Ireland's biggest fish resource is difficult to process

摘要

IRELAND IS THE leading EU quota holder of boarfish (Capros aper) at 56,666 tonnes. A small pelagic species which shoals in mid water off the west coast of the country, boarfish is currently being prosecuted as an industrial fishery but is undergoing trials to assess its suitability for direct human consumption. However, the extremely small size of the fish makes it very difficult to process using conventional equipment. "It is small (12-14cm total length and weighing 40-50g) and spiny, and thereforetraditional machines cannot be used," says Michael Gallagher, regional business development officer of Bord lascaigh Mhara (ESIM), the Irish Sea Fisheries Board.