Effect of Method of Catching and Time of Season on the Composition of Atlantic Cod ( <i>Gadus Morhua</i> )

Abstract

ABSTRACT A controlled study to assess the effect of method of catching (gillnet, handline, longline and trap) and time of season upon ash, caloric, carbohydrate, fat, moisture and protein contents of Atlantic cod was conducted. Live cod were bled, gutted, washed and iced at sea; immediately they were brought onboard commercial fishing vessels. The method of catching significantly (P ≤ 0.001) affected only caloric, moisture and protein contents whereas time of season significantly (P ≤ 0.01) affected only carbohydrate and protein contents. Ash and fat contents were significantly affected by an interaction of method of catching and time of season. Thus, both time of season and method of catching were important factors affecting the composition of Atlantic cod.