ศูนย์นวัตกรรมเทคโนโลยีหลังการเก็บเกี่ยว

Post-harvest losses of fish in West Africa.

Clucas, I. J.; Poulter, R. G.; Caygill, J. C.;

FAO Fisheries Report Year: 1990 Issue: No. 400, Supplement Pages: 273-279 Ref: 5 ref.

1990

บทคัดย่อ

Total annual fish production by the 16 ECOWAS countries is between 900 000 t and 1 350 000 t. Postharvest losses have been estimated at some 20% or 190 000 t per annum. Artisanal fisheries contribute close to 90% of the total catch but also to total waste. Therefore, a reduction of losses should be sought in this sector involving suitable improvements in fresh and iced fish use, fish drying, fish smoking, small pelagic fish utilization, marketing and distribution. Suitable technologies are often available but need to be transferred and extended, in some cases adapted. Furthermore, improvements in the artisanal sector are necessary and often possible in better utilization of underutilized species, even of by-catch wasted by industrial fisheries. However, much applied research is required to help achieve significant results of activities to reduce postharvest losses. These research needs are identified, including both technical and non-technical issues. The need exists for better collection/exchange of information and statistics, technical developments, socioeconomic studies and training. For successful implementation of projects they should be of long duration, widely based and flexible. The scale of human need is such that a concerted campaign to reduce fish wastage in West Africa is urgently required.