151. QUALITY AND RISK MANAGEMENT IN AQUACULTURE: A CASE STUDY OF TROUT PRODUCTION IN THE “SLUPIA VALLEY” LANDSCAPE PARK.
- Author
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KUKUŁOWICZ, Anita, STEINKA, Izabela, and MACHETA, Maciej
- Subjects
SUSTAINABILITY ,SUSTAINABLE aquaculture ,BROOK trout ,SUSTAINABLE development ,RAINBOW trout ,AQUACULTURE industry - Abstract
Purpose: The purpose of this paper is to assess the microbiological quality of rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) and brook trout (Salvelinus fontinalis) from aquaculture farms located within the "Dolina Słupi" (Slupia Valley) Landscape Park, with a focus on regional sustainability practices. The research aims to evaluate water hygiene, the microbiological quality of feed, the prevalence of antibiotic-resistant bacteria, and their impact on the final quality of the farmed trout. This study seeks to contribute to the broader discourse on sustainable aquaculture by highlighting the importance of quality and risk management practices in maintaining food safety and environmental stewardship. Design/methodology/approach: The research employed a comprehensive microbiological analysis of samples collected from trout farms, including external and internal parts of trout, viscera, water, and feed. The study focused on identifying the presence of specific pathogens, such as Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, Salmonella spp., methicillin-resistant S. aureus, and vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus spp. The approach combined field sampling with laboratory testing to assess the hygienic conditions of the aquaculture environment and the quality of the final fish products. The research focuses on evaluating the microbiological quality of trout from aquaculture farms, with particular attention to local practices and their alignment with sustainability goals. Findings: The study revealed that the trout from the examined farms generally met good microbiological quality standards. Specifically, no methicillin-resistant S. aureus or vancomycin-resistant E. faecium and E. faecalis were detected, indicating effective risk management. However, Salmonella spp. were present in 30.5% of water samples, yet their presence did not significantly affect the contamination levels in fish samples. The highest S. aureus count was found on the skin of rainbow trout (1.5±101 cfu/g), while E. coli was detected on brook trout skin and viscera (11%). Enterococcus spp. were found in 17% of feed samples, but at low concentrations (<10 cfu/g). These results suggest that while overall microbiological quality is satisfactory, ongoing monitoring and adherence to good management practices are crucial for maintaining safety and quality in aquaculture. Research limitations/implications: One limitation of the research is the geographical focus on aquaculture farms within the "Dolina Słupi" Landscape Park, which may limit the generalizability of the findings to other regions or types of aquaculture systems. Future research could expand the scope to include a broader range of aquaculture environments and examine the long-term impact of sustainability practices on fish quality. Practical implications: The research underscores the critical role of continuous monitoring and rigorous quality management practices in aquaculture. The findings indicate that by implementing effective hygiene protocols and risk management strategies, aquaculture farms can achieve high safety standards for their fish products. These practices not only ensure product quality and consumer safety but also support the sustainability and economic viability of the aquaculture industry. Social implications: The study demonstrates that sustainable aquaculture enhances food security and environmental conservation. By promoting effective practices, it builds public trust in farmed fish, potentially influencing consumer behavior and supporting more sustainable industry practices. Originality/value: This paper contributes to the existing body of knowledge on sustainable aquaculture by providing empirical evidence on the microbiological quality of trout from farms in a specific regional context. It offers practical insights for industry professionals and consumers on optimizing quality and risk management to ensure safe and sustainable fish production. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Published
- 2024
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