Discussions on constraints ensued as follows:
Fresh fish handling
Dr Prasert stated that the training of fishermen in fish handling is vital because the quality of fish supplied to processors depends on them. Processors need consistent quality raw material.
Dr Amano observed that, with the price of ice in Southeast Asia relatively cheaper than in Japan (US$8.60/100 kg), more ice should be used by the fishermen to preserve their catch.
Country Price/100 kg of ice
(US$)
Indonesia 2.00 - 4.00
Malaysia 2.40
Singapore 4.00
Philippines 3.00 - 4.00
Thailand 2.00
He inquired about the use of refrigerated sea water (RSW) which was introduced in Canada for the preservation of fish.
Mr Haniff replied that in Canada RSW is used to preserve pelagic fish. For other species, ice is used. Pelagic species do not absorb much water and the quality remains good during the two-day storage.
On the subject of preservation of fish on board, Mr Inoue explained that small fishing boats in Thailand carry enough ice on board and the freshness of the caught fish is good enough for “sashim i”. Large trawlers with refrigeration facilities on board also have no difficulty preserving the catch. The problems are with medium-sized trawler which carry only enough ice to preserve their catch for 10 days.
SEAFDEC Training Department has tried to introduce RSW in medium-sized fishing vessel. Because of limited engine room space the refrigeration machines were placed in the bulbous bow to provide RSW. A one-year experiment showed savings of 10% in fuel costs, and better vessel stability; however it was difficult to service the machine in the bulbous bow.
Nevertheless it is still necessary to introduce small and efficient refrigeration units that can fit into medium-sized vessels which are popular in the region.
Dr Matsumoto inquired whether fishermen in Southeast Asia are paid well for good quality fish.
Ms Camu replied that in Philippines, as a general rule better quality fish fetched higher prices.
Mr Megat said that in 1984, Malaysia conducted an experiment on the relationship of price to the quantity of ice used on board boats. They found that in the local/domestic market fishermen got the same price for different quantity of ice used whereas for the export market i.e. Singapore, they were paid 20-30 cents more per kg of fish for better quality when they used extra ice worth between M$10 — M$15 per boat trip.
54 D evelopm ent o f Fish Products
Dr Prasert said that in Thailand the question of a premium price for better quality is usually resolved by compromise between fishermen and buyers. Some species can fetch a higher price but that varies with season.
Traditional Products
The delegate from Thailand highlighted the problem that although raw materials are avail
able all year round quality and species vary. Another problem is the lack of sanitation in pro
cessing and inconsistent product quality. This shows a need to improve sanitation and pro
cessing techniques.
It was suggested that studies be conducted to overcome problems of varied quality of fish supply at different times of the year and to develop standard methods for processing of products.
In the Philippines the main problem is the lack of in-plant sanitation.
The Malaysian delegate said that a major constraint is inconsistent supply of good quality raw materials. Processors are usually fishermen or members of fishermens’ families who cannot afford to adopt new technology. However, training courses are being provided to these processors to create awareness of better processing methods and equipment available.
MFRD was requested to provide assistance whenever possible.
Commenting on discussions about the standardisation of processing procedures, Dr Amano suggested that the processors themselves should initiate the task by forming coopera
tives or associations. In agreeing with Dr Amano, Mr H aniff mentioned that in Canada the private sector had worked with the government to formulate standardised procedures. Dr Prasert commented that the processors themselves may not be able to standardise the process
ing methods, especially when the products involved are traditional rather then conventional.
Hence, there is a need for government guidance.
Dr Matsumoto suggested that consumers should be educated via radio and other mass media on product quality and acceptability so that processors could cater to their require
ments.
Fish Products For Export
The delegate from Philippines said that the main constraints have been slow transfer of technology and inability of processors to adopt new technology. Other problems are poor facilities and lack of quality consciousness among processors.
The Indonesian delegate was of the view that the problem of hygiene and sanitation should be tackled by the national government. However he suggested that MFRD undertake studies on development of equipment to ensure more efficient processing — e.g., reducing freezing time. MFRD replied that it reviews and recommends suitable equipment and tech
nology available in the market for use in the region. However, machine manufacturers can be approached to cater to specific requirements.
Training
The Chairman suggested that member countries should organise appropriate training courses for the private sector with the assistance of MFRD.
With regard to training, Mr Hooi said that in SEAFDEC, results of R & D will be dissemi
nated to member countries. Durations of training courses have been reduced to enable greater
Country Report: Discussion 55
participation from member countries. The total annual number of participants have also increased over the years. He also said that in MFRD, training courses are being continually revised, and emphasis has been given to developing training modules. For example, starting in 1988 the training course on biochemistry methods for fish quality assessment will be run on request by member countries. Training manuals are being produced to supplement the training courses. This will enable member countries to conduct their own training courses and thus increase the number of trained personnel.