Comparison of the behavior of skipjack (Katsuwonus pelamis), yellowfin (Thunnus albacares) and bigeye (T. obesus) tuna associated with drifting FADs in the equatorial central Pacific Ocean

We evaluated the behavior of skipjack (Katsuwonus pelamis), yellowfin (Thunnus albacares) and bigeye tuna (T. obesus) associated with drifting fish aggregating devices (FADs) in the equatorial central Pacific Ocean. A total of 30 skipjack [34.5–65.0 cm in fork length (FL)], 43 yellowfin (31.6–93.5 cm FL) and 32 bigeye tuna (33.5–85.5 cm FL) were tagged with coded transmitters and released near two drifting FADs. At one of the two FADs, we successfully monitored the behavior of all three species simultaneously. Several individuals remained around the same FAD for 10 or more days. Occasional excursions from the FAD were observed for all three species, some of which occurred concurrently for multiple individuals. The detection rate was higher during the daytime than the nighttime for all the species, and the detection rate for bigeye tuna was higher than for yellowfin or skipjack tuna. The swimming depth was deeper during the daytime than nighttime for all species. The fish usually remained shallower than 100 m, but occasionally dived to around 150 m or deeper, most often for bigeye and yellowfin tuna during the daytime. The swimming depth for skipjack tuna was shallower than that for bigeye and yellowfin tuna, although the difference was not large, and is probably not sufficient to allow the selective harvest of skipjack and yellowfin tuna by the purse seine fishery. From the detection rate of the signals, bigeye tuna is considered to be more vulnerable to the FAD sets than yellowfin and skipjack tuna.     

Substitute and complement relations among various fish species in the Japanese market: implications for fishery resource management

A demand system analysis was conducted to examine the substitute relationships between tuna and skipjack tuna in the Japanese market. Data from the Annual Report on Family Income and Expenditure Survey from 1965 to 2006 were used for the analysis using the almost ideal demand system (AIDS). Results suggest that skipjack tuna can be a strong substitute for tuna, while other fish groups are not a clear substitute. Our analysis of substitute relationships among fish species in a market indicates that this is a factor that should be considered for better fisheries resource management. For instance, even under a situation where one fish species is underexploited, proper attention to its fishery management is necessary if the fish is a strong substitute for another popular fish species in the market.     

Feeding habits of skipjack tuna Katsuwonus pelamis and other tuna Thunnus spp. juveniles in the tropical western Pacific

ABSTRACT: The feeding habits of skipjack tuna Katsuwonus pelamis juveniles (8.5–66.8 mm standard length) were examined, collected from the tropical western Pacific in October to December 1994, and their habits were compared with those of the other tuna Thunnus spp. juveniles (9.8–55.3 mm standard length). The indices, frequency of occurrence of each food item in the total number of stomachs examined (% F ), percentage of number of each food item to the total number of all food items identified (% N ), percentage of wet weight of each food item to the total wet weight of all food items identified (% W ), and relative importance of each food item ( IRI ) were estimated in the north equatorial current (NEC) and the north equatorial countercurrent (NECC) areas. The most dominant prey item of skipjack juveniles in the two areas was fish larvae. Other major prey items in the NEC area were Euphausiacea, Amphipoda, and Copepoda; whereas those in the NECC area were Copepoda, Cephalopoda, Euphausiacea, and Amphipoda. In the other tuna juveniles, the IRI of fish larvae in the two areas was remarkably high. Other prey, Euphausiacea and Cephalopoda in the NEC area only and Cephalopoda in the NECC area, were also found. These results indicate that the skipjack juvenile is primarily a piscivorous feeder although they also depend on various other prey organisms, whereas the other tuna juveniles are stronger piscivorous feeders.     

Control of lipid oxidation and meat color deterioration in skipjack tuna muscle during ice storage

The present study investigated the effects of lipid oxidation on quality deterioration in the ordinary and dark muscles of skipjack tuna Katuwonus pelamis during the early stages of ice storage for 72 h. The lipid hydroperoxide content of the dark muscle was significantly higher (P < 0.01) than that of the ordinary muscle throughout 72 h of ice storage. The metmyoglobin content of the ordinary muscle gradually increased, and was accompanied with darkening in the fish meat color. On the other hand, the addition of sodium ascorbate or 6-hydroxy-2,5,7,8-tetramethylchroman-2-carboxylic acid (Trolox^®) to the ordinary muscle of skipjack tuna significantly inhibited the formation of lipid hydroperoxide as well as metmyoglobin formation. Thus, a decrease in α-tocopherol content in the ordinary muscle with antioxidant addition was not observed during ice storage period. In conclusion, the rate of lipid oxidation of skipjack tuna ordinary muscle is closely related to metmyoglobin formation, and the addition of antioxidants to fish meat is effective at inhibiting lipid oxidation as well as myoglobin oxidation in post-mortem meat.     

世界主要金枪鱼捕捞产量分析

根据FA0 1950 ～ 2011年世界主要金枪鱼类渔业生产数据统计,将长鳍金枪鱼、黄鳍金枪鱼、大眼金枪鱼和鲣鱼等8种世界主要金枪鱼类每10年的产量总和按不同鱼种和海域进行了总结.结果显示,鲣鱼的累计总产量最高,其平均年产量涨幅最快;除马苏金枪鱼年平均产量有所下降,北方蓝鳍金枪鱼保持稳定外,其他主要金枪鱼类均有增长,但平均增长率最高的是青干金枪鱼.各主要渔区中以中西太平洋海域累计总产量最高,平均年产量有上升趋势,大西洋海域以中东大西洋为产量最高,印度洋海域以西印度洋为产量最高,平均增长率以印度洋海域为最高,其他海域相对持平.我国（包括台湾省）捕获累计总产量最高的是鲣鱼,为418×104 t,占世界总产量比例最高的是长鳍金枪鱼,为22.9％.我国（包括台湾省）主要金枪鱼类捕获总产量占世界总产量比例最高为东南大西洋海域,最低为东南太平洋海域.论文结合世界主要金枪鱼类以及主要捕捞海域的开发现状和我国国情,提出我国目前面临的几点困难以及发展壮大我国金枪鱼渔业的建议.     

Do drifting and anchored Fish Aggregating Devices (FADs) similarly influence tuna feeding habits? A case study from the western Indian Ocean

Anchored and drifting Fish Aggregating Devices (FADs) are intensively used in tropical tuna fisheries. In both small-scale and industrial fisheries, skipjack (Katsuwonus pelamis) and yellowfin tuna (Thunnus albacares) are the main targets. The increasing development of this fishing practice by industrial purse seiners has raised the question of the impact of FADs on tuna communities, as they might act as an ecological trap. This study investigated the feeding habits of skipjack and yellowfin tuna associated with anchored and drifting FADs in the western Indian Ocean. The diet of 352 tunas was analysed taking into account the type of FAD, ontogenetic variations, and the resources richness of the area. Poor-food and rich-food areas were defined according to the abundance of stomatopod Natosquilla investigatoris, the main prey of tunas, on the fishing sites. Diet composition was expressed through functional groups of prey. Significant dietary differences were found between both FAD types, as well as an effect of individual size. Around anchored FADs tuna preyed on diverse assemblages of coastal fish and crustacean larvae and juveniles, whereas a low diversity of epipelagic prey dominated the tuna diet associated with drifting FAD. Compared to anchored FADs, the frequency of empty stomachs was significantly higher and the stomach content mass significantly lower among skipjack and small yellowfin tunas caught around drifting FADs. This was magnified in poor-food areas, where drifting FADs often evolved, suggesting that these FADs could negatively impact the growth of skipjack and small yellowfin tuna. Larger yellowfin tuna exhibited differences in their dietary habits between anchored and drifting FADs, and between poor-food and rich-food areas. However, drifting FADs did not impact them as strongly as juveniles of yellowfin or skipjack tunas. Our study gives new highlights on possible detrimental effects of FAD on tunas, and this has to be considered in future sustainable management strategies of tuna fisheries.     

Food consumption of tuna in the Equatorial Atlantic ocean: FAD-associated versus unassociated schools

Since 1991, fishing operations on tuna schools associated with drifting Fish Aggregating Devices (FADs) have become widespread in the purse seine fishery in the Gulf of Guinea. In the offshore South Sherbro area (0–5° N, 10–20° W), FAD-associated catches represent about 75 % of the total catch. This FAD fishery exploits concentrations of skipjack mixed with a smaller amount of bigeye and yellowfin tuna of similar size (46 cm), and some large yellowfin. Catches on unassociated tuna schools are mainly composed of large yellowfin in breeding phase and skipjack. Here we studied tuna diet in relation with the aggregation mode (FAD-associated or unassociated tuna schools), species, and size. The stomach contents of around 800 fish were analysed. Numerous empty stomachs were found, especially in fish caught under FADs. Diets were similar for all small-size tuna sharing the same aggregation type. Small tuna mainly feed on Vinciguerria nimbaria (Photichthyidae), a mesopelagic fish of the micronekton, whereas large tuna mainly feed on Scombridae, mixed with Cubiceps pauciradiatus (Nomeidae) when they were caught in unassociated schools. The feeding habits of tuna are discussed with emphasis on the behavior of V. nimbaria. Estimations of the daily ration of similarly sized tuna with the same aggregation mode were very close. The low estimated rations for small, FAD-associated tuna show that logs do not have a trophic function, but rather are a refuge. In contrast, FADs seem to influence the diet of large tuna because of the Scombridae prey that probably is associated to the FAD.     

Mortality processes of hatchery‐reared Pacific bluefin tuna Thunnus orientalis (Temminck et Schlegel) larvae in relation to their piscivory

In mass culture of Pacific bluefin tuna Thunnus orientalis, yolk‐sac larvae of other species are fed as a major prey item to tuna larvae from 7 to 8 mm in total length. Marked growth variations in tuna larvae are frequently observed after feeding of yolk‐sac larvae, and this variation in the growth of tuna larvae is subsequently a factor leading to the prevalence of cannibalistic attacks. To elucidate details of the mortality process of hatchery‐reared tuna larvae after the initiation of yolk‐sac larvae feeding, we compared the nutritional and growth histories of the surviving (live) tuna larvae to those of the dead fish, found dead on the bottom of the tank, as direct evidence of their mortality processes. Cause of mortality of tuna larvae 3 and 5 days after the initiation of feeding of yolk‐sac larvae was assessed from nitrogen stable isotope and otolith microstructure analyses. Stable isotope analysis revealed that the live fish rapidly utilized prey fish larvae, but the dead fish had depended more on rotifers relative to the live fish 3 and 5 days after the initiation of feeding of yolk‐sac larvae. The growth histories based on otolith increments were compared between the live and dead tuna larvae and indicated that the live fish showed significantly faster growth histories than dead fish. Our results suggest that fast‐growing larvae at the onset of piscivory could survive in the mass culture tank of Pacific bluefin tuna and were characterized by growth‐selective mortality.     

Goussia auxidis (Dogiel, 1948) (Apicomplexa: Calyptosporidae) from tuna (Pisces: Scombridae) in the South Pacific

Abstract. A coccidian identified as Goussia auxidis (Dogiel, 1948) is recorded for the first time from the liver and spleen of albacore, Thunnus alalunga; the liver of slender tuna, Allothunnus fallai , skipjack tuna, Katsuwonus pelamis and yellowfin tuna, T. albacares: and in the spleen of Scomber australasicus. All host fish were caught in the western and central South Pacific Ocean. Coccidian spores were not found in the liver of southern bluefin tuna, T. maccoyii , or butterfly tuna, Gasterochisma melampus.     

中西太平洋金枪鱼围网渔获物组成分析

根据 2 0 0 4年 7月 2 8日至 9月 1日在中西太平洋海域的金枪鱼围网生产调查结果 ,以及“金汇 2号”2 0 0 3年全年的生产数据 ,对中西太平洋金枪鱼围网渔获物组成进行了初步分析。结果显示 ,渔获物种类有鲣鱼 (Katsuwonuspelamis)、黄鳍金枪鱼 (Thunnusalbacares)和大眼金枪鱼 (Thunnusobesus)等 19种 ;渔获物重量组成中鲣鱼占 70 .5 1% ,黄鳍金枪鱼占 2 6 .92 % ,其它鱼类占 2 .5 6 % ;鲣鱼的叉长范围为 2 7～ 81cm ,优势叉长组为 4 0～ 5 0cm ,占 4 1% ;黄鳍金枪鱼叉长范围为 32～ 16 5cm ,优势叉长组为 5 0～ 70cm ,占 33% ,另一优势叉长组为 110～ 130cm ,占 2 0 % ;渔获物重量组成存在海域差异 ,在 16 2°E以东海域鲣鱼比例高于以西海域 ,黄鳍金枪鱼则是在 16 2°E以西海域的比例较高。     

Primary structure and thermostability of bigeye tuna myoglobin in relation to those of other scombridae fish

ABSTRACT:   In the present study, the cDNA encoding myoglobin (Mb) of bigeye tuna Thunnus obesus was cloned and its amino acid sequence deduced in order to investigate the relationship between the primary structure and thermostability of scombridae fish Mb. An open reading frame of bigeye tuna Mb cDNA contained 444 nucleotides encoding 147 amino acids. The primary structure of bigeye tuna Mb was highly conserved when compared with those of bluefin tuna and yellowfin tuna Mb, the sequence identity being 95.2–100.0%. It also showed relatively high identity (82.3–89.1%) with the counterparts of scombridae fish. Myoglobin was then isolated from the dark muscle of four scombridae fish including bigeye tuna. Differential scanning calorimetry and circular dichroism measurements on these Mb revealed that the thermostability of bigeye tuna Mb was lowest and that of skipjack Katsuwonus pelamis Mb highest among the scombridae fish Mb examined. The α-helical contents of scombridae fish Mb at 10°C were in the range of 39.8–44.8%, clearly lower than that of horse Mb (55.3%), suggesting instability of fish Mb. The melting temperatures of these Mb fell in the range of 75.7–79.9°C, lower than that of horse Mb (84.2°C). These results strongly suggest the instability of fish Mb.     

A spatial population dynamics simulation model of tropical tunas using a habitat index based on environmental parameters

We are developing a spatial, multigear, multispecies population dynamics simulation model for tropical tunas in the Pacific Ocean. The model is age-structured to account for growth and gear selectivity. It includes a tuna movement model based on a diffusion–advection equation in which the advective term is proportional to the gradient of a habitat index. The monthly geographical distribution of recruitment is defined by assuming that spawning occurs in areas where sea surface temperature is above 25°C. During the first 3 months of their life, simulated tunas are transported by oceanic currents, after which movement is conditioned by gradients in the habitat index. Independent estimates of natural mortality rates and population size from large-scale tagging experiments carried out by the Secretariat of the Pacific Community are used in the simulations. The habitat index consists of components due to forage density and sea surface temperature, both of which are suspected to play major roles in determining tuna distribution. Because direct observations of forage are not available on a basin scale, we developed a submodel to simulate the surface tuna forage production (Lehodey et al ., 1998). At present, only skipjack ( Katsuwonus pelamis ; a surface tuna species caught by purse seine and by pole-and-line) is considered, at a 1°-square resolution and on a monthly climatological time series. Despite the simplicity of the model and the limitations of the data used, the simulation model is able to predict a distribution of skipjack catch rates, of the different fleets involved in the fishery, that is fairly consistent with observations.     

Assessment of plastic ingestion by pole-caught pelagic predatory fish from O'ahu,Hawai'i

1. Although the frequency of occurrence of plastic ingestion in the large-sized dolphinfish and tunas taken by the Hawai'i longline fishery is very low (frequency of occurrence < 5% of sampled individuals), the ingestion of plastic in smaller-sized specimens caught with pole-and-line gear by commercial and recreational fishers has not been investigated.
2. This study examined ingestion of >0.25 mm marine plastic debris (MPD) by four predatory fish species caught by commercial fishers around the Main Hawaiian Islands, and documented ingestion in three species: 85.7% of albacore tuna (n = 7), 40.0% of skipjack tuna (n = 10) and 12.5% of dolphinfish (n = 8).
3. Yellowfin tuna (n = 10) did not contain any MPD, probably owing to the high proportion of empty stomachs (60%).
4. For skipjack tuna, the frequency of occurrence of MPD ingestion was significantly higher for the smaller-sized specimens caught with pole-and-line (40%), compared with the larger-sized specimens caught with longlines (0%).
5. For dolphinfish, the frequency of occurrence of MPD ingestion was similar for the similar-sized specimens caught with pole-and-line and with longlines.
6. The ingested MPD items were micro–meso plastics, between 1 and 25 mm. While most ingested items were fragments, albacore also ingested line and skipjack also ingested sheets.
7. The predatory fishes ingested light MPD items that float in sea water, but there were species-specific differences in their polymer composition: albacore contained more polypropylene and polyethylene, and skipjack contained more elastomers, characterized by a high percentage of ester plasticizers.
8. Altogether, these results suggest that albacore and skipjack tunas ingest plastic of different types and polymers. Yet more research is needed to understand how differences in vertical distribution, foraging ecology and diet influence the MPD sampled by these predatory fish species.

     

Phospholipase A<Subscript>1</Subscript> activity of crude enzyme extracted from the ovaries of skipjack tuna

The phospholipid class composition, fatty acid composition and phospholipase A₁ (PLA₁) activity from the ovaries of skipjack tuna were compared with those of six other species of marine fish. In the skipjack ovaries, the lysophosphatidylcholine (LPC) proportion for the phospholipid, the docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) percentage for the total fatty acids of the phospholipids and the PLA₁ activity of the crude enzyme were the highest among those of the seven species. The optimum pH and temperature for the PLA₁ activity of the crude enzyme from the skipjack ovaries were in the range of pH 6–7 and 20–30°C, respectively, and calcium ions were not required. As a substrate, phosphatidylcholine was more easily hydrolyzed than phosphatidylethanolamine by this enzyme, and the plasmalogen-type phospholipid was much lower than the acyl-type phospholipid. After a 6-h hydrolysis reaction of the purified phospholipid extracted from the mixed ovaries of skipjack and yellowfin tuna by this enzyme, the LPC ratio of the phospholipid increased from 20 to 72.6% and the percentage of DHA for the total fatty acids of the phospholipid also increased. Thus, skipjack ovaries might possibly be used as a source of PLA₁.     

基于结构方程模型研究环境因子对毛里塔尼亚双拖鲣CPUE的影响

探索渔业资源丰度与环境因子的关系, 并掌握种群分布对环境变化的响应机制, 是养护资源、实现渔业可持续发展的基础。然而, 渔业资源的变化受多个环境因素的综合影响, 这些因素之间存在复杂且相关的关系。目前的研究主要集中于环境因子对种群分布和资源丰度等直接影响, 而忽视了环境因素之间的相互作用。为了探索不同环境因子及其相互关系对毛里塔尼亚双拖鲣种群资源量的影响机制与路径, 本研究基于 2017—2019 年毛里塔尼亚海域双拖渔业鲣(Katsuwonus pelamis)单位捕捞努力量渔获量(CPUE), 采用结构方程模型(SEM)构建海表面温度 (SST)、海表面盐度(SSS)、海面高度异常(SLA)、溶解氧(DO)和叶绿素 a 浓度(Chl-a) 5 个环境因子对鲣 CPUE 直接和间接影响。结果表明: SEM 模型具有良好的拟合效果; SST、SSS、SLA、DO 和 Chl-a 对鲣 CPUE 均有直接影响, 其中 DO 和 SLA 对 CPUE 有着显著正相关影响, 而 SST、SSS 和 Chl-a 对 CPUE 有显著负相关影响; SST 等环境因子还会通过多种路径对鲣 CPUE 产生间接影响。研究揭示了毛塔海域 SST 通过直接影响或通过影响其他环境因子而间接影响鲣种群资源变动的潜在机制。     

Habitat characteristics of skipjack tuna (Katsuwonus pelamis) in the western North Pacific: a remote sensing perspective

Skipjack tuna habitat in the western North Pacific was studied from satellite remotely sensed environment and catch data, using generalized additive models and geographic information systems. Weekly resolved remotely sensed sea surface temperature, surface chlorophyll, sea surface height anomalies and eddy kinetic energy data were used for the year 2004. Fifteen generalized additive models were constructed with skipjack catch per unit effort as a response variable, and sea surface temperature, sea surface height anomalies and eddy kinetic energy as model covariates to assess the effect of environment on catch per unit effort (skipjack tuna abundance). Model selection was based on significance of model terms, reduction in Akaike’s Information Criterion, and increase in cumulative deviance explained. The model selected was used to predict skipjack tuna catch per unit effort using monthly resolved environmental data for assessing model performance and to visualize the basin scale distribution of skipjack tuna habitat. Predicted values were validated using a linear model. Based on the four‐parameter model, skipjack tuna habitat selection was significantly (P < 0.01) influenced by sea surface temperatures ranging from 20.5 to 26°C, relatively oligotrophic waters (surface chlorophyll 0.08–0.18, 0.22–0.27 and 0.3–0.37 mg m^?3), zero to positive anomalies (surface height anomalies 0–50 cm), and low to moderate eddy kinetic energy (0–200 and 700–2500 cm² s^–2). Predicted catch per unit effort showed a trend consistent with the north–south migration of skipjack tuna. Validation of predicted catch per unit effort with that observed, pooled monthly, was significant (P < 0.01, r² = 0.64). Sea surface temperature explained the highest deviance in generalized additive models and was therefore considered the best habitat predictor.     

中西太平洋鲣鱼丰度的时空分布及其与表温的关系

中西太平洋是全球金枪鱼围网的主要海域,鲣鱼(Katsuwonus pelamis)是金枪鱼围网的主要作业对象。本研究利用1983～2007年中西太平洋金枪鱼围网渔获物数据,结合海洋表层温度(SST)数据,分析中西太平洋鲣鱼资源丰度在时间序列和空间位置上的分布规律。研究表明,1983～2002年,各年平均CPUE在时间序列上呈一定的上升趋势,1983～2002年,平均SST在一定范围内上下波动,平均CPUE和平均SST无显著相关性;2003～2007年,平均CPUE和平均SST均呈较大幅度上升,两者呈显著相关。从空间位置分析,鲣鱼资源量集中出现在SST为28～30℃之间的海域,在5°N和10°S附近海域CPUE反映的总体资源量较高,而在0°和5°S的资源量较低。鲣鱼资源量较大区域分布在冷暖水团交汇处。     

中西太平洋金枪鱼围网鲣鱼渔获量时空分布分析

中西太平洋的金枪鱼围网渔业目前的年产量约在100×104t左右,其中鲣鱼占有很重要的地位。本文通过对20世纪70年代以来围网捕获的鲣鱼渔获数据进行时间序列以及空间位置变化等时空分析,试图找出其变化规律以及趋势。结果表明,从20世纪70年代以来,随着渔船数的增加,中西太平洋的围网捕获的鲣鱼渔获量分布,从太平洋岛屿近海逐渐向太平洋热带中部海域扩展。渔获量经度重心随着中西太平洋金枪鱼围网渔业的发展有向东移动的趋势,70年代在128°E附近变化,80年代在144°E左右,90年代在153°E左右,近年在158°E左右变化。而鲣鱼渔获量纬度重心位于赤道区域,70年代在2°N附近,80年代在1°30′S左右,90年代在2°50′S左右,近年在2°55′S左右变化。经纬度5°×5°单个小区范围内10年内的最高总产量则从70年代的11×104t,增加到90年代超过了69×104t。渔获量空间分布除了随着渔业发展向外海向赤道以南扩展以外,还受南方涛动(ENSO)现象的明显影响,一般来说在相邻的数年中渔获量经度中心在厄尔尼诺年比较偏东,在拉尼娜年比较偏西。     

Three cone opsin genes and cone cell arrangement in retina of juvenile Pacific bluefin tuna <Emphasis Type="Italic">Thunnus orientalis</Emphasis>

ABSTRACT:   In bluefin tuna aquaculture, collision of juveniles with the tank or net walls is a major cause of high mortality. This problem may be related to color sensibility of the visual mechanisms of this species. As a first step in understanding of color vision of Pacific bluefin tuna Thunnus orientalis , we applied a molecular technique and histology to study cone cell distribution in the retina of juvenile fish. We isolated three cone opsin genes encoding one blue-sensitive ( SWS2 ) and two green-sensitive ( RH2 ) visual pigments. In situ hybridization revealed that SWS2 mRNA is localized in the single-cone photoreceptors. The localization of the two RH2 signals in distinct cone cells was not determined, probably because of the high homology between the two RH2 genes. Single-cone photoreceptors appeared frequently in the ventral–temporal retina in approximately 80-mm fish and in the temporal retina in approximately 230-mm fish. These cone distributions may define a visual field with best color contrast vision in front and above the fish with a short wavelength (blue) reflecting target (sensed by single cones), and may be enhanced against the longer wavelength (green) background when fish see a target below them (sensed by double cones).     

Formulated Food Products from Previously Frozen Skipjack Tuna Meat

Previously frozen skipjack tuna (Katsuwonus pelamis) obtained from Hawaiian waters provides a potential raw material for new value-added fish products. Fish patties (plain and teriyaki flavored) were successfully developed utilizing tuna meat, cellulose, soy protein isolates and other ingredients to form patties with texture characteristics similar to that of ground beef. The product contained 24% protein, 67% water, and less than 1% fat. Sensory evaluation responses by intermediate and high school students to these products were favorable. This study showed that an attractive and acceptable nutritional alternative could be produced and used as a low oil substitute for higher fat content ground beef patties.