Short communication: Seasonal changes in biochemical composition and meat yield of shabut (Barbus grypus, Heckel 1843)

According to the records of FAO (Food and Agriculture Organization), Shabut, also known as Barbus grypus, is one of the most significant fish species listed in the fresh waters of Iraq and in the rivers along South and Southwest Iran, the Karoon river, and also in the Euphrates River and Tigris Rivers in Turkey. This fish with dark anal and tail fins and other light colored fins is one of the leading fish species from the Atatürk Dam Lake with great importance in economy. ... Through a retrospective study of the literature, it was recognized that the analysis carried out so far on Barbus grypus was insufficient and the data on its nutritional value was inadequate. However, it is extremely important to determine and keep a record of the nutritional quality of such type of nutrients for healthy consumption. In this study, Shabut (Barbus grypus) was examined for amino acid sufficiency and balance, additionally the seasonal changes in nutritional values of mineral substances and fatty acids which are known to have extremely important effects on human health were identified with this research. The samples of Shabut (Barbus grypus) used in the research were classified according to their length and then the amounts that were edible and inedible were identified with a 0.1g precision scale to obtain meat yield. The ratio of the remaining weight of meat to the total body weight after removing the head, fins, scales and all internal organs was measured as the net edible meat yield and reported in percentage (%)

Major Mineral (P, K, Ca ) Contents and Proximate Compositions of the Male and Female Blue Swimming Crab (Portunus segnis Forskal, 1775) from Northeastern Mediterranean Sea, Mersin Bay, Turkey

The aim of this study was to demonstrate the nutritive value of blue swimming crab (Portunus segnis Forskal, 1775). Selected major mineral (P, K, Ca) contents, proximate compositions and fatty acids contents in female and male specimens of blue swimming were investigated. Crab samples used in this research were obtained from Northeastern Mediterranean Sea, Mersin Bay, Turkey. There were no significant differences in the nutritive value between the sexes (p>0.05).  The protein was identified as 20.16% and 19.03% for female and male crab respevtively.  This species was found to be rich in minerals and low in fat (0.66% for male, 0.91% for female) when compared with other economical crab species from Mediterranean Sea/Turkey. In fatty acid composition, the saturated fatty acid fraction was dominant, followed by monounsaturated fatty acid and polyunsaturated fatty acid for both sexes. In conclusion, from a nutritional point of view, both male and female blue swimming crab are demonstrated acceptable quality. Keywords: Minerals, Proximate analysis, Blue swimming crab; Portunus segnis; Mediterranean se

Review on Omega-3 (n-3) Fatty Acids in Fish and Seafood

Aquatic organisms (fish, algaes and other sea organisms) are the main natural sources of essential fatty acids in the human diet in particular. The fish oil is considered to have the highest amounts of n-3 PUFAs (Poly-Unsaturated Fatty Acids), which play important roles in the human body, such as in the synthesis of specific active compounds, in the brain and eye development of infants, as well as in the prevention of coronary heart disease. However, public opinion is commonly that different species of fish are of similar nutritional value, and fish selections are made only based on availability freshness, flavor, and other physical factors. Therefore, when fish is suggested for consumption, the PUFA composition must be considered. Extensive research has been done on fatty acids composition of some fish species. However,  significant variations have been noted in the PUFA composition of various fish species. Keywords: essential fatty acids, PUFAs, n-3, fish, seafoo

Comparison of the Color Properties of Farmed and Wild Gilthead Sea Bream Fillets (Sparus aurata) Stored in Ice for 14 Days

Changes in color properties of farmed and wild gilthead sea bream (Sparus aurata) fillets during iced storage were investigated. Values of L*, a*, b*, Chroma (C*ab), Hue (Hab)  Redness index (a*/b*) were observed during 14 days. At the end of the storage period increases were observed in the L* values for both groups due to protein denaturation of fillets in iced storage. Redness index (a*/b*) and hue values were better criteria than C*ab value for observing the color changes of fillets. Keywords: Color, Gilthead sea bream, Sparus aurata, Fillets, Iced storag

Coralline Algae in a Changing Mediterranean Sea: How Can We Predict Their Future, if We Do Not Know Their Present?

In this review we assess the state of knowledge for the coralline algae of the Mediterranean Sea, a group of calcareous seaweeds imperfectly known and considered highly vulnerable to long-term climate change. Corallines have occurred in the Mediterranean area for ∼140 My and are well-represented in the subsequent fossil record; for some species currently common the fossil documentation dates back to the Oligocene, with a major role in the sedimentary record of some areas. Some Mediterranean corallines are key ecosystem engineers that produce or consolidate biogenic habitats (e.g., coralligenous concretions, Lithophyllum byssoides rims, rims of articulated corallines, maerl/rhodolith beds). Although bioconstructions built by corallines exist virtually in every sea, in the Mediterranean they reach a particularly high spatial and bathymetric extent (coralligenous concretions alone are estimated to exceed 2,700 km2 in surface). Overall, composition, dynamics and responses to human disturbances of coralline-dominated communities have been well-studied; except for a few species, however, the biology of Mediterranean corallines is poorly known. In terms of diversity, 60 species of corallines are currently reported from the Mediterranean. This number, however, is based on morphological assessments and recent studies incorporating molecular data suggest that the correct estimate is probably much higher. The responses of Mediterranean corallines to climate change have been the subject of several recent studies that documented their tolerance/sensitivity to elevated temperatures and pCO2. These investigations have focused on a few species and should be extended to a wider taxonomic set

Short communication: Seasonal changes in biochemical composition and meat yield of shabut (Barbus grypus, Heckel 1843)

According to the records of FAO (Food and Agriculture Organization), Shabut, also known as Barbus grypus, is one of the most significant fish species listed in the fresh waters of Iraq and in the rivers along South and Southwest Iran, the Karoon river, and also in the Euphrates River and Tigris Rivers in Turkey. This fish with dark anal and tail fins and other light colored fins is one of the leading fish species from the Atatürk Dam Lake with great importance in economy. ... Through a retrospective study of the literature, it was recognized that the analysis carried out so far on Barbus grypus was insufficient and the data on its nutritional value was inadequate. However, it is extremely important to determine and keep a record of the nutritional quality of such type of nutrients for healthy consumption. In this study, Shabut (Barbus grypus) was examined for amino acid sufficiency and balance, additionally the seasonal changes in nutritional values of mineral substances and fatty acids which are known to have extremely important effects on human health were identified with this research. The samples of Shabut (Barbus grypus) used in the research were classified according to their length and then the amounts that were edible and inedible were identified with a 0.1g precision scale to obtain meat yield. The ratio of the remaining weight of meat to the total body weight after removing the head, fins, scales and all internal organs was measured as the net edible meat yield and reported in percentage (%)

Seasonal Variability and Sex-Specific Accumulation of Trace Metals in Black Scorpionfish (Scorpaena porcus Linnaeus, 1758) from Izmir Bay (Aegean Sea), Türkiye: Implications for Human Health Risk Assessment

This study investigates seasonal and gender-related variations in some metal (Cd, Cr, Cu, Fe, Hg, Mn, Ni, Pb, Se, and Zn) accumulation in black scorpionfish (Scorpaena porcus) from Izmir Bay (Aegean Sea, Türkiye) and assesses the associated human health risks. Samples, collected across four seasons from 2023 to 2024, were analyzed for element concentrations using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). Health risks were calculated using several models, including estimated weekly intake (EWI), target hazard quotient (THQ), total THQ (∑THQ), carcinogenic risk (CR), Se health benefit value (HBVSe), and the Metal Pollution Index (MPI). The results indicate that the consumption of black scorpionfish poses potential health risks, primarily due to the accumulation of manganese (Mn), lead (Pb), and mercury (Hg), which exceeded international permissible legal limits. Gender-based differences were observed, with males showing higher accumulation (p > 0.05); however, these differences were not statistically significant. In contrast, significant sex-based differences were identified specifically for cadmium (Cd), with concentrations exhibiting a statistically meaningful difference (p < 0.05). Seasonal variations were also apparent (p < 0.05). The carcinogenic risk (CR) analyses revealed that chromium (Cr) and nickel (Ni) levels surpassed carcinogenic risk thresholds. Furthermore, the MPI values provided additional insights into the overall metal pollution levels in the fish. These findings underscore the critical importance of monitoring metal pollution, revising fishery management strategies, and managing fish consumption to safeguard public health