TABLE OF CONTENT

Title page    –         –         –         –         –         –         –         –         –         i

Declaration  –         –         –         –         –         –         –         –         –         ii

Certification          –         –         –         –         –         –         –         –         iii

Dedication   –         –         –         –         –         –         –         –         –         iv

Acknowledge        –         –         –         –         –         –         –         –         v

Table of Content    –         –         –         –         –         –         –         –         vii

CHAPTER ONE

1.0 Introduction – –         –         –         –         –         –         –         1

CHAPTER TWO

2.1     Botanical classification of Scumbia scumbrus         –         –         4

2.2     Description of Scumbia scumbrus       –         –         –         –         4

2.3     Distribution and Habitat of Scumbia scumbrus        –         –         5

2.4     Biology an Ecology of Scumbia scumbrus    –         –         –         6

2.4.1  Feeding        –         –         –         –         –         –         –         –         7

2.4.2  Life History –         –         –         –         –         –         –         –         7

2.5     Seafood Health Hazard    –         –         –         –         –         –         9

2.5.1  Microbiological Hazard   –         –         –         –         –         –         9

2.5.2  Fish Toxins  –         –         –         –         –         –         –         –         13

2.5.3  Methyl Mercury and other contaminants       –         –         –         14

2.6     Species of Scumbia scumbrus    –         –         –         –         –         15

CHAPTER THREE

3.0     Nutritional Benefit of Scumbia scumbrus

3.1     Omega -3 fatty acid         –         –         –         –         –         –         16

3.2     Protein         –         –         –         –         –         –         –         –         16

3.3     Vitamins      –         –         –         –         –         –         –         –         17

3.4     Minerals       –         –         –         –         –         –         –         –         18

CHAPTER FOUR        

4.0     Summary and Conclusion

4.1     Summary     –         –         –         –         –         –         –         –         20

4.2     Conclusion  –         –         –         –         –         –         –         –         21

References

CHAPTER ONE

1.0 INTRODUCTION

Scumbia scumbrus Fish products have high nutritional valve with respect to beneficial amount of proteins, lipids as well as essential micronutrients. Aquatic animal foods are a rich source of protein and have a low caloric density and a higher content of Omega 3 long chain polysaturated fatty acids (n-3/c PUFAS) than land-dwelling animals (Tacon and Matian, 2013).  According to Lund (2013) the main effects of fish consumption have been attributed to the high content of n-3 LcPUFA. But research is proving more and more that offer nutrients in Scumbia scumbrus fish also have positive effect on human health. In addition to being a major source of n-3 LcPUFA, Scumbia scumbrus and other seafood also have a well-balanced amino acid composition, including taurine and choline, vitamin D₃ and B₁₂ and high level of the minerals, calcium, phosphorous, contains iodine and selenium ratio (Lund, 2013). 

In addition, if other source of these nutrients is scare, Scumbia scumbrus and seafood can also provide population with significant proportions of Vitamin A, Iron and Zinc (Tacon and Matian, 2013).

Scumbia scumbrus are Atlantic mackerel (Scomber scombrus), also known as Boston mackerel, Norwegian mackerel, Scotfish mackerel or just mackerel is a species of mackerel found in the temperate waters of the Mediterranean sea, the black sea and the northern Atlantic Ocean, Where it is extremely common and occurs in huge shoals in the Epipelagic Zone down to about 200m (660ft). It spends the warmer months close to shore and near the ocean surface, appearing along the coast in spring and departing with the arrival of colder weather in the fall and winter months. During the fall and winter, it migrates out into deeper and more southern water, seeking warmer temperatures.

Scumbia scumbrus body is elongated, steel-blue marked with wavy black lines dorsally and silvery-white ventrally, its snout long and pointed. It possess two spiny dorsal fins which are spaced far apart, two pectoral fins and small 5 anal fin lets are typical are typical among members of this species. The fish’s body tapers down its length, ending with a large tail fin. Typical size for a mature fish is 30cm (0.98 ft.), but individuals have been caught as large as 60cm (2.0 ft.). The maximum published weight is 3.4 kg (7.51b). Reproduction which is Oviparous occurs near the shore in the spring and 450,000 eggs. Juveniles reach sexual maturity at round 2years of age and can live to be 17years.

A highly commercial species, the Scumbia scumbrus is sought after for its meat, which is strong in flavor and high in oil content and omega-3 fatty acid among nutrients. Nearly 1 million tons of Atlantic mackerel are caught each year globally, the bulk of which is sold fresh, frozen, smoked or canned. Despite its highly commercial status, the Atlantic mackerel is listed as least concern by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) and global catch has remained sustainable.