Newsletter article
Nutritional value of the sea cucumber Holothuria scabra from Fiji Islands
SPC Fisheries Newsletter, Vol.152, pp.29-31
2017
Abstract
The tropical sea cucumber sandfish (Holothuria scabra Jaeger 1833) (Fig. 1) was analyzed for its nutrient composition following processing by local bêche-de-mer (BDM) exporters in the Fiji Islands. Sandfish were harvested from Tavua Bay, Fiji Islands and processed and dried to export quality prior to nutrient composition analysis. Our results show that processed Fijian sandfish is rich in protein (84.59%) and low in fat (1.39%). Moisture, carbohydrate and ash contents were found to be 9.48%, 2.91% and 11.11% of dried weight, respectively. Processed sandfish also contained the polyunsaturated fatty acids arachidonic acid, eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) that are considered vital for human wellbeing (Table 1). Around 28 species of sea cucumbers are exported from Fiji as BDM and their nutrient compositions are likely to vary seasonally. Further research is required to determine the nutrient contents of other commercial species and the influence of season. Such information would help define optimal harvesting times for sea cucumbers in Fiji and may assist in fishery management.
Details
- Title
- Nutritional value of the sea cucumber Holothuria scabra from Fiji Islands
- Authors
- Ravinesh Ram (Author) - James Cook UniversityDavid S Francis (Author) - Deakin UniversityRoveena Vandana Chand (Author) - University of the South Pacific, Fiji IslandsPaul C Southgate (Author) - University of the Sunshine Coast - Faculty of Science, Health, Education and Engineering
- Publication details
- SPC Fisheries Newsletter, Vol.152, pp.29-31
- Publisher
- Secretariat of the Pacific Community
- Date published
- 2017
- ISSN
- 0248-076X
- Organisation Unit
- School of Science and Engineering - Legacy; Australian Centre for Pacific Islands Research; University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland; School of Science, Technology and Engineering
- Language
- English
- Record Identifier
- 99450649202621
- Output Type
- Newsletter article
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