Improving the quality of fish from distant fishing zones. (OPTIMAVIS)

How can wild-caught fish be better preserved during storage aboard of the ship and during long-distance transport between the (foreign) port and the fish auction in Belgium? ILVO aims for a practice-oriented research trajectory towards a more sustainable, qualitative and profitable fisheries in Flanders. Among others, detailed studies on the temperatures in the cold chain and the spoilage dynamics in relation to temperature fluctuations will be analyzed for longer shelf life of the fish. The ultimate intention is to give recommendations to the fisheries sector to optimize the storage method on board until the fish is landed at the auction.

The research is done in 3 work packages. During several weeks we follow loads of fish from the ship, with temperature loggers on board and in the trucks. Temperature fluctuations and (possibly) too-high temperatures can be derived from this data collection. In a second work package, we study how much ice melts under different storage conditions and how fast the fish cools during the first hours of storage in ice. In a third work package we conduct a number of storage experiments, simulating interruptions in the cold chain. Through these experiments we make a precise estimation of the effect on quality.

If the project succeeds in optimizing road transport for improved shelf life and increased capacity, this is an opportunity for more sustainable fisheries. This is done by monitoring and analyzing the cold chain, measuring the quality loss and optimizing the preservation of freshness by the appropriate ice treatment. The final report may be a guide to the sector for self-improvement. In the scientific world, the results are published in a peer-reviewed scientific journal, which guarantees international distribution.