Utilization of Biological Responses of Fish and Shellfish for Improving Seafood Qualities

Abstract

Quality control of seafood has been one major purpose of scientific researches on fish and shellfish. In this monograph, we deal with the utilization of biological responses in the preharvest and postharvest stages of aquatic animals, (1) responses of fish muscle energy metabolisms to environmental temperature changes in postmortem stages, (2) responses of fish and shellfish chromatophore to extrinsic stimuli, and (3) responses of fish to the oral administration of phytosterol related compounds. These approaches will not only confer the improvement of seafood qualities but the addition of extra value to seafood for human consumption. Because animals respond biologically to many factors, comprehensive understanding of biological responses of aquatic animals to environmental factors will lead to the further improvement of seafood qualities.