Electric stunning of vendace

The stress that fish experience upon slaughter has a high impact on the quality of the fish. While processes at fish farms can be fairly well controlled, handling practices for wild fish are far more challenging to establish. Unstable conditions in the field and the lack of appropriate technology for stunning small fish constrain improvements in product quality.

Photo: Susanna Airaksinen

The goal of the project

The aim of the project was to study whether electric stunning could improve the quality and increase the shelf life of vendace (Coregonus albula) caught by seine. The effects of electric stunning on the development of rigor mortis (stiffness after death) and muscle metabolism (pH decrease) were examined.

Results

As a consequence of successful electric stunning, rigor mortis set in more slowly. This is known to have a positive effect on the quality and preservation of the fish. Thus, electric stunning can potentially improve the quality of vendace caught by seine and decrease stress during fishing. In the future it will be important to optimise the stunning method, in order to increase quality.

Scientist in charge of project

Kari Ruohonen
Turku Game and Fisheries Research
Itäinen Pitkäkatu 3
FI-20520 Turku, Finland
Phone +35820 575 1681
e-mail: firstname.lastname@rktl.fi

Other research staff: Susanna Airaksinen, Olli Norrdahl

Cooperation: Pyhäjärvi Institute

Duration: 2006

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