General information
Code: V4-1120
Period: 1.10.2011 - 30.9.2014
Project leader at FDV: prof.dr. Klement Podnar
Research activity: Biotechnical sciences
Abstract
Total yearly fish production in Slovenia (fisheries catch and aquaculture) in the last years amounted around 3000 metric tons. The average consumption of fish per capita in the same period was 7 kg, what places the Slovenia among countries with the lowest fish consumption in Europe. The percentage of domestic production in the total fish consumption is therefore only around 20%; nevertheless domestic producer of some species have problems in placing their products on the market due to low competitiveness.
Detailed data about fish consumption in different regions, age and economical segments, as well as data about preferences, perceptions and obstacles regarding fish consumption are scarce. The systematically done analysis of nutritional quality of fish and contents of elements harmful or beneficial for human health are also missing. Even the nutritional quality and safety are important there are also other factors like physical and sensorial parameters of food, price, availability, convenience as well as personal interest for health and healthy nutrition which influence fish consumption.
In the research project the fish which are in Slovenia the most important from production and consumption side will be analyzed for presence of heavy metals and polychlorinated biphenyls and the chemical composition with the special emphasis on fatty acids will be determined. By comparing results determined for different species and paralleling them with the standards the suitability of consumption for the health reasons will be assessed.
By using quantitative research methods detailed data about type, amount, temporal distribution and type of catching or production method and placing of fish on the market will be collected. Qualitative research methods will be used to combine these data with the data how producers perceive the situation on the supply side of market regarding issues mentioned, and about possible solutions of the problems which they face.
On the demand side of market, the data about fish consumption within different geographical and age segments regarding type, place, amount and frequency of purchase will be gathered using quantitative research methods: while qualitative research methods will be used to get insight into perception regarding different parameters (origin, freshness, quality control, safety) and their influence on purchasing behavior.
Recommendations which strategies could be employed by governmental and nongovernmental organizations to inform different publics regarding safety and health issues associated with the consumption of fish for the sake of improved nutritional security will be done on the basis of combined and synthetized research findings. Knowing general marketing situation and production potential and capacities of producers will make it possible to identify their strengths, weaknesses, threads and opportunities. Producers will be advised how to take opportunities and how to avoid threads identified and how advantages of domestic producers over competitors from abroad could be increased. Research findings will be useful for governmental organizations and institutions to prepare measures for improving competitiveness of domestic producers (fisherman and aquaculturists), to change patterns of food consumption and to improve nutritional safety and general health condition of population.
Research Organisation
http://www.sicris.si/public/jqm/prj.aspx?lang=eng&opt=2&subopt=403&hits=1&id=7184&search_term=V4-1120
Researchers
http://www.sicris.si/public/jqm/prj.aspx?lang=eng&opt=2&subopt=402&hits=1&id=7184&search_term=V4-1120
Citations for bibliographic records
http://www.sicris.si/public/jqm/prj.aspx?lang=eng&opt=2&subopt=400&hits=1&id=7184&search_term=V4-1120
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