Management of 'Tough' fish syndrome (TFS) in tropical Saddletail Snapper to re-instill market confidence

Abstract

A major achievment of this research is the confirmation of fish age being the primary driver of toughness in cooked Saddletail snapper flesh. Knowing the cause provides confidence to develop solutions and make business decisions for the reef fish fisheries .

The influence of other fish physiological factors was shown to have little impact with respect to fish flesh toughness. Additionally, there was no apparent connection between flesh toughness and seasonality nor year to year conditions. The possibility of toughness being engendered through in appropriate chilling immediately post capture was ruled out as a factor contributing to tough fish syndrome (TFS).

The outcome following on from identification of the cause of TFS surrounded developing procedures for reducing the incidence of tough fish where the cause was preventable . However, as post-harvest handling was not a contributor to toughness, implementing alternative handling procedures was irrelevant. The focus of this outcome shifted to developing strategies to ensure fish at risk of exhibiting TFS did not enter the value chain . This was addressed by provision of currently available technology on non - invasive ultrasonic imaging and near infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) to the industry partners .