Parasitic nematodes are microscopic and present major problems in the fish filleting industry. Scientists have discovered that light sensors and automation can be combined to deliver a better fillet.
Separating a high quality fish fillet from one of lower quality is an art. It is generally done by hand, based as the fish is being processed.
But a new machine has been trialled on the production of cod fillets to identify defective fillets. Scientists at Nofima Marine have discovered that light can be used to distinguish between high and low quality fillets.
Light
“What we are doing is to illuminate the fish with white light and then use a spectrometer,” says Scientist Karsten Heia.
“In other words, we measure the light coming from the fish, also at wavelengths the eye can’t see.”
Parasitic nematodes, traces of skin remnants, black lining and blood influence the light differently and these differences are registered by the spectrometer. This information is then conveyed to a computer that controls the sorting of the fish fillets.
Why spectroscopy?
This technology fulfils the industry’s requirement for speed. The technology does not affect the fillet and is suitable for detecting quality faults.
“It’s important that the fish is untouched by human hands as it were,” says Heia.
“Earlier this year, the research team tested the machine at a fish processing plant in Vesterålen. We needed to find out whether the machine functioned in commercial production and not just in the lab.”
“The process needs to go so rapidly that the fish can follow the tempo on a normal production line,” says Heia. “Much of the challenge with inventing this has really been to get the machine to work at this speed.”
Requirement
The Norwegian fillet industry has struggled in recent years to earn money and the competition from overseas is increasing.
“It is precisely here than the new machine can assist the industry in Norway,” says Heia.
“I don’t think job losses will result from the industry utilising such a method, but it can be an opportunity to get a far improved sorting of fish and as such improve the quality of the product you and I buy at the fish shop.”
The research was conducted at Nofima. Nofima is a new industry-oriented research group that conducts research and development for aquaculture, fisheries and food industries. Nofima was launched on 22 May 2008 by the Norwegian Minister of Fisheries and Coastal Affairs, Helga Pedersen.
German company Baader was part of the team that developed this new knowledge. Baader is a world leader in machines for the fishing industry.
The project is funded by the Research Council of Norway, the Fisheries and Aquaculture Industry Research Fund and Baader.
The challenge of achieving high quality while processing large volumes of product at high speed is a key issue for the Finfish project. Are you aware of any other projects which have demonstrated the ability to make a strong contribution towards achieving this aim?
Source: Nofima