Understanding pressures on fishery resources through trade statistics: a pilot study of four products in the Chinese dried seafood market

This study investigates the dried seafood trade, centred in Chinese markets, in order to better understand the pressures its demand exerts on global marine resource stocks. Using Hong Kong, the region's largest entrepôt, as a focal point, the trade in shark fins, abalone, bêche‐de‐mer and dried fish is characterized in terms of product history, volume, source fisheries and species composition. Trends identified in the Hong Kong market are interpreted in the context of the larger Chinese market. Shark fin imports grew 6% per year between 1991 and 2000, most likely because of market expansion in Mainland China, posing increasingly greater pressures on global shark resources. In contrast, the quantities of dried abalone traded through Hong Kong remained steady, but inferences based on this trend are discouraged by suggestions of increasing preferences for fresh product forms and growing domestic production in Mainland China. Hong Kong's imports of dried bêche‐de‐mer (sea cucumber) have decreased, while the percentage of imports re‐exported has remained steady, suggesting that Hong Kong continues as an entrepôt for Mainland China despite declining domestic consumption. Few conclusions can be drawn regarding dried fish products, including whole fish and fish maws, because of a lack of product differentiation in customs data, but a market survey was conducted to provide information on species composition. Comparison of Hong Kong dried seafood trade statistics to those of other key trading partners indicates that, in general, Hong Kong's duty‐free status appears to encourage more accurate reporting of traded quantities. Under‐reporting biases ranged from 24 to 49% for shark fin and bêche‐de‐mer, respectively. Comparison to United Nations (UN) Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) databases indicates additional under‐reporting for shark fin such that an alternative minimum estimate of world trade is at least twice the FAO estimates in 1998–2000. The results of a survey of Hong Kong traders provide insight into their attitudes toward harvest, economic and regulatory factors, and suggest that conservation efforts are unlikely to emerge from, or be actively supported by, dried seafood trade organizations. The market's apparent sensitivity to economic sentiment, however, reveals an opportunity for consumer education to play a role in shaping future market growth and resource conservation. Recommendations are provided for improving trade statistics and for developing better analytical techniques to complement traditional methods for monitoring the exploitation and management of fisheries resources.     

The evolution and future of pond and marine fish culture in Hong Kong

Abstract

This paper provides a case study of the evolution of the freshwater food fish and marine food fish culture industries in Hong Kong as a highly urbanized and polluted metropolis. This study lends support to the thesis that marine fish culture is generally more sustainable than pond fish culture, owing to the fact that oceanic resources are relatively less scarce than land resources ‐ even though the transaction costs of delineating and enforcing private property in the former are much higher. The case study gives a brief historical account of the evolution of the freshwater food fish and marine food fish culture industries in Hong Kong, identifies the technical inputs constraining the survival and prospects of these industries, and evaluates the relevance of the private property rights approach to their sustainability. Examination of the culture industries reveals the differences in property right characteristics of both industries. In addition to the differentiation in the degree of privatization between freshwater food fish and marine food fish culture, the major characteristics and inputs for culture practices in both industries are also examined. A qualitative evaluation of the relative significance of these inputs to the sustainability of the culture industries is provided. It is argued that the escalation in the factor price of land will destroy the local pond fish culture industry even though it is more ‘private’ than marine fish culture, notwithstanding the fact that substantial areas of intertidal ponds are owned by government and that in‐filling of fishponds have been subject to stringent planning control. The policy implications of the case study are spelled out.     

Consumer Preferences for Live Seafood in the Northeastern Region of USA: Results from Asian Ethnic Fish Market Survey

Asian ethnic fish markets in the Northeastern region of the United States of America (USA) are popular for selling live fish and seafood. A consumer survey was conducted in selected supermarkets of New York, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania during the summer of 2009 to assess consumer preferences for live seafood species. A binary logit model was developed to study the factors influencing preferences for live and fresh fish products. Results indicated that consumer preferences for live fish species vary by ethnic group. Live fish customers visited supermarkets at least two to three times a week and spent $16 to $20 a week to purchase medium size fish (0 to .91 kg live fish, on average). Freshness and appearance (bright, free of bruises, healthy fish) were the most important attributes. Findings indicate that promotion of live fish sales should be targeted to those stores dominated by East Asian (Chinese, Korean, and Japanese) customers.     

Labeling farmed seafood: A review

Food labels help consumers choose products in line with their food attitudes and preferences. As the market for farmed seafood grows, it is important for producers to meet consumer demand for credence characteristics like safety, nutrition, origin, and sustainability. Consumer preferences for credence characteristics are heterogeneous, and stakeholders in the farmed seafood industry can look to both agriculture and marine labels when they seek ways of positioning their products. In this article, we conduct a review of consumer studies related to mandatory and voluntary labels used for farmed seafood. In most developed countries, mandatory seafood labels include information about species, farmed or wild, and area of origin. Voluntary labels include information regarding sustainability, organic production, animal welfare, traceability, and safety. We point to emerging research topics and possibilities. Challenges related to the labeling of farmed seafood are also discussed.     

WILLINGNESS TO CONSUME GENETICALLY MODIFIED FOODS—THE CASE OF FISH AND SEAFOOD

ABSTRACT

As adoption of genetic modification (GM) technologies grows, so do questions about consumer acceptance. While willingness to consume GM crop products has been studied extensively, similar studies of GM fish and seafood are lacking. Econometric analyses of U.S. survey data reveal that older, higher income, non African American males are most likely to consume GM fish and seafood. The results can contribute to our understanding of GM fish and seafood consumption decisions which, in turn, can be used to identify and exploit the niche market for GM fish products.     

Marketing research paradigms for aquaculture

Abstract

A basic premise of this review is that the traditional agricultural economics marketing research paradigm is of limited value for addressing many of the key marketing issues affecting aquaculture. These issues include how to get consumers to recognize and accept new or slightly differentiated products, and how to design products that more nearly match consumer preferences. Accordingly, we stress an ‘industrial style’ market‐development approach to aquacultural marketing research that emphasizes product differentiation and market segmentation. The focus is pragmatic in that we bring into play managerial strategies (e.g. demand‐function modification and segment development) that are integral to implementing research findings. Empirical studies pertaining to seafood demand and preference articulation are selectively reviewed to illustrate concepts and to highlight research applications.     

A multidimensional analysis of marine capture fisheries in China’s coastal provinces

Fisheries Science - China (herein referred as China’s mainland, and excluding Hong Kong, Macau and Taiwan) is the largest contributor to global seafood production. While China’s marine...     

A facial recognition tool and legislative changes for improved enforcement of the CITES Appendix II listing of the humphead wrasse,Cheilinus undulatus

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FOOD SAFETY STANDARDS AND REGULATORY MEASURES: IMPLICATIONS FOR SELECTED FISH EXPORTING ASIAN COUNTRIES

ABSTRACT

Developing Asian countries continue to record an impressive trade surplus in fish products. However, raising consumer concerns about a range of food safety matters and increasingly stringent regulatory standards related to fish product supply pose on-going challenges to the sustained international market access of many developing country suppliers. This paper provides an overview of emerging trade patterns in fish products and the trade regime in which this is occurring. It then reviews the implementation of various food safety standards on fish and seafood exports in the major fish-exporting countries in Asia, and analyzes the costs and benefits of compliance with these standards and regulations in these countries. Results show that, at the factory level, implementation of the standards has significantly increased the cost of processing, and the cost per unit of fish processed is higher for the smaller plants. These economies of scale could exclude small operators in developing countries. Continued competitiveness of small plants would seem to require government policies and support designed to minimize the cost of compliance with international standards.     

CERTIFICATION OF SHRIMP AND SALMON FOR BEST AQUACULTURE PRACTICES: ASSESSING CONSUMER PREFERENCES IN RHODE ISLAND

This study uses a conjoint experiment to evaluate seafood consumers’ preferences for wild versus farmed seafood in Rhode Island, while providing an option for farmed products to be certified for best aquaculture practices, focusing upon salmon and shrimp. The definition for best aquaculture practices provided to respondents in the survey is broadly based upon standards currently in use by aquaculture certification groups, highlighting sustainability of fish feed, and control of antibiotic use, water quality and stocking density. Using data from an in-person intercept survey, a conditional logit model shows that a sample of 250 seafood consumers in Rhode Island choose wild products over farmed even when farmed products are certified, and by an entity preferred by the consumer. Results warrant both further study of consumer preferences for certified aquaculture products across a broader population, and study of the effect of different explanations of ‘best aquaculture practices’ upon preferences.     

Profile of the Marine Aquarium Fish Trade in Hong Kong

A market survey and review of government statistics were carried out to establish imports and exports of marine ornamental fishes into and out of Hong Kong, and to examine the local trade in terms of volume, value and species composition. Official government import figures for marine aquarium fishes were available from 1984 to 1991 and from 1997 and 1998. When compared with net imports, export and re-export volumes over the 15-year period were small, indicating that most imports entered the local market, or were exported unrecorded. The market survey of marine aquarium shops in Hong Kong was carried out between August 1996 and January 1997. From this survey, an annual estimate of 957,563 coral reef fish was calculated for the local trade, valued at HK$57,453,780, with a mean retail price of HK$60 per fish. These figures account for an estimated 2–3% of the global value and volume of marine aquarium fish trade, according to 1992 figures and, compared with government figures, indicate that official declarations of imports are underreported by at least 2–3 fold. A total of 342 marine aquarium fish species, from 49 families, were recorded with about 60% belonging to the families Labridae, Chaetodontidae, Pomacanthidae and Pomacentridae. It was estimated that a large proportion of the trade was in juvenile fishes and almost all fish were less than 10cm in standard length. It was common to see fishes in poor condition, species hard to maintain in captivity, or those listed for conservation concern, on sale. There are no regulations for local traders of live marine fishes other than those relating to either protected species or animal welfare. Licensing of traders in marine fishes could be introduced under existing Hong Kong legislation if fishes were to be re-classified as animals. This is strongly recommended as a step towards regulating and managing the trade in Hong Kong.     

Marine Biotoxins of Algal Origin and Seafood Safety

Abstract

Harmful algal blooms occur with the unchecked proliferation of algae in the marine environment, which oftentimes results in the production of hazardous marine biotoxins. Marine biotoxins are produced by several dinoflagellate and diatom species (e.g., Alexandrium, Gymnodinium, Gonyaulax, Pyrodinium, Protogonyaulax, Dinophysis, Prorocentrum spp., and Pseudonitzchia spp.). Significant human health effects have been reported after exposure to these toxins, including disease syndromes such as Paralytic Shellfish Poisoning (PSP), Neurotoxic Shellfish Poisoning (NSP), Ciguatera Fish Poisoning (CFP), Amnesic Shellfish Poisoning (ASP), and Diarrhetic Shellfish Poisoning (DSP). Of more recent interest has been the emergence of newly discovered toxic dinoflagellates caused in part by the increase in human and environmental interactions along coastal waters. Most notably, Pfiesteria piscicida and Pfiesteria-like organisms have been associated with numerous fish kills and have stimulated public concern over the potential threat these organisms may have on human health and seafood safety. This paper reviews the current literature on marine biotoxins of algal origin, with particular attention to public health issues associated with seafood safety.     

Evaluation of Seafood Product Concepts by Young Adults and Families with Young Children from Denmark,Norway, and Iceland

This article describes the results of a study that tested the responses to 14 seafood concepts among young adults and families with young children in Denmark, Norway, and Iceland. This study was aimed at gaining insight into the evaluation of new seafood product concepts by individuals with low seafood consumption. Based on consumer-reported values and previous concept-testing, 14 seafood product concepts were tested by 296 consumers in a web-based experiment. Consumers' preferences depended on the size of fish, the presence of information, and the fish species offered. Young adult consumers evaluated the product concepts differently than parents of young children. Three consumer clusters, based on attitudinal variables, were identified explaining the differences in the evaluation of the product concepts. The outcome of this study will be used to develop a product for realistic in-home testing.     

Genetic similarity of iridoviruses from Japan and Thailand

Iridovirus infection causes serious economic damage in marine cultured fish in Japan, Hong Kong and Singapore, and the incidence of this disease has been increasing. Iridovirus of sea bass from offshore Hong Kong was isolated to determine the genetic similarities of the causative agents. The genomic DNA of iridovirus was purified and cloned. Four DNA clones were randomly chosen and sequenced to generate primers for the polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Corresponding DNA fragments of iridoviruses from sea bass from offshore Hong Kong, red sea bream in Japan and grouper in Thailand were detected. The analogous PCR products from geographically diverse iridoviruses may indicate a widespread distribution of an iridovirus of a single origin.     

Shrinking baseline: the growth in juvenile fisheries,with the Hong Kong grouper fishery as a case study

Historic and current information on the grouper fishery from Hong Kong and adjacent waters reveals significant changes in species composition and fish sizes over the past 50 years in this important Asian centre for seafood consumption. Once dominant, large groupers are now rare and small species and sizes prevail in the present‐day fishery. Juveniles comprise over 80% of marketed fish by number among the most commonly retailed groupers, and reproductive‐sized fish are absent among larger species. Current fishery practices and the lack of management in Hong Kong and adjacent waters pose a significant threat to large species with limited geographic distribution such as Epinephelus akaara and Epinephelus bruneus, both now listed as threatened by the IUCN. The heavy reliance on juveniles, not only for groupers, but for an increasing diversity of desired fishes within Asia, potentially reduces stock spawning potential. The ‘shrinking baseline’ in terms of a progressive reduction in fish sizes being marketed in the region can seriously undermine fishery sustainability and recoverability of depleted fish stocks. Fishing pressure on groupers and other valuable food fishes within the Asia‐Pacific is intensifying, the declining long‐term trend of grouper landings in Hong Kong and the increasing focus on juveniles for immediate sale or for mariculture ‘grow‐out’ signal a worrying direction for regional fisheries. Moreover, the common appearance of small groupers for sale will influence public perception regarding what are ‘normal‐sized’ fish. Management attention is needed if these fisheries are to remain viable.     

A Voice-of-Consumer Approach in Development of New Seafood Product Concepts

This article describes a consumer-based approach for development of new seafood product concepts among young adults in Norway and Iceland. The study aim was to gain insight into how young adults determine their acceptance of seafood and make potential product choices. Additional insights measured were confidence in seafood preparation and consumption choices when exposed to specific new seafood concepts. Based on consumer-reported values, three seafood product concepts were evaluated by 354 consumers in a web-based, conjoint experiment in Norway and Iceland. Consumers' evaluations showed a number of consumer preferences for specific seafood product concepts partly associated with and partly conflicting with their original values. Understanding consumer attitudes can help to explain these results. The results of this study will be used as a guide for the next step in developing seafood product concepts.     

‘Eating Quality’ of Fish—A Review

Abstract

The quality of fish is a very complex concept. Quality is frequently described using terms related to nutritional, microbiological, biochemical and physiochemical characteristics alone, but none of these terms serve as adequate indices of quality-sensory perception and consumer acceptability must be included. This paper discusses some of the sensory methods that can be used for fish as objective markers of quality in the chain from catch to consumer with focus on methods used for evaluation of whole raw fish and suggest methods and systems that can build a bridge between research and development, industry, marketing and consumer.     

Conjoint analysis of consumer preference for bluefin tuna

Tuna is one of the most important marine products in Japan, but fishery productivity is decreasing, especially for bluefin tuna (Thunnus orientalis, Thunnus thynnus) because of strict capture limits implemented by regional fisheries management organizations (RFMOs). Such capture limitations are necessitated by a shortage of resources. At the same time, full-cycle farming technology of Thunnus orientalis has recently been developed. This technology is set to achieve productivity levels at an industrial scale. In Japan, however, most consumers are believed to have a negative image of farmed products; therefore effective marketing is necessary. This study employs conjoint analysis via an internet questionnaire to clarify consumer preferences and the determine the possibility of marketing through provision of information to consumers regarding bluefin tuna and the environmental background of the problem. The results show that once consumers are provided with enough information about bluefin tuna, particularly in terms of the underlying resources problem, the willingness to pay (WTP) for full-cycle farmed fish is greater compared to conventionally farmed fish. Furthermore, if the product has an “eco-label,” the WTP increases drastically. Therefore, the informational process is important for marketing, and labeling can be an efficient marketing method.     

A marketing survey on Greek consumers' attitudes towards fish

The commercial fish industry in Greece traditionally represents one of the most important natural resource-based industries. The process by which the wide variety of seafood products moves from the deck of a trawler, or the fish farm, to the consumer's dish is rather complicated. Considering the various species marketed, the seasonal nature of the many domestic and foreign supplies, the specific quality and safety attributes, and a multitude of processing methods and products, the effective marketing of seafood products becomes very demanding. The present survey evaluates the Greek consumers' attitude towards wild and farmed fish in order to understand and satisfy market needs. The results of this study mainly indicate that fish consumption pattern is age-dependent. In addition, four consumer clusters are identified, with clear-cut socio-demographic profiles.