The proximate composition of three marine pelagic fish: blue whiting (Micromesistius poutassou), boarfish (Capros aper) and Atlantic herring (Clupea harengus)

peer reviewedThis study presents data from an in-depth proximate compositional analysis of three marine fish species: blue whiting (Micromesistius poutassou), boarfish (Capros aper) and Atlantic herring (Clupea harengus). These fish contained significant amounts of protein (16–17%), lipids (4–11%) and minerals (2–6% ash). The proteins, particularly from boarfish, had close to optimum amino acid profiles for human and fish nutrition. They compared favourably with other fish species in terms of total lipids and relative concentration of the omega-3 fatty acids docosahexaenoic acid and eicosapentaenoic acid (11.8–13.3% and 5.9–8.1% in triacylglycerols [TG] and 24.6–35.4% and 5.8–12.0% in phospholipids [PL]). Atlantic herring had the highest lipid content among the three fish and was found to contain high levels of PL poly-unsaturated fatty acids, including omega-3 fatty acids. Minerals detected in the fish included calcium (272–1,520 mg/100 g), phosphorus (363–789 mg/100 g), iron (1.07–2.83 mg/100 g), magnesium (40.70–62.10 mg/100 g), potassium (112.00–267.00 mg/100 g), selenium (0.04–0.06 mg/100 g), sodium (218.00–282.00 mg/100 g) and zinc (1.29–5.57 mg/100 g). Boarfish had the highest ash fraction and also the highest levels of all the minerals, except potassium. Atlantic herring had considerably lower mineral content compared with the other two species and, levels detected were also lower than those reported in previously published studies. Heavy metals contents were quantified, and levels were significantly below the maximum allowable limits for all elements except arsenic, which ranged from 1.34 to 2.44 mg/kg in the three fish species. Data outlined here will be useful for guiding product development. Future studies would benefit from considering catch season, sex and developmental stage of the fish

Evaluation of the suitability of sites for outdoor recreation using a multi-criteria assessment model

WOS: 000443447900004The determination of the suitability of a site for recreation is a complex process that requires the integration of several criteria. The main aim of the current study carried out in the Egirdir district of southern Turkey was to determine the most suitable zones for outdoor recreation by applying new methodological approach. Large volumes of spatial data and multiple criteria were assessed simultaneously by utilising the linear combination technique and a hierarchical analysis in association with GIS to rank the suitability of a mosaic of contiguous, semi-natural sites for outdoor recreation. According to obtained results, 33.1% was deemed very suitable or suitable for outdoor recreational activities, whereas 25.8% was determined as less suitable and 41.1% not suitable for outdoor recreation place in the study area. In addition, in order to investigate temporal changes in human activities, land use and land cover detection analysis was performed for the period 1988 to 2016 inclusive. The number of potential recreational sites increased over time, based on the increased amount of forested and grassed areas. On the other hand, increasing artificial area and decreasing shrub lands caused reduction of the potential recreational sites during the 28-year period