Production and quality assessment of fish burger from the grass carp, Ctenopharyngodon idella (Cuvier and Valenciennes, 1844)

Fish burger was produced from grass carp (Ctenophygodon idella) to assess the feasibility of value addition to this low priced fish in Bangladesh. Different food additives (25% mashed potato, 2% NaCl, 2% soybean oil, 2% spices and 0.6% sugar) were used to enhance the consumer’s acceptance of the fishery product. Consumers' acceptance of the fish burger was determined by sensory evaluation based on its color, flavor, softness or firmness (S/F), chewy/rubbery (C/R) using 10 point scoring system by a group of 10 untrained judges (20-50 years old). The results were found as follows: color (7.25±1.15), flavor (6.67±1.17), S/F (8.47±1.20) and C/R (7.83±1.23). Evaluation of proximate composition showed that the moisture and protein contents in grass carp mince were 79.15±1.16 % and 18.01±0.44 % respectively which were higher than that of fish burger, 69.46±0.89 % and 16.42±0.57 %, respectively. Lipid (6.64±0.15 %) and ash (2.98±0.09 %) contents in fish burger were also higher than fish mince. The pH of fish mince and fish burger was 6.8±0.11 and 6.6±0.05 respectively. Therefore, from simple cost-profit analysis, it can be assumed that business of fish burger in Bangladesh has a very good prospect and it would be profitable

Genetic variation among three wild populations of stinging catfish (Heteropneustes fossilis) by allozyme electrophoresis

Stinging catfish (Heteropneustes fossilis) is one of the most popular indigenous catfish having considerable potential for aquaculture and commercial importance in Bangladesh. With a view to assessing the genetic status of H. fossilis, three samples Chalan Beel (Pabna), Burungi Beel (Jamalpur) and Bagapura Beel (Mymensingh) were analyzed. For genetic variation study, five enzymes (LDH, EST, MDH, PGM and GPI) were used encoded by eight loci of which three were polymorphic (Mdh-1*, Est-1* and Gpi-1*). The highest mean proportion of polymorphic loci, mean number of allele and the mean proportion of heterozygous loci per individual of the Chalan Beel population were observed (25.00%, 1.250 and 6.250%, respectively). The highest gene flow (33.5) and lowest population differentiation (0.0074) found in Burungi Beel-Bagapura Beel indicated the close relationship among them. In the Nei’s UPGMA dendrogram, the Chalan Beel population formed one cluster by the genetic distance of 0.0371 and the other cluster was formed by Burungi Beel and Bagapura Beel populations (D=0.003).  The results suggested that a considerable genetic variation is maintained among the natural H. fossilis populations

Management and socio-economic conditions of fishermen of the Baluhar Baor, Jhenaidah, Bangladesh

This study was conducted on the management of the Baluhar Baor and fishermen’s socio-economic conditions of the baor in Jhenaidah district, Bangladesh. Data were collected by interviews, FGDs and CIs with key informants. This baor was managed under Oxbow Lake Project-1 of Department of Fisheries of Bangladesh government. Hypophthalmichthys molitrix, Labeo rohita, Catla catla, Cirrhina cirrhosus, Cyprinus carpio and Ctenopharyngodon idella were commonly stocked at the composition of 34%, 13%, 12%, 12%, 15% and 14%, respectively. Kochal, komor and chack fishing were used for harvesting and yearly production was 750 kg/ha. While studying the socio-economics, 58% fishermen were lived in joint families. 78% fishermen used kancha sanitary latrine which reflects their poor hygienic condition but they used tubewell for drinking water. 58% fishermen were with 0.041 hectare lands and 74% lived in kancha house. The annual income varied from BDT 15,000 to 60,000. Education level was found very low and only 18% completed their primary education. Majority fishermen (82%) visited village doctor for health services due to low income and lack of knowledge. All fishermen were fully dependent on baor fishery for their livelihood. It is possible to uplift their socio-economic by managing the baor with improved technology

Livelihood of the fishermen in Monirampur Upazila of Jessore district, Bangladesh

The study was conducted to assess the livelihood of fishermen in Monirampur Upazila of Jessore district from July to December, 2012. The mean age and fishing experience of fishermen were 35.22±9.67 and 17.9±7.12 years, respectively. Primary occupation for majority fishermen (90%) was fishing. The mean monthly income of the household (HH) was BDT 9470±4806.89. Only 2% fishermen were landless. 4% fishermen had training on fishing/fish culture. 46% fishermen involved in NGOs for loan and savings. 52% fishermen cultivated paddy during boro (summer) season whereas only 18% cultivated paddy during aman (rainy) season. Major protein sources to the HHs (monthly) were- small indigenous species (SIS) (4.60±2.64 kg), non-SIS (6.31±4.18 kg), meat (3.54±1.67 kg), eggs (18.73±22.20 pieces), and milk (11.10±15.54 liter). The major HH expenditures were- food, education, health, furniture, cloths and others. All fishermen were vulnerable to vabadaha, a situation when water logging takes place during monsoon due to lack of sufficient water drainage system