Influence of season and farming location on the quality parameters of sea bass (Dicentrarchus labrax) and sea bream (Sparus aurata)

Abstract

The study determined chemical composition of sea brass (Dicentrarchus labrax) and sea bream (Sparus aurata) farmed in Adriatic Sea, together with variation caused by seasonal variations and farming location. Samples were collected from four different fish farms at three times: June 2012, October 2012 and January 2013. The presented results clearly show seasonal variations of moisture and fat content in the edible part of the fish, while the farming location was proven not to have any significant impact (p>0.05). Fatty acid composition was significantly influenced both by the season and the farming location (p<0.05). The resulting n-3/n-6 ratios were lower than those reported in other studies, which can be attributed to differences in diet the fish were fed on. Seasonal variations and farming location did not affect fish mineral composition, but mutual differences between the two species were significant.

Keywords

• Sea bass, Sea bream, Quality parameters, Season, Farming location