Abstract: Prahok (fermented fish paste) is a staple food for Cambodians. It is primarily produced by Cambodian women in fishing communities for both home consumption and sale. Analyzing how Cambodians produce prahok in the face of decreasing fish resources, this research found that the decisions made by women prahok producers were shaped not only by climate and economic considerations, but also by gender norms, livelihood alternatives, and family composition of respondents. Women’s perceptions regarding prahok production and consumption are closely tied to their role as caregivers in the household, as well as their sense of professionalism as entrepreneurs. While prahok is well-known as a food source, a livelihood, and a business for women, this research shows that it is also a marker of identity and pride for Cambodian women.
Abstract: This essay addresses a less visible cultural dimension of dried fish production in the Indian Sundarbans. Dried fish production, a sector and subsistence that has received limited attention in research except those focusing on its nutritional and economic importance, is predominantly anchored in the values of collective activities and protracted associations between the community and local ecologies. We aim to address this gap with an approach of ‘new’ cultural geography allowing us to explore the case of dried fish that makes sense of historically embedded, ecologically constituted cultural ties and practices of relations, materiality and beliefs shaping the performances and interactions of heterogenous group of actors. The study draws on the ethnographic fieldwork in Sagar Island, a prominent fish drying site in the Indian Sundarbans, to reveal the nature of what is ‘cultural’ in the context of dried fish production through noting practices, methods, species, tools, conventions, meanings, observances, and relations of various sorts accompanying catching and processing fish. Such ‘small things’ contribute seamlessly to creating narrative of a distinctive way of life and shape the perception of fishers and fish processors in the Indian Sundarbans. This work asserts the significance of what is ‘place-based’ ‘customary’ or ‘ordinary’ imparting cultural values to dried fish, given the corrosive ‘development’ trends in fisheries governance threatening the social-ecological realities today. Simultaneously, it intends to take the interdisciplinary realm of fisheries and cultural geography scholarship to a more grounded approach that may allow identifying what generates disvalues in the sector and highlighting responsible ways to protect the ‘cultural life’ of dried fish.
Abstract: He dried fish industry is a diverse and dynamic sub-sector nurturing upon the fisheries sector yet mostly invisible and poorly documented. Hence, this study aims to identify the diverse value chains, roles, and main functions, different pricing strategies, and price information sources of sprats, skipjack tuna, and smoothbelly sardinella, which are the most consumed dried fish varieties in Sri Lanka irrespective of the income levels. Fifty dried fish processors were selected through a simple random sampling technique. Dried fish wholesalers (n=20) retailers (n=20), input suppliers (n=5), and dried fish consumers (n=40) were selected through convenient and snowball sampling techniques. The study was conducted in the Matara, Puttalam, and Jaffna districts representing major dried fish-producing towns from three provinces. Descriptive and inferential data analysis methods were applied such as Friedman test. Value chain (I) is the major chain for skipjack tuna and sprats indicating 37% and 30% respectively. Value chain (VI) is the major chain for smoothbelly sardinella indicating 38% out of total value chain. Cost plus (P<0.05, x̄>3.55) and competition (P<0.00, x̄>4.12) based pricing were the main pricing strategies adopted by each value chain actor. Price information is shared among each other through personal contacts intra region (P<0.05, x̄> 4.85) and inter region (P<0.05, x̄> 4.85). Therefore, cost plus and competitive based pricing strategies should be structured nationally.
Abstract: The south-western fringe of the Indian Sundarbans hosts a number of fish drying collectives that are exposed to a bundle of mutually reinforcing social-ecological-institutional risks. Despite its wide contribution to local-regional food security and livelihoods, dried fish production has received little attention in research and policy circles so far. As part of the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council (SSHRC) sponsored Dried Fish Matters global partnership project, our research team seeks to address this lack in two ways: (i) delineating knowledge base through a systematic literature review on intersecting social-ecological and sociohydrological dimensions of integrated fisheries and fish drying practices, and (ii) employing a knowledge co-production approach that involves participation of dry-fishers, researchers, fishworkers’ forum (partner organization), and scientists for meaningful understandings about the constraints and potentials in the sector. In this essay, we applied a three-step methodology to arrive at a crisscrossing conceptual, empirical, and collective understandings on the ‘invisible’ dried fish value chain in the Indian Sundarbans. With detailed lessons from the field, our interdisciplinary research team acts as a liaison among the groups to build a collaborative space for interactions, recognize prevalent adaptive practices and identify pathways toward short-, intermediate-, and long-term co-interventions through which fish drying practices can be more effectively improvised upon and up scaled. The essay lays out detailed insights and sensible recommendations from the knowledge co-production workshop, organized as a part of solution-focused participatory research on climate-resilient and gender-aware dried fish practices in the Indian Sundarbans. In light of the collective observations on the complex problems and reflections on needs-driven initiatives, the authors advocate for collaborative research praxes in forging just transitions for the less explored dried fish sector.
Abstract: Predominantly built upon collective practices and complex relations among different actors, the dried fish organizations of the Indian Sundarbans present everyday narratives of lives, experiences and challenges that are shaped by vulnerable social and ecological architecture of the region. This photo essay is a representation of practices, processes and situational complexities inherent in the dried fish camps – or shabars, as they are known in the Bengali dialect – the photos carving out ‘storylines’ focusing on the socially, culturally and historically induced interactions among people, place and entities of the evolving delta.
Abstract: The production and trade of dried fish are important sources of livelihood and employment for poor people engaged in the dried fish value chain. More importantly, half of them are women. Dried fish makes a significant contribution to the food and nutrition security of the poor because it is high in calcium and other vital micronutrients. Despite its importance, work on the dried fish value chain (DFVC) continues to focus on financial value creation and linear interactions among market actors that impede the recognition of human rights, justice, food security, and power across the entire value chain. Such a neoclassical perspective on DFVC tends to undermine the complex human-nature interactions that are contingent upon specific histories, people, places, and practices. Poor fishers and dried fish processors placed at the extractive end of the value chain hold low power in the market and remain vulnerable to changing social-ecological system dynamics. The recent work on a hybrid framework of social-ecological system-oriented dried fish value chain (SESDFVC) makes a departure from the conventional dried fish value chain framework. It values dynamic resource contexts, considers upstream actors as active collaborators, and expands the notion of value to include the social-ecological wellbeing of the value chain actors. This paper, with a mixed method research framework, provides an empirical outlook of the dried fish value chain in relation to SES attributes in the context of the eastern Indian coast of the Bay of Bengal, including Odisha and West Bengal, India.
Abstract: In this paper, we use the analytical lens of social wellbeing to interpret the history of livelihood change in the coastal village of Saiyad Rajpara in Gujarat over the past 70 years. We describe a broad narrative of transition from food scarcity to food security brought about by the introduction and intensification of bag net fishing in the village. This form of fishing has largely displaced the previous economic basis for livelihoods of uncertain daily wage labour. In a pattern common along the coast, an economy offering at best subsistence has shifted to one that is market-oriented, and which generates considerable surplus. We use the social wellbeing perspective to take stock of and order the complex effects of this transition. While the intensification of small-scale fishing in Saiyad Rajpara resulted in a general and marked material improvement in the lives of the residents of the village, the social relational benefits and subjective experience of change have been more mixed, particularly along lines of gender. A social wellbeing perspective offers an approach to fisheries governance that is more inclusive and sensitive to local experience.
Abstract: Value-added activities, chain structures, and middlemen impact are incomprehensible in the dried fish economy. Processors have a significant impact at the initial stage of the value chain, but little control over value chain management; however vastly monopolized by intermediaries. Yet, the processors receive poor returns compared to other actors in the value chain. Value stream analysis visualizes the value additions incorporated by all the actors and agents in the value chain. Despite the literature states of different returns along the value chain, a comprehensive mapping is needed to assess the contribution by actors and agents over Value Added (VA), Necessary Value Added (NVA) and Non-Necessary Value Added activities (NNVA). This will enable fair and efficient functions in the value chain. The same scenario is common in dried fish value chains in Sri Lanka which is inadequately researched. This study aims to conduct a value stream analysis, middlemen impact assessment, and their relationship for skipjack tuna and smoothbelly sardinella dried fish value chains representing the highest per-capita consumption dried fish varieties in Sri Lanka. Hambantota, Matara, Puttalam, and Gampaha were selected to conduct the study representing the highest dried fish production districts. A quantitative data collection method was adopted employing a pre-tested structured questionnaire. A simple random sampling technique was used to draw the sample from processors, wholesalers and retailers where the sample sizes were 100, ,40, and 40 respectively. Secondary data were collected from reputed published materials. Data were analyzed mainly using descriptive techniques. The number of VA, NV,A and NNVA activities are approximately decreased through the skipjack tuna value chain as processor (VA-10, NVA-01, NNVA-02), wholesaler (VA-2, NVA-1, NNVA-4) and retailer (VA-02, NVA-01, NNVA-01) and for smoothbelly sardinella processor (VA-08, NVA-01, NNVA-02), wholesaler (VA-02, NVA-01, NNVA-02) and retailer (VA-01, NVA-01, NNVA-02) levels. Time spent for each activity is decreased through value chain for both dried fish varieties. The market margins for skipjack tuna and smoothbelly sardinella are 46.64% and 38.19% respectively. Profit margins are increased along the value chain at the processor, wholesaler and retailer levels for skipjack tuna (9.63%, 15.25%, 27.22%) and smoothbelly sardinella (12.53%, 14.23%, 20.98%) respectively. In contrast, profit gain was not fairly distributed along the value chain proportionately contribution to activities and times spent by actors. This recommended an effective mechanism for fair profit sharing for dried fish actors based on their contribution to value addition and time spent on each activity.
Abstract: Wellbeing, the renowned term is now being used worldwide to assess the living standard of people, which goes beyond the development measurement indices, including the human development index. The notion of wellbeing described over three dimensions; material, relational, and subjective is a widely used concept in assessing wellbeing in development studies. This study aims to explore on three dimensions of wellbeing parameters valued by small pelagic dried fish processors in Negombo, Kalpitiya and Matara, which remain as the main small-pelagic dried fish producing areas in the South and West coast of Sri Lanka Qualitative data collection methods including in-depth interviews (n = 20) key informant discussions (n = 06) and participant observations were employed to gather primary data. Snowball sampling was used to select small pelagic dried fish processors from Negombo, Kalpitiya, and Matara Districts. Contextual data analysis was applied for interpretation, while field observations and transcripts were coded and analysed using Atlas.ti software.Income level and profit, education and skills, possessions, resource availability, food availability and healthy lifestyle were recognized as the key determinants of material wellbeing valued by the respondents. Life satisfaction with happiness, aspirations, mental serenity, leisure time and entertainment, time spent in places of worship were identified as the key determinants under the subjective dimension. Family, relatives and community, customer interactions, relationships with traders, co-worker and other processors were found to be the key drivers of relational wellbeing in male and female dried fish processers. The dried fish processors were able to acquire all three dimensions of well-being aspects, either differently or similarly. However, the achievement of these aspects was at different levels depending on their gender and religion. Despite, the material aspects are towards their occupation and accessibility, the relational aspects are mostly focused on family and the community.
Abstract: Dried fish—here defined broadly as aquatic animals preserved using simple techniques, such as sun-drying, salting, fermentation, and smoking that permit storage as foods at ambient temperature for extended periods without specialized packaging—have received little direct attention in fisheries research. This lack of visibility belies their historical and contemporary importance. Prior to the introduction of refrigeration, dried fish were the main form in which fisheries catches were traded and consumed. Dried fish products remain a core component of production, trade, diets, and cuisines across the world, particularly in the Global South. The dried fish sector provides employment for millions of people, particularly women, who comprise most of the fish-drying workforce in many locations. However, the sector also confronts and creates significant challenges including food safety concerns and exploitative labour conditions. This paper is the first systematic assessment of the global literature on dried fish, comprised of a sample of >1100 references. In contrast to the general fisheries literature, which is dominated by studies of ecology and governance and focusses mainly on primary production, the dried fish literature is dominated by studies from food science and concentrates on the processing segment of fish value chains. As such, it offers valuable reference point for fisheries research, which is becoming increasingly attentive to food systems. This paper uncovers a wealth of insights buried in this largely unheralded literature, and identifies key thematic intersections, gaps and research questions that remain to be addressed in the study of dried fish.
Abstract: This paper synthesizes current empirical evidence on how women experience, shape and influence small-scale fisheries (SSF) governance. Our synthesis addresses an important gap in the literature, and helps highlight the opportunities to improve women’s participation in governance and advance gender equality. We identified, characterized and synthesized 54 empirical cases at the intersection of gender and SSF governance, which comprise the relevant body of literature. Our review confirms the need to embed gender in the empirical examination of SSF governance towards expanding the current evidence base on this topic. We found that the institutional contexts within which women participate reflect a broad spectrum of arrangements, including the interactions with rules and regulations; participatory arrangements such as co-management; and informal norms, customary practices and relational spaces. We also synthesized a typology of governance tasks performed by women in SSF. The typology includes leadership roles and active participation in decision-making; relational networking and collective action; exercising agency and legitimacy; resource monitoring; knowledge sharing; meeting attendance (with no/less participation in decision-making); and activism and mass mobilization. Furthermore, we drew broader insights based on the patterns that emerged across the literature and highlighted implications for improving women’s meaningful participation in SSF governance. For example, exploring the breadth of governance arrangements to include all governance spaces where women are active, adjusting governance arrangements to respond to current and emerging barriers, and recognizing how women’s efforts link with societal values may help legitimize their representation in SSF governance. Findings of this review should be of interest to the scholarly community, practitioners and policymakers alike and inform future research agendas, policy dialogues and practice intervention.
Abstract: Price is identified as the signal of the product indicating its availability in the market. Frequent price fluctuations adversely affect manfacturing industry performances including dried fish. Besides, dried fish prices fluctuate following the seasonality of fresh fish. However, several factors affect dried fish pricing other than seasonality. Thus, this study attempts to unravel the factors that affect dried fish prices with special reference to large pelagic skipjack tuna and small pelagic sprats. Matara and Jaffna districts were selected as the origin of the two value chains due to the abundance of the selected varieties respectively. Quantitative data collection approaches were adopted including a questionnaire survey with 80 processors, 70 wholesalers and 80 retailers by using simple random and snowball sampling techniques. Secondary data were gathered from Hector Kobbekaduwa Agrarian Research and Training Institute and the Department of Census and Statistics. Descriptive and inferential methods as coefficient of correlation, Wilcoxon sign rank test and ANOVA were used for the analysis. Value additions, imported product prices and market types significantly affected the pricing of skipjack tuna (Mean>3.93) and sprats (Mean>3.68) dried fish (p=0.00) through the value chain. Packing (p=0.00) and grading (p<0.00) products on colour, texture and size significantly affect the price changes of both dried fish value chains. Packing skipjack tuna (30%<) and sprats (40%<) dried fish indicate the significant (p=0.00), the highest percentage of price increment while white/yellow colour skipjack tuna (5%<) and dark colour sprat (5%<) products indicate the significant (p<0.00) highest percentage of price decrease. A weak correlation (r=0.35**) is noticeable between imported and local sprats than skipjack tuna (r=0.95**). Different market types including fair, store, grocery and supermarket significantly affect pricing for both dried fish products (p>0.00) except the wholesale market for skipjack tuna (p=0.068). The paper identifies the level of value addition, market types, presence of imports, and product-based characteristics as important determinants of pricing of small and large pelagic dried fish. However, these price determinants exhibit irregular and controversial relationships thus further research, dried fish policy and sector reforms on dried fish prices are needed.
Abstract: The purpose of this perspective paper is to advance a comprehensive framework to integrate gender within the study of dried fish value chains. We do so by linking three complementary areas of scholarship: social wellbeing, intersectionality, and value chains. Social wellbeing literature emphasizes the range of benefits generated through dried fish value chains (e.g., social ties, cultural values, and material goods). An intersectional perspective, however, brings attention to the relational structures (e.g., caste, ethnicity) that intersect with gender to uniquely position women and men within value chains in relation to the benefits they can generate. In developing this framework, a key point of departure from existing literature is the notion of relationality (i.e., the creation of experiences in relation to one another within a given context). The value chain analysis further reveals how such unique positions determine the wellbeing outcomes women can generate through their participation in value chains. We demonstrate the contribution of this novel framework by applying it within dried fish case examples from Bangladesh, Tanzania, and Sri Lanka. In doing so, we systematically unpack how gender intersects with other structures of oppression and perpetuate gender inequity. Our framework thus results in a ‘thick description’ of gender relations operating in dried fish value chains. The insights that emerge can inform relevant policies, decision-making processes, and programs to ensure the creation of equitable wellbeing outcomes by those participating in dried fish value chains.
Abstract: Dried fish plays an important role in the national economy in multiple ways including minimizing post-harvest losses of fish providing a source of animal protein, enlarging livelihoods, utilizing idling labor into the production process and as a dish, especially for rural poor. Dried fish prices have increased drastically from 2012 to 2019 compared to fish and chicken. Being the key determinant of demand, price is crucial on consumption, dried fish demand and industry performance: increasing prices, decrease the demand, which adversely effects on dried fish industry from 2012 pushing dried fish consumption to third place. Therefore, this study aims to assess the price behavior of selected dried fish varieties and appropriate price forecasting models that could be feed into policy formulation for reasonable prices and price variation during the year. A quantitative approach was adopted gathering national average price data from secondary sources such as Hector Kobbekaduwa Agrarian and Research Institute, Department of Census and Statistics and other relevant institute. Three dried fish varieties which are highly consumed by the populace were selected representing large pelagic-skipjack tuna (Katsuwonus pelamis) and double-spotted queenfish (Scomberoides lysan) and small pelagic- gold-striped sardinella (Sardinella gibbosa). Average monthly retail price data from January 2007 to December 2019 were considered to analysis. Seasonal price variation and price indices were calculated for the three varieties in terms of real market prices. Analysis revealed highest dried fish prices in June and July months, corresponding with south-west monsoon. In contrast, lower prices have been reported during the north-east monsoon for large pelagic, months of January and February. Gold-striped sardinella indicated the highest price index in middle month of the both monsoon seasons. Highest seasonal price indexes for large pelagic varieties are indicated during May-September following the south -west monsoon. The Real Market Price (RMP) of all three dried fish varieties demonstrated a fluctuating pattern with a slight increment throughout the year. The same fluctuating patterns are observed in relation to moving average price, seasonality impact removed price and seasonality around moving average price of each three varieties separately. However, prices of three varieties are strongly correlated (r=0.941<, p=0.00) with each other. The cubic price forecasting model is the best fit model of price forecasting for all the analyzed varieties. Besides, the Quadratic model can be used to predict the price of analyzed large pelagic varieties. The ARIMA analysis revealed that ARIMA (2,1,12) is the best fit model for price forecasting of skipjack tuna while ARIMA (0,1,0) for double spotted queen and gold stripped sardinella forecasting. Having a distinct seasonality impact on dried fish prices, the policies need to be focused on price stabilizing mechanisms to assure a certain and stable performances in the dried fish industry in Sri Lanka ensuring affordability to the majority in Sri Lanka.
Abstract: In collaboration with 47 colleagues from seven countries and 20 institutions, including CIFRI, I am leading the proposed project Dried fish matters: mapping the social economy of dried fish in South and Southeast Asia for enhanced wellbeing and nutrition. There is good reason to think that the proposal is likely to be funded and, regardless, I think it lays out a path breaking and important area for research that it is worthwhile introducing. In this summary of the Dried Fish Matters proposal I provide an overview of the project’s focus and then suggest a few questions that highlight why we think CIFRI stands to make a key contribution to the project.
Abstract: Dried fish products play an important role in the diets of fish consumers and in the livelihoods of actors in fisheries value chains throughout Africa and Asia. In Bangladesh, a large proportion of marine and freshwater fish landings are processed by drying. The scale and significance of dried fish production, trade and consumption is rarely acknowledged and poorly understood, however, in part because of a tendency for fisheries research to focus on fishers, thereby overlooking actors and processes in mid- and downstream value chain segments. Adopting social wellbeing as an analytical framework, this chapter explores the material conditions faced by labourers engaged in drying fish in Bangladesh, and the ways in which their subjective experiences and objective circumstances are meditated by and constituted through a range of social relations. Case studies are presented from three field sites, where laborers with very different social origins are employed in fish drying under a diverse mix of relations of production, resulting in widely variable but frequently negative social wellbeing outcomes for the women and men involved. The case studies reveal how institutions and identities that constitute important components of social wellbeing for fishers may also be implicated in the exploitation of subordinate groups of labour.Ms. Colleen Cranmer is a PhD student at the University of Ottawa. Her research looks at the social, economic, and environmental changes occurring in the dried fish value chain at the Tonlé Sap Lake. Focusing on micro-scale female fish processors, the research seeks to understand how the dried fish economy changing, who is benefitting and who is losing, and what this means for dried fish livelihoods in the future? The research will contribute to an understanding of livelihood vulnerabilities, adaptive capacities, and policy interventions available to micro-scale fish processors threatened by the decline of the Tonle Sap Lake ecosystem and the country’s shift towards aquaculture.
Abstract: Dried fish (DF) are rich in protein and widely available worldwide; however, they have long been limited to being used as a traditional food. This study investigated the structural and functional properties of dried fish protein isolates (DFPIs) extracted from seven commonly consumed DF species in Bangladesh, including both sun-dried and fermented varieties. The isolates were prepared via isoelectric precipitation. Sodium dodecyl sulfate–polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE) analysis revealed that the DFPIs lacked intact muscle protein bands and were primarily composed of peptides of < 70 kDa. Circular dichroism spectroscopy showed extensive protein unfolding and hydrolysis, with only the Ganges River sprat DFPI retaining some ordered tertiary structure. The drying and fermentation processes significantly disrupted the secondary structure, resulting in low α-helix content and high proportions of β-sheets and random coils. Consequently, protein yield during extraction was relatively low, with a maximum of 36%. At neutral pH (7.0), DFPIs exhibited low heat-induced coagulation (maximum 23%) but showed excellent oil-holding capacity (up to 20 g/g), likely due to exposed hydrophobic groups. They also demonstrated good gelation abilities (minimum gelling concentration of 3–7%) and emulsifying properties, with Bombay duck DFPI forming stable emulsions with droplet sizes as small as 2 µm. These findings highlight the potential of DFPIs as functional ingredients in heat-processed food formulations, particularly as heat-stable emulsifiers.
Abstract: This work determined the nutritional value of some dried fishes that are commonly consumed in Bangladesh. Protein content was significantly (p < 0.05) higher in the white sardine (72.5 g/100 g) and Ganges River sprat (74.2 g/100 g) with essential amino acids score of 137.7% and 136.3%, respectively. The fermented anchovies had significantly (p < 0.05) higher free amino acids content (4.4 g/100 g) when compared to the other dried fishes with 0.7–2.5 g/100 g values. However, the ribbon fish had significantly (p < 0.05) higher protein digestibility of 84.0% when compared to <80% for the other fishes. Significantly (p < 0.05) lower sodium but higher potassium contents were found in white sardine and Ganges River sprat. White sardine also had the highest contents of eicosapentaenoic acid (6.5 g/100 g of oil), docosahexaenoic acid (19.5 g/100 g of oil), and total n-3 fatty acids (27.6 g/100 g of oil). The freshwater barb (fermented or unfermented) contained the highest contents of monounsaturated fatty acids and lowest levels of saturated fatty acids (p < 0.05). The heavy metals contents in white sardine were less than the maximum permitted levels. However, Ganges River sprat had significantly higher cholesterol content (12.5 mg/g), which may limit its nutritional value.
Abstract: The perishability of fresh produce challenges food supply chains, particularly in developing countries where storage and refrigeration facilities are limited and costly. Transforming these products to less perishable forms is common in these countries and offers an ideal example to explore price transmission behaviors that have not been explicitly analyzed in the previous literature. Using fresh and dried fish price data from Sri Lanka, and a nonlinear autoregressive distributed lag (NARDL) model, our study found that wholesale price increases rapidly reach the retailer, yet the reductions take more time, showing positive price asymmetry in both fish markets. The magnitude of this asymmetry is lower in the more perishable fresh fish market. Unlike dried fish, which can be stored during low-demand periods and sold at higher prices because of its longer shelf life, fresh fish must be sold quickly to avoid deterioration and losses, leading to lower asymmetry.
Abstract: The study was carried out to evaluate the physicochemical and microbiological properties of selected dried fish (Boat dried fish, local- land dried fish, and imported dried fish) and Maldive fish samples from markets in Colombo (CD) and Matara (MD) districts. Dried fish samples of the Shark (Carcharodon carcharias), Skipjack Tuna (Katsuwonus pelamis), Mackerel Tuna (Decapterus russelli), Queenfish (Seriphus politus), Moonfish (Mene makulata), Bombay duck (Harpadon nehereus) and Maldive fish samples of Skipjack Tuna and Mackerel Tuna were analyzed. The results revealed that all chemical parameters are affected by the interaction of the source and types of dried fish. Aspergillus spp and Saccharomyces spp were identified in the majority of the samples. The highest mean value of moisture (WB%), crude protein%, crude fat%, total ash%, NaCl%, pH, and histamine (mg/kg) content of dried fish were shown by, CD Local Shark (53.2 ± 0.2), MD Bombay duck (61.83 ± 0.80), MD Bombay duck (14.70 ± 1.39), MD Moonfish (28.20 ± 1.16), MD Moonfish (20.50 ± 0.49), CD Local Mackerel (7.87 ± 0.06), CD Local Mackerel (127) respectively. However, no any significant difference reported in sensory evaluation particularly on smell, taste, texture, saltiness, and overall acceptability of samples. The findings of the research can be used as baseline information for the future development of product quality in the dried fish industry in Sri Lanka.
Abstract: Globally, microplastics (MPs) contamination in aquatic organisms is emerging as an alarming phenomenon. In the present study, we investigated MPs in three commercially important fishes (Bombay duck Harpadon nehereus, ribbon fish Trichiurus lepturus and hairfin anchovy Setipinna phasa) in fresh and dried conditions collected from two sites (Chattogram and Kuakata) of the Bay of Bengal. It was evident that fresh T. lepturus ingested highest amount of MPs through the gills (6.41 mps/g) from Chattogram followed by in the gastrointestinal tract, GIT (6.20 mps/g) and in the muscle (1.20 mps/g) from Kuakata. Among the fresh fishes, H. nehereus from Kuakata accumulated highest amount of MPs (0.21 mps/g), while S. phasa from Kuakata contained the least amount of MPs (0.06 mps/g). On the other hand, among the dried fishes, T. lepturus from Kuakata contained highest amount of MPs (46.00 mps/g), while S. phasa from Kuakata retained lowest amount of MPs (2.17 mps/g). Strangely, all the dried fishes showed significantly higher amount of MPs compared to fresh fishes from both the locations. Fiber was the most dominant type of shape of MPs which accounted 66 %, followed by fragment (27.38 %), microbeads (3.59 %), film (1.48 %), foam (1.31 %) and pellet (0.25 %). Size-wise, the major portion (39.66 %) of MPs was present to be in size range less than 0.5 mm followed by 37.67 % in the size range of 0.5–1.0 mm group and rest 22.67 % within 1.0–5.0 mm. Red (41.55 %) colored MPs was the most prominent, followed by brown (22.11 %), blue (16.32 %), pink (11.69 %), purple (5.10 %), and green (2.25 %). Among polymer types, low-density polyethylene (LDPE) was the most common (38 %), followed by polystyrene (PS-22 %), polyvinyl chloride (PVC-16 %), polyamide (PA-13 %) and ethylene-vinyl acetate (EVA-9 %). The present study confirms high occurrence of MPs in the dried fishes over the fresh fishes from the Bay of Bengal, with high potential of trophic transfer to the human body.
Abstract: Assessments of fish consumption are based primarily on data from household surveys that do not capture information on the intra-household distribution of the size or species of fish consumed. Such studies can yield partial or misleading information about the adequacy of aquatic food consumption. We address this gap by focusing on individual-level fish consumption within the household, using data from a survey conducted in a rural part of the Ayeyarwady Region in Myanmar—an area with high levels of fish consumption. We disaggregate fish consumption by the gender of household members and by the quantity, species, and size of fish eaten, estimating quantities of fish consumed using models for reference, to identify gendered patterns of fish consumption at the intrahousehold level. We find higher average levels of fish consumption than reported in previous consumption surveys in Myanmar. Moreover, small fish are consumed more frequently than larger-sized fish. The popularity of small fish species highlights the continued reliance of survey respondents on wild fish stocks, despite all surveyed households also practicing small-scale aquaculture. The average consumption of fresh fish reported by women was 36% lower than that reported by men. Men were more likely to eat large fish species, but women ate more small fish, which may contain higher levels of micronutrients vital for addressing nutrient deficiencies.
Abstract: Urban sites gather poverty in particular locations and often require bulk food system approaches for addressing prevalent food security and nutrition needs. The food systems that service them are, however, characterized by perishability and large irregularities in supply. Seafood is currently recognized as contributing in a major way to food security and nutrition, and it is to assessing the role of wholesale markets in meeting the needs of the urban poor that this paper is directed. It zooms in on the city of Chennai, India, where an estimated 40% of the population is considered poor and marine fish plays a crucial role in diets. Building on one-and-a-half years of field research in the pre-COVID-19 period, the paper analyses the performance of one of the city’s largest fish wholesale markets, Vanagaram, in relation to the four commonly recognized pillars of food security. Results demonstrate how urban food systems function as major suppliers of fish (and other food items) to thousands of low- and middle-income households. Most importantly, this case study demonstrates the crucial role that is played by wholesale markets in merging low-price fish supplies from different geographic regions and thereby ensuring food security of poorer inhabitants.
Abstract: Dried fish consumption is ever becoming popularized locally and globally due to its micro-nutrient content, semi-perishability, and taste. The outcomes uncovered that physical quality attributes are the main choosing factors for dried fish. Perceptions and buying behavior of consumers are highly varied on dried fish varieties, purchasing level and quality attributes. Furthermore, studies on dried fish buying behavior, consumption patterns are lacking. Therefore, this study decided to identify the relationship between the level of dried fish consumption pattern over consumer’s income and to analyze consumers’ perception and buying behavior on selected dried fish varieties (sprats, skipjack tuna and smoothbelly sardinella) in Sri Lanka. Pre-tested structured questionnaire was distributed among 200 dried fish consumers by using Convenient and Snowball sampling in Kurunegala, Gampaha, Jaffna, Puttalam and Matara which represent the highest dried fish consumption and production districts in Sri Lanka. Secondary data was collected from the Department of Census and Statistics and Ministry of Fisheries and the Aquatic Resource Development on selected major animal protein sources during 2006-2019. Data were analyzed using descriptive and non-parametric statistics using Pearson correlation and Friedman test. The consumer preference is the highest for consumption of smoothbelly sardinella (Mean =2.95, p=0.00) than other two varieties. All perceived quality deterioration was observed along the supply chain. Consumers in Gampaha and Matara believe supermarkets (Mean> 3.13, p=0.00) while other all observed district believe producer level market (Mean >2.89) as the source for higher quality dried fish. Appearance (Mean> 3.79, p=0.00) is valued over texture, odor, breakage and shelf life while breakage (Mean< 2.82, p= 0.00) is indicated the least value by consumers in all five districts. Higher percentage share (36%<) of dried fish expenditure is captured by 1-4 income range of expenditure deciles that counts on 1-3 income range for consumption (43% <) of dried fish. Strong positive correlation between the percentage share of chicken consumption (0.777)/ expenditure (0.802) while negative correlation with the percentage share of dried sprats (-0.743)/ dried skipjack tuna (-0.798) consumption are observed against mean income in each expenditure deciles. In conclusion, the dried fish act as the main animal protein source for lower income households as giffen good. Appearance and texture are the main quality attributes perceived by consumer at buying. Consumers consider more on product and trader’s level quality when buying dried fish. Effective value additions and standardized handling practices need to be introduced and practiced to enhance the physical quality of dried fish along the dried fish supply chains. Further, decisions and policies need to be addressed by identifying consumer preferences and buying behavior to establish the stable industry.
Abstract: We examined microplastics (MP) in two commercially important dried fish, Bombay duck (Harpadon nehereus) and ribbon fish (Trichiurus lepturus), collected from two sites on the Bay of Bengal (Cox’s Bazar and Kuakata). The number of MP found in dried Bombay duck and ribbon fish from Kuakata was significantly higher (41.33 g−1 and 46.00 g−1, respectively) than the MP present in samples collected from Cox’s Bazar (28.54 g−1 and 34.17 g−1, respectively). Fibers were the most common type of MP identified in all samples (41–64%), followed by fragments (22–34%), microbeads (9–16%), films (3–4%), foams (1–4%), and pellets (0–2%). ATR-FTIR analysis revealed three different types of MP polymer – polyethylene (35–45%), polystyrene (20–30%) and polyamide (30–45%) in the dried fish samples. The study confirms the presence of high MP loads in dried fish from the Bay of Bengal, with high potential of trophic transfer of MP to the human body.
Abstract: The Voluntary Guidelines for Securing Sustainable Small-Scale Fisheries in the Context of Food Security and Poverty Eradication (SSF Guidelines) are the first international instrument dedicated entirely to small-scale fisheries. Given that the SSF Guidelines are strongly rooted in good governance principles, their implementation requires commitment and considerable efforts from governments as lead agencies. To help facilitate the process in Thailand, this chapter analyzes the laws, policies, and legal frameworks in the country, appraising the extent to which they promote or inhibit viability and sustainability of small-scale fisheries based on the consistency of these frameworks with key principles stipulated in the SSF Guidelines. Drawing on available information in government databases, reputable websites, and relevant literatures, the analysis reveals that stakeholder participation; economic, social, and environmental sustainability; and ecosystem-based approaches are well-covered areas under the main fisheries legislation—the 2015 Royal Ordinance on Fishery. Specifically, economic, social, and environmental sustainability are explicitly specified in the Fishery Management Plan, the 20-year National Strategic Plan, and 12th National Economic and Social Development Plan. While issues such as human rights and dignity, respect of culture, nondiscrimination, gender equality and equity, equity and equality, rule of law, transparency, and accountability are not directly addressed in the current fisheries law, they can be found in non-fisheries specific legislations. While it may seem that Thailand is in a relatively good position to implement the SSF Guidelines within the context of existing institutions, further deliberation about some key governing principles and how to integrate them in the current legal framework is required in order to move forward.
Abstract: This paper discusses a case study located on the northern shore of the Gulf of Kutch in the western Indian state of Gujarat. Specifically the paper explores the major characteristics of small scale fisheries practiced by the Muslim Wagher community and investigate the challenges and dilemmas faced by them in their pursuit of a livelihood in fisheries. Wagher fishers have occupied the lowest rungs in local continuums of social and economic status historically. Their livelihoods and conditions of living have become particularly precarious since the early 2000s when the government of Gujarat embarked on an ambitious plan for port-based industrialisation and privatisation of vast tracts of wastelands, grasslands and coast line. Given this context, the paper focuses attention on the relations of exchange like market-tying informal credit contracts widely used by traders to consolidate their control over marketing processes and their impact on the lives and livelihoods of Wagher fishers. It is argued that the unfreedom that arises from the embeddedness of market transactions in social interactions constrains the ability of Wagher fishers to effectively resist ongoing processes of economic exploitation and coastal expropriation, or to advocate for their fair inclusion in social and economic development.
Abstract: Fish drying is a traditional method of preserving and utilizing fish in India. Small-scale women processors play a dominant role in production and marketing of dried fish. This paper analyzes the changes in the profile of India’s fish processing industry over time focusing on the dried fish segment. We postulate that structural changes in fish production, including the rapid surge in aquaculture production, are closely linked to changes in fish processing and utilization in India. In particular, surge in demand for fishmeal and fish oil (FMFO) as an ingredient in aquaculture feeds has tilted fish utilization from direct human consumption towards feed. We pool data on India’s fish production, utilization, and trade to describe these changes and their implications through descriptive analysis and regression modeling. Results from the regression analysis show that the FMFO segment gains market share mostly at the expense of the dried fish segment.
Abstract: Across Southeast Asia, coastal livelihoods are becoming more diverse and more commodified, as maritime zone developments intensify. We review literature from the ten maritime states in Southeast Asia to assess how older and emerging forms of maritime zone developments influence the viability of small-scale fishing livelihoods. Applying a political economy lens to small-scale fisheries and maritime zone developments at regional scale, we show how small-scale fisheries persist as a significant coastal livelihood activity across the region, despite declining opportunities due to long-term intensification of fisheries exploitation. The paper further analyses the ways in which newer maritime zone developments, including aquaculture, land reclamation, special industrial zones, and tourism interact with fishing, and are reconfiguring coastal livelihoods in the region. Key trends that small-scale fishers and coastal communities must negotiate include deepening commodification, worsening environmental degradation, loss of access to fishing grounds, and an intensifying ‘squeeze’ on coastal space.
