardine and anchovy at different reproductive and feeding stages, as well as that of the pelagic environmental conditions. In particular, the relatively low n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid levels found in spawning sardines compared to spawning anchovies indicate a poorer reproductive health status of sardine. By comparing the current total lipid content values with those recorded in other Mediterranean and North Atlantic areas, and others from more than 10years ago, in the adjacent area of the Gulf of Lion, our study reveals the persistent poor condition of sardine and anchovy in the northern Catalan Sea. Furthermore, the low levels of diatom fatty acid markers observed throughout the spawning and non-spawning seasons in both sardine and anchovy indicate a diet poor in diatoms. Moreover, the results indicate that it is very unlikely that parasitism is a significant factor in the decline in condition of sardine and anchovy in the northern Catalan Sea. In fact, the results, which we believe provide useful insights for the management of small pelagic fisheries in the Mediterranean, suggest that the current poor condition of sardine and anchovy in the northern Catalan Sea has probably been exacerbated by a decrease in plankton productivity and/or a shift in the taxonomic composition of phytoplankton communities, adding to the ongoing effects of overfishing.

New Alternative Fishing Gear Suggestions for Trap Fisheries from the Waste Recycle Materials: Case Study for Muricidae (Mollusca: Gastropoda)

Small-scale fisheries have a high socioeconomic importance for local communities. Therefore, ensuring the sustainability of fisheries resources would contribute for the socioeconomic development of fisheries communities. In this study, traps produced from plastic waste recycle materials which can be used in fishing of economically valued whelks (Hexaplex trunculus and Bolinus brandaris) that are used as natural bait in angling and longline fishing were investigated. These traps in different sizes were examined at the depths of 3-8 m in the Urla coasts of Izmir Bay, Turkey. The soaking times of traps were between 10-48 hours. The same amounts of baits (Sardina pilchardus) were equally placed in all traps. Catch per unit efforts (CPUE) of traps were calculated between 7-34 individuals/trap per day. The experimented traps were found successful for whelks fishing. Traps yield high quality and economically valued catches, related with restricted bycatch and low impact on habitat. Therefore, these traps can be suggested as alternative fishing gears designed for trap fisheries for whelks. This paper provides valuable knowledge for fisheries managers and decision makers to ensure the sustainability of local fisheries resources and small-scale fisheries.

A Preliminary Study on The Determination of Reproductive Biology of European Pilchard, Sardina pilchardus (Walbaum, 1792) Distributed in The Aegean Sea

Sardina pilchardus is a multiple spawning fish, i.e., the species that spawns periodically during the spawning period. In order to examine the reproduction biology of the species, the specimens were obtained in the known spawning period indicated by the current literature obtained from fishers who were commercially fishing in December 2018 and January-February 2019. After the fork length and total length together with their weight measurements, the specimens were dissected in the laboratory. The adult females‘ gonads were then fixed in 4% formalin solution for fecundity. A total of 170 individuals was examined and the values of their fork length, total length and weight were computed as 9.7-13.4 cm (mean: 11.16±0.81), 10.5-15 cm (mean: 12.3±0.89), 8.06-23.7 g (mean: 12.7±2.93), respectively. 44 of the supplied specimens were male (25.9%), 122 female (71.8%) and 4 (2.3%) uncertain, thus, the female: male ratio was determined as 2.77:1. According to χ2 test results, a statistically significant difference was observed among individuals. For the specimens examined, the fork length-weight relationship was calculated as W = 0.0098FL2.96, while total length-weight relationship was W = 0.0071TL2.97. In order to calculate the fecundity, sub-samples were taken from the anterior, median and posterior parts of 15 ovaries in the ration of 2 - 5% of the ovary weight and the mature oocytes were counted. As a result, the species‘ fecundity was found to be between 4,600-9,800 (6,110±1,755). The relationship between total length and fecundity was computed as W= 1,640.7 TL-13,907 and a linear relationship was determined.

Exploring the possible reasons for fish fraud in China based on results from monitoring sardine products sold on Chinese markets using DNA barcoding and real time PCR

ABSTRACTSardine is the common name for several small-sized pelagic species from Clupeiformes, representing a resource of great importance in the global fishery. Great efforts have been made to utilise these species as dried, smoked, and restructured fish products. However, in most of these products, it is quite challenging to identify the individual species as the external features are lost during processing, paving the way for species mislabelling. In this study, DNA barcoding (max, using about 650 bp, described as FDB; mini, of about 192 bp, described as MDB) was used for species identification of 139 specimens taken from 48 sardine products (canned and dried seasoning) randomly collected from local markets in Nanjing, China. Moreover, species specific primers were designed for Sardina pilchardus, with the aim to screen the species of S. pilchardus in mixed products. Results highlighted a success rate of amplification from 38.1% for FDB to 97.9% for MDB. Only one sample failed the Sanger-sequencing, and species-specific real time PCR confirmed the existence of S. pilchardus in the product. A maximum species identity in the range of 98-100% was obtained for all readable sequences and 11 species/genera were identified, belonging to 5 orders (Scorpaeniformes, Perciformes, Clupeiformes, Aulopiformes, Scombriformes). Significant legislative and managerial shortcomings and incentives to facilitate the market access of certain species, together with public indifference, represent the main reasons for fish fraud in China.

Mercury accumulation in fish species along the Portuguese coast: Are there potential risks to human health?

This paper aimed at evaluating the total mercury content in five common fish species from the western European Atlantic coastal waters, and the associated risk of consumption. Mercury concentrations in muscle of Atlantic mackerel (Scomber scombrus), Atlantic chub mackerel (Scomber colias), European anchovy (Engraulis encrasicolus), Atlantic horse mackerel (Trachurus trachurus) and European pilchard (Sardina pilchardus) ranged from 0.003 to 0.20 mg kg−1 wet weight, and no significant differences were observed between the average concentration in each species. A significant increasing trend in mercury content with fish size was observed for all species (except for European anchovy), suggesting mercury bioaccumulation throughout their life cycle. Still, the mercury content was far below the European Food Safety Authority and World Health Organization food safety thresholds in all species, highlighting the low risk to human health due to the ingestion of these species and the importance of consumer options for risk reduction.

Recovery and Characterization of Fish Oil from By-products of Sardine (Sardina pilchardus) in the Canning Process

ABSTRACT The objective of this study aimed to recover and characterize fish oil from by-products generated in the sardine fillet canning process. The oil was recovered by hydraulic pressing at 85°C for 30 min. This experiment was done twice a month for one year. The recovery oil samples were analyzed for their fatty acids profile, acidity, peroxide value, and p-anisidine value. The results of this study showed that recovery yield varied significantly during the year depending on the catching period, from 6.0% (April) to 32.9% (July). The average values of acidity, peroxide value, and p-anisidine value were 1.43% oleic acid, 4.61 mEq active oxygen/kg oil, and 4.25, respectively. The fatty acid categories and individual fatty acids of the recovered oil showed a significant seasonal dependency. The sum of polyunsaturated fatty acids ranged from 35.29 to 42.93%. Within this group, the most important acids are eicosapentaenoic acid 20:5 n-3 (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid 22:6 n-3 (DHA). The EPA and DHA ranges were 20.46–24.95% and 4.57–10.18%, respectively. This study confirmed the ability to recover high quality food-grade oil from by-products of the fish canning industry that can be used in other food products to ameliorate their nutritional quality.

Season and Cooking May Alter Fatty Acids Profile of Polar Lipids from Blue-Back Fish.

Polar lipids (PoL) represent a new promising dietary approach in the prevention and treatment of many human diseases, due to their potential nutritional value and unique biophysical properties. This study investigates the effects of catching season and oven baking on the fatty acid profiles (FAP) of PoL in four species of blue-back fish widely present in the North Adriatic Sea: anchovy (Engraulis encrasicholus), sardine (Sardina pilchardus), sprat (Sprattus sprattus), and horse mackerel (Trachurus trachurus). PoL levels (427-652 mg/100 g flesh) varied among the four species, with no significant seasonal variations within species. FAP of raw fillets were particularly high in polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA), especially docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and EPA; total PUFA was constant in all species throughout the year, while long-chain n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid (n-3 PUFA) rose in spring (except in sprat), especially due to the contribution of DHA. The FAP response for PoL to oven baking was species-specific and, among n-3 PUFA, DHA exhibited the greatest heat resistance; the influence of oven baking on FAP was found to be correlated with the catching season, especially for anchovy and sardine, while sprat PoL were not affected by cooking processes. The four species analyzed in this study presented very low n-6/n-3 fatty acid ratios and highly favorable nutritional indices, emphasizing their PoL qualities and promoting their role in increasing human n-3 PUFA intake. The four species can be considered as superior sources of n-3 PUFA and can be employed as supplements in functional food manufacturing and in pharmaceutical and cosmetic industries.