Soft-Flesh Suppression Technology: Inhibiting the Post-Harvest Effects of Kudoa Thyrsites Infection in Farmed Atlantic Salmon

Summary:
Soft-flesh syndrome, caused by Kudoa thyrsites intramuscular infection can lead to inferior product quality and losses to the farmed Atlantic salmon industry. To identify a solution to this challenge, Marine Harvest Canada tested and evaluated the effects of high hydrostatic pressure (HPP) technology on the manifestation of soft-flesh in post-harvested Atlantic Salmon. HHP technology is already used in a variety of seafood related applications, and works to preserve shelf life of seafood products without the use of chemicals or heat-denaturation. In this project, whole fish or fillets were treated with different pressure intensities for different times, and samples were examined for the manifestation of soft-flesh syndrome for 5 days. Although test results indicated that this technology was not effective in suppressing the manifestation of soft-flesh in Atlantic salmon, and led to changes in fish fillet quality parameters such as color, this project has advanced industry know-how about soft-flesh formation. As a result, researchers and industry have already identified other potential treatments for soft-flesh syndrome to test and develop in the future, ultimately contributing to a more productive, sustainable salmon farming industry in B.C.

Project Lead: Marine Harvest Canada Inc.

Total Project Cost: $270,816
           
DFO-AIMAP Contribution: $142,500

Other Financial Support:

• Recipient: Marine Harvest Canada Inc.
• BC Centre for Aquatic Health Sciences
• Avure Technologies
• Province: BC Ministry of Agriculture and Lands (BCMAL)

For more information please contact the regional coordinator.

Pacific Region: Sean.Irvine@dfo-mpo.gc.ca