N I F E S e x a m i n e s t h e s e a f o o d y o u e a t

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1 2010 RESEARCH NEWS N I F E S e x a m i n e s t h e s e a f o o d y o u e a t

2 Research News from NIFES Dear reader, Norway is one of the world's largest seafood nations, and the fisheries and aquaculture industry is responsible for a considerable food production, both in a national and international context. In this respect Norway has an important responsibility to document that the seafood in different markets, both in Norway and abroad, is safe and healthy. At the same time, it gives a unique opportunity to acquire the knowledge necessary to secure the future framework for one of Norway s most important industries. In this innovative development, NIFES research will be essential. The Health Directorate's report from 2009 which deals with the trends in the Norwegian diet says that we eat less fish than we should. If we alter the diet to include more fish and less of the foods that contain saturated fat, this will together with exercise help us to prevent lifestyle diseases such as obesity, heart attacks and diabetes 2. Until now, the health effects of eating fish have mainly been associated with marine omega-3 fatty acids, however, there are many other beneficial components in seafood. For example, it seems that fish proteins may have an ability to limit the development of obesity. This is an example of the kind of research we are carrying out here at NIFES. In addition to examine how seafood affects the health of the consumer we examine the effects of environmental pollutants on seafood safety and the composition of future feeds for farmed fish. The Institute conducts several surveillance programmes in order to examine the contents of various undesirable substances in fish feed and seafood, such as environmental pollutants. Results from surveillance programmes in 2009 showed that levels of environmental pollutants in seafood are generally low. Research results suggest that certain nutrients in seafood such as selenium and omega-3 fatty acids may counteract the effects of certain pollutants. These effects are very interesting and will be investigated further. Research at the Institute has also shown that cod larvae feed should have a different nutritional composition than the feed used today for an optimal development of cod fry in aquaculture. In this booklet you will find a summary of the NIFES`s activity in 2009, and we hope that you will find the information both interesting and useful! Enjoy. Øyvind Lie 2

3 Contents Sustainable development of fish farming 7 Alternative feed raw materials 7 - Genetically modified plants, fish health and consumer health 7 - What is the effect of plant raw materials in feed for full-scale production? 8 - Do plant oils increase the risk of bone deformities? 9 - Plant raw materials do not increase the incidence of cataracts among salmon 10 Fish farming of other species 12 - The correct composition of nutrients for farmed cod 12 Climate and fish nutrition 15 - What are the consequences of climate changes for feeding of farmed salmon? 15 Fish nutrition and the development of disease 16 - Too little phosphorus in the feed and light manipulation affects bone formation 16 - The heart disease cardiomyopathic syndrome (CMS) in salmon 16 - Fish in research studies well being and environment 17 Regulations for safe feeds and seafood 19 - Upper limits for endosulfan in fish feed 19 - Purified fish oil in the feed has no negative effect on fish health 20 - Exposure to toxaphene through the feed 21 - Synthetic antioxidants in feed their significance for food safety 22 Undesirable substances in Norwegian seafood status 25 - Baseline of undesirable substances in major fish species 25 - Continuing the Barents Sea management plan 30 - Management plans for the Norwegian Sea and the North Sea 30 - Long-term surveillance 31 - Unique monitoring of parasites in pelagic fish 31 Environmental status of seafood in Bergen s City Fjord 32 - Generally low levels of environmental pollutants in various species of cod fish and blue mussel 32 3

4 Research News from NIFES Surveillance in proximity to shipwrecks 36 - Monitoring by the submarine wreck U864 off Fedje 36 - Analysis of seafood taken around MS Welheim 39 - Evaluation of food safety after oil spills 39 Surveillance for the Norwegian Food Safety Authority 41 - Status report on the levels of undesirable substances and drug residues in farmed fish 41 - Marine oils for human consumption 42 - Low level of undesirable substances in mackerel from Grenland Fjord area 43 - Low level of undesirable substances in Svolvær paste 43 - High dioxin level in eel from the Grenland Fjord area 43 - Low level of undesirable substances and varying microbiological quality in sushi 44 Monitoring of shellfish 46 - Mainly good microbiological quality of shellfish 46 - Low level of undesirable substances in shellfish 48 - Grading oyster quality 48 Environment and effect on seafood safety 50 - How are cod in a seawater inlet in Bergen affected by environmental pollutants? 50 - Does oil recovery affect the reproductive pattern of the cod? 52 - Combination effects of environmental pollutants in salmon 52 Interactions between environmental pollutants and nutrients 55 - Is mercury toxicity affected by nutrients in the fish? 55 - Zebra fish 55 - Interactions between nutrients in salmon and PCB 57 - Salmon silage is a possible source of bioactive components 57 - Do plant oils in feed affect intake of mercury by salmon? 58 - The marine omega-3 fatty acid EPA protects cells against mercury 58 4

5 Innhold Can seafood provide protection against lifestyle diseases? 61 Obesity and diabetes 62 - Fat combined with sugar or starch plays a role in the development of obesity 62 - Do mice get fatter from a yo-yo diet? 63 - Proteins from marine sources and insulin resistance 64 Mental health 64 - Can seafood help for postnatal depression? 64 Cardiovascular diseases 65 - Eating salmon reduces the risk of cardiovascular disease 65 Back and joint pains 66 - Do marine oils help against back pains? 66 - Whale and seal oil alleviate joint pains 67 - Oxidised omega-3 products do they affect our health? 68 Bone health 68 - Vitamin D in fish fillet what is its significance for bone health? 68 Aquamax 70 NORAD cooperation project 73 Method development undesirable substances and nutrients 75 - NIFES: A national reference laboratory 75 - Renewed accreditation status for NIFES 75 - Method activity 76 Aquaculture Nutrition 78 Fiskesprell 78 Teaching and education 79 Teaching for the University of Bergen 79 5

6 Research News from NIFES 6

7 Sustainable development of fish farming Forecasts show that in 2030 the global production of seafood from the aquaculture industry will be comparable to the production from the traditional fishing industry. The limited supply of marine feed raw materials will therefore be a considerable challenge. At present, commercial fish feed may contain up to 50% vegetable oils and 50% vegetable proteins, as an alternative to marine raw materials. Alternative feed raw materials A prerequisite for major changes in feed composition, such as a high proportion of plant raw materials, is an understanding of the right balance of nutrients that need to be in the new feed include plant oils, plant meal, genemodified plant raw materials and krill meal. A prerequisite for major changes in feed composition, such as a high proportion of plant raw materials, is an understanding of the right balance of nutrients that need to be in the new feed, in order to maintain fish health and wellbeing and facilitate sustainable development of the fish farming industry. Alternative feed raw materials Genetically modified plants, fish health and consumer health Soy and maize are used as alternative plantbased raw materials in fish feed. Since a large proportion of these and other plant raw materials are genetically modified (GM), it is important to establish whether the GMmodifications in feed affect the fish. NIFES has previously carried out a number of feeding trials to examine the effects of GM raw materials on salmon health. Fish health status has been established by using a set of common indicators that can reveal alterations of fish health. NIFES has so far seen only very small differences in the health of salmon that have been given GM soy of the Round up Ready (RRS) type and those that have been fed unmodified soy. As a feed ingredient, RRS appears to be just as safe as unmodified soy. 7

8 Research News from NIFES GM maize and fish health Since the genetic changes are unique for each GM plant type, the effects of each type must be considered individually. NIFES has therefore carried out a study to determine whether salmon health is affected when the feed contains GM maize of the MON810 type. The results will be available in Is consumer health affected by salmon fed a feed containing GM maize? Following up research carried out to determine whether salmon health is affected by GM maize in the feed, NIFES is carrying out trials to determine whether eating such salmon affects the health of the consumer. Rats are used as a model in these studies. In collaboration with: Norwegian School of Veterinary Science, National Veterinary Institute and Aquaculture Protein Centre. Funding: Research Council of Norway and Ministry of Fisheries and Coastal Affairs. What is the effect of plant raw materials in feed for full-scale production? The results from small-scale feeding trials cannot without further ado be transferred to large-scale salmon production, partly because the production and environmental conditions in a large production unit can vary greatly. Alternative feed raw materials for salmon have been a key topic at the Centre for Aquaculture Competence (CAC) from 2007 to CAC is a commercially run R&D centre which carries out fish farming research based on full-scale production. NIFES has provided knowledge accumulated from previous feed trials, and participated in the planning and design of a full-scale study of plant-based raw materials. The purpose was to determine whether the effects on growth, fish health and product quality found in full-scale feed trials were the same as those found in smallscale trials. A further aim was to document food safety in full-scale production. Fish oil in feed may contain persistent organic pollutants (POPs). Preliminary results from the full-scale study show that when 64% of the oil in the feed What is a gene-modified plant product? A genetically modified plant product has had its genetic properties changed by using gene technology. Gene technology makes it possible to reorganize genetic material (DNA) in new ways and to transfer DNA between organisms. Through gene modification, an organism can be given additional genes, genes can be changed, or individual genes can be removed in part or completely. For example, the soy plant GTS (Roundup Ready soy (RRS)) contains additional genes which together make the plant resistant to a special type of pesticide. In the same way, maize variants of the Bt type, such as Mon810, have been made resistant to certain types of insects through the addition of a gene from the bacterium Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt). 8

9 was replaced by plant oil the level of POPs in the salmon was below the level found in salmon that were given a feed where the protein and the oil content is marine-based. Heavy metals may accumulate in fish and other seafood, and here fish meal in the feed is a potential source. It was shown that there were small differences in the levels of heavy metals in both the feed and the salmon when 74.5% - 80% of the marine protein source was replaced by plant proteins. The growth rate was however somewhat lower in the highest plant protein group. It What are POPs? Persistent organic pollutants (POPs) are undesirable substances which accumulate in the food chain in the marine environment. They are lipid-soluble substances which therefore re-appear in fish oil, which in turn is also used in the production of fish feed. was no feed related effect on fish health and welfare, except for moderate intestinal pathological changes observed in all groups. The data from this trial confirm that knowledge acquired from small-scale feed trials on food safety, product quality and fish health are transferable to large-scale, using these feed ingredients. In collaboration with: Marine Harvest, Skretting and Akva Group, National Veterinary Institute and Institute of Marine Research. Funding: Marine Harvest, Skretting, Akva Group og Ministry of Fisheries and Coastal Affairs Do plant oils increase the risk of bone deformities? Farmed salmon can develop bone deformities in the spine. This is a recurring problem in the fish farming industry which gives grounds for concern with respect to the wellbeing of fish. The causes of bone deformities are complex, but access to necessary nutrients appears to be an important factor. In the last few years a steadily increasing proportion of plant oil and plant meal has been used in fish feed. NIFES has carried out feeding trials in order to determine whether using plant oil in feed makes the salmon more predisposed to inflammatory conditions in the bone, and whether this in turn leads to bone deformities. The results showed that that plant oils in the feed do not increase the risk of salmon developing inflammationrelated bone deformities. In collaboration with: Institute of Marine Research. Funding: Research Council of Norway. 9

10 Research News from NIFES Plant raw materials do not increase the incidence of cataracts among salmon Farmed salmon are predisposed to the development of cataracts of the eye, which can lead to blindness, reduced feed intake and other consequential conditions. Previous research at NIFES has shown a link between using plant oil in the feed and the development of cataracts among salmon farmed in net pens. Fish oil versus plant oil Osmotic stress is one of several causes of cataracts. In 2009 NIFES studied the development of cataracts in a culture of eye lenses. The lenses were taken from salmon fed on a feed where the oil content consisted solely of either plant oils or fish oils. The salmon in both groups were equally susceptible to the development of cataracts due to osmotic stress. This was despite the fact that some markers indicated an increased risk of cataracts when the salmon had been 10

11 given feed containing plant oils and where the environmental conditions were unfavourable. The fat source of the feed affects the composition of fatty acids in the cell membranes in the organs of the fish. This in turn may be of significance for the development of cataracts. When the salmon had consumed feed containing plant oils, the changes in the composition of fatty acids in the eye cell membrane were small, compared with the eyes from salmon whose feed had contained fish oil. These results show that salmon fed a diet containing plant raw materials are not more susceptible to cataracts than salmon given a feed containing marine raw materials Is histidine an antioxidant? Previous trials have shown that when the amino acid histidine is added to the feed it can prevent the development of cataracts in salmon. An experiment where the salmon eye lens was studied in culture showed that histidine may play a role as an antioxidant. Histidine can therefore protect the lens against osmotic stress. What are antioxidants? Antioxidants are used as preservatives in feeds, food and cosmetics. There are many different types of antioxidants both natural and synthetic, the best known natural antioxidant is probably vitamin C. Antioxidants are present in all living organisms and they protect cells from oxidative damage. Synthetic antioxidants are classified as additives and have traditionally been divided into two groups, one which maintains colour, and one which protects against rancidity. These results show that salmon fed a diet containing plant raw materials are not more susceptible to cataracts than salmon given a feed containing marine raw materials. In collaboration with: Marine Harvest, Institute of Marine Research et al. Funding: Research Council of Norway and Ministry of Fisheries and Coastal Affairs. Osmotic stress Osmosis is the movement of water and other fluids through a semi-permeable membrane. If the membrane does not release particles through, for example salt, the water will flow towards the highest salt concentration to balance out the concentrations. If the membrane is a cell membrane, this can cause osmotic stress in the cell, because too much water will flow out of or into the cell. 11

12 Research News from NIFES Fish farming of other species A correct nutritional composition of feed is crucial for a normal development of farmed fish, fish health and seafood safety. NIFES carries out research to determine the fish s requirements for the various nutrients and what effects these and other substances have on fish health, wellbeing and development. NIFES has been particularly focused on alternative feed raw materials including genetically modified plants. The Institute s activities also include the role of correct nutrition in ensuring the predictable and sustainable production of healthy larvae prevents deformities, and the debilitation of brood stock. In this connection, it is especially important to understand how the different nutrients in the feed affect each other, and what consequences this has for fish health. The correct composition of nutrients for farmed cod The correct composition of nutrients is important if cod larvae are to grow and develop normally, without developing conditions such as bone deformities. NIFES carries out research to determine how NIFES carries out research to determine the fish s requirements for the various nutrients and what effects these and other substances have on fish health, wellbeing and development variations in the composition of nutrients in the feed for young fish affect growth and development. Minerals Unlike salmon larvae, the gastro-intestinal tract of cod larvae is not sufficiently developed to allow digestion of dry feed. In nature, cod larvae eat copepods, which are difficult to cultivate in a laboratory. In intensive fish farming the larvae therefore depend on receiving a supply of rotifers, which are another type of live feed. Rotifers contain lower levels of minerals than copepods. NIFES has carried out a number of feeding trials where cod larvae have been given rotifers enriched with one or more minerals. The results indicate that the level of selenium should be increased in live feed for cod larvae. It may also be beneficial to increase the level of iodine. With respect to the other minerals, we need more knowledge in order to make any recommendations. 12

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14 Research News from NIFES Fat and fat digestion It is known that marine fish larvae do not digest proteins and fats very well. This may affect both fish health and growth. NIFES has therefore carried out research to determine how much fat cod is able to digest. The results show that cod larvae are able to utilise fat well 40 days after hatching. NIFES has also examined whether partly digested fat can be better utilised by the larvae. When partly digested fat was given to the larvae before they were weaned onto dry feed, it turned out to be toxic for cod larvae. This kind of fat should therefore not be added to larvae feed. This is especially important if fat that has been exposed to hydrolysis treatment is to be used in dry feed. NIFES now plans to compose an optimally enriched diet for cod larvae based on the accumulated knowledge of the cod larva s mineral, fat and protein requirement. The diet will be tested in a full-scale feed trial. The Institute will also be carrying out research to determine how important the iodine level in the feed is for the growth and development of cod larvae. Bone development NIFES is currently working to establish methodology that can be used to identify the mechanisms involved in the cod s bone development, affected by various nutrients. These tools will then be used to determine how access to different nutrients in the feed, such as fatty acids and vitamin A, inhibit or promote bone formation at cellular level. To date, NIFES has characterised some of the genes that are necessary for bone formation and development. In order to determine the role played by these genes in bone development, and how they are affected by nutrients in the feed, NIFES is going to set up a bone cell line in the laboratory (a cell line consists of cells that are cultured over several generations). In collaboration with: University of Bergen, Institute of Marine Research, Alltech and Sagafjord Seafarm AS, Radboud University in Nijmegen, University of the Algarve and Genofisk. Funding: Research Council of Norway s Outstanding Young Researcher scheme for gene researchers, EU s 7th Framework Programme, Research Council of Norway and Ministry of Fisheries and Coastal Affairs. 14

15 Climate and fish nutrition What are the consequences of climate changes for feeding of farmed salmon? Climate changes can lead to changes in the temperature and ph value of the sea. Forecasts show that the sea temperature is rising along the Norwegian coast. This could have consequences for salmon which thrive when the temperature is below 17 C. NIFES is engaged in research to determine how changes in the sea temperature affect the salmon s ability to utilise nutrients in the feed. Reduced feed intake Feeding trials conducted at temperatures in the range C show that salmon eat less and the feed intake is reduced when the water temperature rises. The trials were carried out in tanks on land where it was possible to keep the temperature stable throughout the entire trial period. At higher water temperatures the salmon grew more slowly and they were less physically active when the temperature increased. This may partly explain the decline in the feed factor and the feed intake. The fat level of the feed was also important with respect to how much feed the salmon consumed. The feeding trials also revealed that key genes are controlled by the environmental temperature. This is an area that requires more research. Vitamin E level in the feed may help An optimal composition of nutrients in the feed is important for the wellbeing and good health of the salmon. Vitamin E is an antioxidant which stops the cells in the fish organs from breaking down, partly by protecting the fatty acids in the cells against oxidation (oxidative stress). In higher water temperatures the salmon experiences a higher level of oxidative stress. The results from the controlled feed trials Feed factor The factor describes how much dry food that is necessary to produce one kilogram of farmed Atlantic salmon. Feed intake Describes the amount of feed the fish eats. What is oxidative stress? Cells create free radicals in their metabolism. These are neutralized by antioxidants. If more free radicals are created than can be neutralized by the body, oxidative stress occurs. Oxidative stress may affect many of the normal processes in a cell. A stress response is characterized by biochemical and physiological changes in the cell, such as the production of different proteins, due to an external influence. 15

16 Research News from NIFES show clearly that the salmon s vitamin E stores were tapped when the temperature rose. A full-scale feeding trial was therefore carried out where the salmon in the tanks were given a feed enriched with vitamin E. The temperature decreased with the depth of the water, and at its deepest it was 16 C. Salmon which had been given a feed containing high levels of vitamin E were less predisposed to oxidative stress than salmon which had been given a feed with low levels of vitamin E. High levels of vitamin E in the feed had a positive effect on the final quality of the fillet and also prolonged the product s shelf-life, as well as improving the colour. These results will contribute to the process of establishing a feed composition which ensures that the fish thrives and grows and is better able to utilise the feed at high sea temperatures. This knowledge will be important for the future good health of the salmon. In collaboration with: Institute of Marine Research, Marine Harvest Norway, Nofima Marin and Skretting. Funding: Research Council of Norway. Fish nutrition and the development of disease Too little phosphorus in the feed and light manipulation affects bone formation The bone in salmon is built up of structural proteins and minerals (mainly calcium and phosphorus). In fish farming it is customary to add phosphorus to maximise growth and ensure proper sone mineralisation. At the same time, every effort is made to keep the phosphorus concentration as low as possible as phosphorus in the fish faeces and feed waste has negative environmental effects. In fish farming, one of the uses of light manipulation is to control sexual maturation and stimulate growth. In collaboration with the Institute of Marine Research, NIFES has carried out feeding trials which show that the vitamin D system in salmon is affected by low phosphorus levels in the feed and exposure to continuous light. (The vitamin D system: How vitamin D and phosphorus regulate the uptake of these nutrients from the intestine and how it also regulates bone mineralisation.) This led to changes in bone development in the salmon, which can result in bone deformities. NIFES will continue to work with development of bone deformities and the level of phosphorus in salmon feed. In collaboration with: Institute of Marine Research. Funding: Research Council of Norway. The heart disease cardiomyopathic syndrome (CMS) in salmon The make-up of nutrients in the feed is important for the health of farmed fish. The heart disease CMS leads to fish mortality and is an increasing problem among adult salmon. A large research programme, 16

17 involving many researchers and representatives from the commercial sector, is now focusing on CMS. The project will include both experimental infection trials and field studies. A model established previously shows that CMS is an infectious disease, but the factors which give rise to a predisposition to infection, and the cause of the disease are as yet unknown. NIFES will contribute by identifying the development of the disease in the cardiac muscle as well as the role played by nutrition, by developing possible physiological and nutrition-related markers of the disease. Analytical work has started and the results are expected by the end of In collaboration with: Marine Harvest, Norwegian Veterinary Institute, Norwegian School of Veterinary Science, Nofima Marin, Pharmaq, AquaGen, Lerøy Seafood Group and Skretting/Ewos. Funding: Research Council of Norway, Fishery and Aquaculture Industry Research Fund and Ministry of Fisheries and Coastal Affairs. Fish in research studies well being and environment More than 90% of the animals used in research studies in Norway are fish, and they are used in applied, biomedical and basic research. Where research is carried out using animals, there is a requirement to ensure that the animals wellbeing is protected in accordance with the Animal Protection Act and Regulations relating to research involving animals. Different species, such as salmon, halibut, cod and zebrafish have completely different environmental requirements and, consequently, may also have different needs in order to ensure wellbeing. At the same time, it should be possible to measure and recognise appropriate wellbeing, in order to ensure that this is implemented in fish trials. On behalf of the Research Council of Norway, researchers from several research institutes have written a report called Fish in research environmental requirements and indicators of wellbeing among fish, which deals with research requirements in the area of animal wellbeing with respect to fish in research studies available at The aim of the report is to contribute to rising the quality of research results through better use of fewer fish in trials. A researcher from NIFES has headed this work. In collaboration with: Norecopa, Norwegian Institute for Nature Research, Institute of Marine Research, Nofima Marin, Bergen University College and Veso Vikan. Funding: Research Council of Norway. More than 90% of the animals used in research studies in Norway are fish, and they are used in applied, biomedical and basic research 17

18 Research News from NIFES 18

19 Regulations for safe feed and seafood Internationally and nationally there is an increasing focus on food safety and an increasing number of legislation exist for undesirable substances in both feed and food. Scientifically based knowledge of environmental pollutants in seafood and their effects is a prerequisite for establishing legislation Undesirable substances found in feeds can be transferred to edible parts of the fish and affect food safety. Hence, knowledge regarding these substances is important to enable the authorities to give dietary advice about seafood to the public. An understanding of the effects, and transfer of undesirable substances from the feed to the fillet is an important scientific basis for risk assessments conducted nationally by the Norwegian Scientific Committee for Food Safety and the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) in the EU. Risk assessments form the scientific basis for risk management decisions such as establishing EU maximum limits for contaminants in feed and food, which are primarily set by the European Commission. Upper limits for endosulfan in fish feed The increasing use of plant raw materials rather than marine ingredients in fish feed can result in higher levels of the insecticide endosulfan in fish feed. Endosulfan is an organic chloride pesticide which is banned in Norway but is still used in agriculture in some parts of the world. It can affect the hormone balance in humans and mammals, and the effect can be is reinforced when it occurs along with other chlorine pesticides. Fish, and particularly salmon are vulnerable to water- borne endosulfan, but there is limited knowledge regarding the effect of diet-borne endosulfan exposure in salmon. The EU s upper limit for endosulfan in fish feed is based on its toxicity via exposure to water, and not on exposure through the feed. The upper limit for endosulfan in fish feed (5 μg per kg of feed) is therefore much lower than the upper limit for endosulfan in feed for other animals (100 μg per kg of feed). 19

20 Research News from NIFES This restricts the use of plant raw materials in feed for fish. In order to study the toxicity and transfer of endosulfan from feed to fish, researchers at NIFES have carried out a feeding trial with salmon which were fed a diet containing one of three different levels of endosulfan. Group one was given a feed with 5 μg of endosulfan per kg of feed (the current upper limit for fish feed), group two received 50 μg of endosulfan per kg of feed, while group three was given 100 μg of endosulfan per kg of feed (the current upper limit in feed for species other than fish). No effects were found on growth, the ability to digest nutrients, blood health parameters or changes in cells taken from the fish organs in any of the groups. In another study on cultured salmon liver cells, the results showed that the composition of fatty acids in the liver cells from salmon which had been given feed containing plant oils differed from the findings from salmon which had been given feed containing fish oils. However, the overall conclusion was that the source of the oil in the feed had little significance for the way the liver cells responded to endosulfan. The studies described above along with the results from three previous studies carried out by researchers at NIFES on the effect of endosulfan on fish wellbeing will form the scientific basis of part of the re-evaluation of the limit for endosulfan in fish feed by the EU Commission. In collaboration with: Ewos-Innovation, Skretting ARC, Biomar. Funding: Fishery and Aquaculture Industry Research Fund and Ministry of Fisheries and Coastal Affairs. Purified fish oil in the feed has no negative effect on fish health Persistent organic pollutants (POPs) are predominantly man-made, undesirable substances which accumulate in the food chain. They are fat-soluble substances which are present in fish oil, which in turn is used 20

21 in the production of fish feed. In order to eliminate them from the feed, fish oil can be refined. The purification process removes not only undesirable substances, but also the fatsoluble vitamins A, D, E and K. Consequently fat soluble vitamins are supplemented to fish oil. The purification process affects the smell and consistency of the oil. It is also possible that the process removes other components which are important for the fish, in addition to nutrients. NIFES has examined the effect that purified oil in the feed has on fish health and nutrients, and on the composition of undesirable substances in the fillet. A feeding trial has been carried out where salmon with a starting weight of 80 grams were given a feed containing refined or unrefined fish oil. The trial continued until the salmon had a market weight of 5 kg. The composition of this feed was otherwise the same as the feed used on the market today, apart from the fact that the fish oil was refined. The levels of undesirable substances and vitamins in the muscle and liver where measured throughout the entire period, also paying attention to bone development, cataracts, skin injuries, taste and colour. The results show that, fish growth and health were equally good when refined fish oil was used with the addition of synthetic fat-soluble vitamins in the feed. The level of undesirable substances in salmon given a feed containing refined oil is comparable to the concentration found in lean fish such as cod or beef. In collaboration with: Skretting ARC, Ewos Innovation, Biomar, Polar Feed, GIFAS, Norwegian Fishermen s` Sales Organisation for Pelagic Fish. Funding: Fishery and Aquaculture Industry Research Fund, Research Council of Norway, Fishery and Aquaculture Industry Research Fund, Ministry of Fisheries and Coastal Affairs, GIFAS, Norwegian Fishermen s` Sales Organisation for Pelagic Fish. Exposure to toxaphene through the feed Toxaphene is a pesticide which is found in fish oil used in feeds. Most of the studies on the toxicity and metabolism of toxaphene in fish have been via water-borne exposure. Fish are sensitive to toxaphene in water. There is also a need to know how fish react to toxaphene when it is ingested through the feed in order to evaluate any possible threats to fish wellbeing and food safety. Zebra fish are used as a model organism to identify the toxicity of undesirable substances. A feeding trial has been conducted on the effects different concentrations and chemical forms of toxaphene in zebra fish. The purpose of the study was to determine whether the different forms of toxaphene are absorbed in different ways by the fish, and whether some forms are more toxic than others. It is also important to acquire knowledge of how undesirable substances such as toxaphene affect fish egg quality, hatching and development. Researchers at 21

22 Research News from NIFES NIFES are examining how toxaphene affects the development of zebra fish embryos and whether toxaphene is transferred from spawning fish to the eggs. Zebra fish are very suitable for this purpose as they spawn yearround. The eggs also develop quickly and are translucent, making the development easy to follow. In collaboration with: University of Plymouth and University of Nijmegen. Funding: Research Council of Norway and Ministry of Fisheries and Coastal Affairs. Synthetic antioxidants in feed their significance for food safety Ethoxyquin (EQ) is a synthetic additive used in fish feed to prevent it from turning rancid during storage. It is mandatory to add ethoxyquin to fish meal prior to seatransport over long distances, to avoid oxidation and the subsequent danger of self-ignition. EQ is not authorised as a food additive in the EU, and is therefore not desired in fish. The EU s upper limit for the sum of the synthetic antioxidants BHA, BHT and EQ in feed is 150 mg per kg, and results from monitoring of feeds and feed ingredients show that the content of these antioxidants in Norwegian fish feed is below this level. 22

23 Previous studies by researchers at NIFES have shown that EQ is transferred from the feed to the fish where it is stored as the metabolite ethoxyquin dimer, EQDM in all of the salmon s organs, including muscle. NIFES monitors the presence of EQ and EQDM in farmed salmon. In 2008, mean concentrations of EQ + EQDM in salmon fillet were measured in the range mg per kg. FAO/WHO Meetings on Pesticide Residues for EQ. Preliminary results showed good growth and no visible negative health effects among the rats. This indicates that rats can tolerate relatively high doses of EQDM. Researchers at NIFES will also be examining interactions between EQ, EQDM and other commonly used synthetic antioxidants in feeds, such as BHT and BHA. In collaboration with: University of Bergen, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Trondheim, University of Applied Science, Switzerland. Funding: Research Council of Norway, Ministry of Fisheries and Coastal Affairs and Fishery and Aquaculture Industry Research Fund. Researchers at NIFES have examined the toxicity of EQDM, and how this substance affects fish health and food safety. A 3-month feeding trial has been carried out with rats. The animals were given a feed in which the level of synthetic EQDM was 2500 times the acceptable daily intake of mg per kg of bodyweight (ADI) established by the Joint About ADI - for substances used in food production An Acceptable Daily Intake (ADI) is the amount of a substance that a person can eat every day throughout their life without posing a health risk. ADIs are established by risk assessment bodies (e.g. EFSA and JECFA) for authorized feed and food additives and are usually given in mg per kg of body weight. What are synthetic antioxidants? In the European Union and Norway there are five synthetic antioxidants which are authorized for use in fish feed: butyl-hydroxy-anisole (BHA), butyl-hydroxy-toluene (BHT), ethoxyquin (EQ), propyl gallate (PG) and octyl gallate (OG). They are classified as additives with the following E-numbers: E310 (PG), E311 (OG), E320 (BHA), E321 (BHT) and E324 (EQ). These antioxidants prevent the fat in the feed from turning rancid. 23

24 Research News from NIFES 24

25 Undesirable substances in Norwegian seafood status It is a prerequisite that the seafood we eat is safe. NIFES carries out several annual surveillance programmes which measure the content of undesirable substances in fish, fish products and fish feed. It is important to have updated knowledge regarding the levels of undesirable substances in wild and farmed fish from Norwegian waters to protect consumers, and form the basis of risk assessments and develop sufficient surveillance of different species. Recently, research has shown that the present surveillance system for wild fish is insufficient. NIFES is therefore in the process of carrying out a thorough surveillance of the level of undesirable substances in fish from Norwegian waters, socalled baseline projects. The aim is to establish background levels of different undesirable substances in the most important commercial species. In 2008 the Institute completed the baseline study on Norwegian spring spawning herring, and in 2010 the baseline study for Greenland halibut was completed. New baseline studies have been initiated for mackerel, North Atlantic cod, North Sea herring and the saithe in the Norwegian and the Barents seas Baseline of environmental pollutants in major fish species NIFES has started an extensive investigation of undesirable substances in fish species that are important in Norwegian fisheries management. The aim of the project is to establish background levels of different undesirable substances in the most important commercial species in Norway. It is important to have updated knowledge regarding the levels of undesirable substances in wild and farmed fish to protect consumers, and form the basis of risk assessments and targeted surveillance programmes. In 2008 the Institute completed the baseline study on Norwegian spring spawning herring, and in 2010 the baseline study for Greenland halibut was completed. New baseline studies have been initiated for mackerel, North Atlantic cod, North Sea herring and the saithe in the Norwegian and the Barents seas. 25

26 Research News from NIFES Greenland halibut NIFES has carried out a comprehensive monitoring programme on the levels of environmental pollutants in Greenland halibut. The results show that the levels of dioxins and dioxin-like PCBs exceed EU s upper limit in the two positions northwest of Traenabanken and one at Eggakanten outside Lofoten. NIFES has initiated a comprehensive mapping of the background levels of different environmental pollutants in Norway s most important commercial fish stocks, referred to as baseline studies. Greenland halibut is the second species that the institute has established a baseline study for, following the one conducted on Norwegian Spring Spawning Herring in The baseline study on Greenland halibut shows that the levels of dioxins and dioxinlike PCBs, as well as mercury are high in fish from several locations. However, when the results are evaluated as lots in accordance with EU legislation the levels of dioxin and Figure 1. 26

27 dioxin-like PCBs in Greenland halibut exceed EU s upper limit, at two positions northwest of Traenabanken and one in Eggakanten outside Lofoten. The baseline report of Greenland halibut can be downloaded on (available in Norwegian). Sampling locations A total of 1288 Greenland halibut from 27 locations from four areas; south of Lofoten, Lofoten to Tromsøflaket, East-Finnmark and West of Bjørnøya towards Svalbard have been collected and analysed for several environmental pollutants. Either fish were collected from each location. The sampling locations are shown in Figure 1. Levels compared with EU legislation Baseline studies are carried out in order to get a comprehensive overview of the levels of environmental pollutants in seafood from Norwegian waters, and are tools to ensure an appropriate surveillance of species in the future. The fish sampling system is tailored with this in mind, and therefore deviates from the requirements set by EU-legislation, used to evaluate food safety and assess the necessity of actions in order to meet potential challenges. Legislation states that measurement uncertainty should be subtracted from an analytical result before comparing the value to EU s upper limits for environmental pollutants in food. This is done in order to ensure that levels which exceed the EU s upper limit, do so without reasonable doubt, and to ensure that any 27

28 Research News from NIFES actions are based on a high level of certainty. In addition, EU-legislation states that pooled samples of five fish should be taken when a catch is between 50 and 500 kg. The analytical results in the present report on Greenland halibut have generally been presented without subtracting the measurement uncertainty. In order to evaluate the results according to EU-legislation, several calculations have been presented in an Appendix of the report. These have been sent to the Norwegian Food Safety Authority to take appropriate actions. Three positions pose a potential challenge When the measurement uncertainty is subtracted from the analytical data, there appears to be no samples which exceed the EU s upper limit for mercury in fish of 0.5 mg/kg wet weight. However, there are samples from five locations which exceed EU s upper limit for dioxins and dioxin-like PCBs, shown in Figure 2. The probability of identifying a sample which exceeds EU s upper limit for the sum of dioxins and Figure 2. 28

29 dioxin-like PCBs of 8 ng TEQ/kg wet weight in a catch is; approximately 6% for the locations 3 and 13, approximately 35% for location 6, around 31% at location 7 and 13% at location 8. The levels of other environmental pollutants in Greenland halibut which were measured (including arsenic, cadmium and lead), where found to be generally low, thus they are not a concern for seafood safety. Future surveillance of Greenland halibut One of the objectives of the baseline studies on fish is to determine the strategy for future surveillance of environmental pollutants in a given species. The results for Greenland halibut suggest that surveillance should be annual, and 30 fish should be sampled from a total of 10 locations. Eight sampling locations should be in the area from 70 N and 63 N (from Vesterålen and going south), and two locations in the area west of Bjørnøya to Svalbard. This will enable spatial and temporal monitoring of the content of mercury and dioxins, and dioxinlike PCBs. Greenland halibut is also an important species in the integrated management plan of the marine environments of the Barents Sea and the Norwegian Sea (White paper ). The proposed monitoring programme will also support the management plan for this area. Funding: Norwegian Food Safety Authority, Ministry of Fisheries and Coastal Affairs and Fishery and Aquaculture Industry Research Fund. Mackerel A baseline study for mackerel has started. Funding: Ministry of Fisheries and Coastal Affairs, Norwegian Fishermen s` Sales Organisation for Pelagic Fish, Fishery and Aquaculture Industry Research Fund. Atlantic Cod Northeast Arctic cod, North Sea cod and coastal cod are different cod populations found in Norwegian waters. Baseline study for cod in the Barents Sea has started. Funding: Fishery and Aquaculture Industry Research Fund. North Sea Herring Baseline study for North Sea herring has started. Funding: Fishery and Aquaculture Industry Research Fund. The results for Greenland halibut suggest that surveillance should be annual, and 30 fish should be sampled from a total of 10 locations 29

30 Research News from NIFES Continuing the Barents Sea management plan Through the White paper No. 12 ( ) entitled A clean and rich sea, the Norwegian parliament has concluded that there is a need for more comprehensive management of the Norwegian sea areas. The first stage in this process was the preparation of a management plan for the Barents Sea and the sea areas around the Lofoten Islands. Two working groups were formed, one for The Risk of Acute Pollution and one for Surveillance, as well as an Expert Forum for the Barents Sea. NIFES is represented in each of these bodies. The Surveillance Group coordinates monitoring activity in the Barents Sea. This includes physical parameters, stock levels for various fish species and the pollution situation which includes the area of safe seafood, where NIFES has a national responsibility. In 2009, a total of 100 cod fillet and liver samples were collected from four different locations, as well as three 5 kg collect samples of shrimps, capelin and Polar cod, respectively. They were analysed for a number of substances, including metals, PCB 7, dioxins and dioxin-like PCBs, bromated flame retardants (PBDE), pesticides and perfluorated alkylated substances (PFAS). In 22 of 97 cod liver samples the concentration of dioxins and dioxin-like PCBs exceeded EU s upper limit for fish liver which is 25 ng TE per kilo wet weight, and from one location the mean value was above the upper limit (the results are not adjusted for the measurement uncertainty). The surveillance results are included in the report from the Surveillance Working Group which will be part of the scientific basis to be used when the management plan for the Barents Sea is revised in The results from the analysed samples showed low concentrations of other undesirable substances. Funding: Ministry of Fisheries and Coastal Affairs. Management plans for the Norwegian Sea and the North Sea Stage two in the process of preparing management plans for the Norwegian waters relates to a comprehensive management plan for the Norwegian Sea. NIFES has contributed within the area of food safety in two of the reports: Proposed indicators of environmental status for the Norwegian Sea and Assessment of status and knowledge requirement which formed the basis of the management plan for the Norwegian Sea, which resulted in a white paper St. Meld. 37 in spring NIFES is also represented in the North Sea Expert Group, which is headed by the 30

31 Climate and Pollution Agency. This agency is responsible for drawing up the management plan for the North Sea. Funding: Ministry of Fisheries and Coastal Affairs. Long-term surveillance Annually, since 1994 NIFES has analysed random samples of fish and other seafood caught in the Barents Sea, the Norwegian Sea and the North Sea,in order to determine the level of undesirable substances and nutrients. What species are analysed and the number of samples taken each year varies depending on the volume of the catch. In 2009 NIFES analysed pooled sample of fish and shrimps from the Barents Sea. The pooled samples comprised of 5 kg each. One hundred samples of cod were also taken from different locations in the same area. Pooled samples of 5 kilos were taken of capelin and Polar cod from three locations. Also, pooled samples of 5 kilos were taken of peeled shrimps and whole shrimps from three locations. Analyses of cod (100 fish) and salmon (50 fish) were carried out on individual fish. The level of undesirable substances in capelin, Polar cod, shrimps and cod fillet were low, but the level of dioxins and dioxin-like PCB was relatively high in cod liver. The mean value from one of the locations was about 25 ng TE/kg wet weight, which is similar to EU s upper limit. These results were also part of the management plan for the Barents sea. The Institute also monitors the level of undesirable substances in farmed fish. The status of samples collected in the course of 2009 showed low levels of these substances in various species of farmed fish, and a decline in total dioxins and dioxin-like PCB in farmed salmon. Monitoring thus provides documentation that farmed salmon conforms to regulations on seafood safety. The results of the analyses are published in Seafood Data ( Funding: Ministry of Fisheries and Coastal Affairs. Unique monitoring of parasites in pelagic fish A higher sea temperature can lead to an increased incidence of parasites in Norwegian waters. Since 2004 NIFES has monitored the level of parasites in pelagic fish from Norwegian waters, and the Institute is represented in the European Food Safety Authority s (EFSA) working group for Risk assessment of parasites in fishery products. Monitoring of the parasite status is important for food safety, and continuous monitoring is necessary in order to follow trends in the incidence of parasites. This monitoring activity is the only one of its kind in the EU. All analyses of parasite monitoring of pelagic fish in Norway are carried out on the vessels which made the catch. This ensures that the data is reproducible and can easily be 31

32 Research News from NIFES compared. In its report to the European Commission, EFSA states that the Norwegian parasite monitoring activities can also serve as a model for corresponding investigations in other important European fishing areas for pelagic fish. In the event, this will make it possible to compare data from several sea areas and thus obtain a better overview of the parasite status in several European sea areas. This knowledge could also contribute important data for use in a future evaluation of the effect of manmade environmental influences such as climate changes in the North-East Atlantic pelagic ecosystem. In collaboration with: Fishery and Aquaculture Industry Research Fund, The Pelagic Industry (fleet and land-based). Funding: Ministry of Fisheries and Coastal Affairs. Environmental status of seafood in Bergen s City Fjord The National Institute of Nutrition and Seafood Research (NIFES) has carried out new research to determine the levels of environmental pollutants in various fish species, crabs and blue mussel from Bergen s City Fjord and the port of Bergen. The survey relates to two projects, one under an assignment for the County Governor s Department of the Environment in the county of Hordaland: An extended dietary advice survey Bergen s City Fjord 2009, and the other for the Norwegian Food Safety Authority: Dietary Advice Survey Recreational Fishing Bergen, The purpose of the survey is to provide new data on environmental pollutants in fish to enable the appropriate bodies to consider taking action to reduce the effects of pollution and, if necessary, to revise dietary advice given previously. The areas examined are marked 1 (port of Bergen) and 2-10 (Bergen s City Fjord) in the map below. Generally low levels of environmental pollutants in various species of cod fish and blue mussel The Norwegian Food Safety Authority has previously issued dietary advice for pregnant and breast feeding women advising them to avoid eating fish fillets from lean fish from specific areas in the port of Bergen. When this advice was given, few species of lean fish had been examined, but now several species have been studied, including cod, saithe, pollock, whiting, haddock and ling. The new research shows a generally low level of undesirable substances in these fish from all of the areas examined. The only exception was the level of mercury in fish 32

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34 Research News from NIFES fillet from Eidsvågen in Åsane which was above the level used by the food authorities when they made their dietary recommendation for pregnant and breast feeding women. Previously, high levels of mercury had been found in cusk and ling fillets close to the centre of Bergen, and slightly elevated levels were found in cod. Apart from the area around Eidsvågen and cod in the port of Bergen, there may be reasons to revise the current dietary advice concerning low-fat fish from the areas examined. The levels of environmental pollutants in blue mussel were low in all of the areas examined. The exception was the area from Sotra North to Askøy (Ramsøy), where there may be a local source of pollution. High levels of environmental pollutants in fish liver Analyses of fish liver reveal high levels of environmental pollutants such as dioxins and Figure 3. 34

35 dioxin-like PCBs. Dietary advice about fish liver is already in place, and the new research gives no fundation to revise this advice. Is there reason to revise the outer limits for dietary advice on crab, cusk and eel in Bergen s City Fjord? Our analyses have increased the knowledge base on environmental pollutants in cusk, eel and brown crab in Bergen s City Fjord, which might become useful in case of a revision of how far out from the port of Bergen the existing dietary advice relating to these species should apply (see fig. 3). Nationwide dietary advice about brown crab meat is already issued which recommends pregnant women to avoid eating brown crab meat. Samples were taken from the following species: - Fillet and liver samples from cod (Gadus morhua) * - Fillet and liver samples from saithe ** - Fillet and liver samples from pollock ** - Fillet and liver samples from whiting ** - Fillet and liver samples from haddock ** - Fillet from cusk (Brosme brosme) * - Fillet from ling (Molva molva) * - Fillet from eel (Anguilla anguilla) * - Brown meat from edible crab (Cancer pagurus) * - Entire contents from pooled samples of blue mussel (Mytilus edulis)* * Species/samples taken in areas on map marked 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10 ** Species/samples taken in areas on map marked 1, 3, 4, 5, 8 (1=Bergen port, 2=Askøy-Åsane, 3=Nordhordland Bridge, 4=Askøy-Meland, 5=Sotra North-Askøy, 6=Grimstad Fjord, 7=Nordås Lake, 8=Sotra South-Hjellestad, 9=Kollevåg, 10=Flesland) The above species were selected as they are especially predisposed to accumulate certain kinds of environmental pollutants while at the same time they represent different kinds of seafood. The species were analysed for the following undesirables: Species marked *were analysed for arsenic, mercury, lead, cadmium, PCB 7, dioxins, dioxin-like PCB and polyaromatic hydrocarbons (PAH). Exceptions: Cod fillet and blue mussels were only analysed for metals. Blue mussels were only analysed for metals and PAH. Species marked ** were analysed for arsenic, selenium, mercury, lead, cadmium and PCB 7. Our analyses have increased the knowledge base on environmental pollutants in cusk, eel and brown crab in Bergen s City Fjord 35

36 Research News from NIFES Surveillance in proximity to shipwrecks Shipwrecks can contain environmental toxins and they represent a challenge to food safety if the pollutants start to leak out. Therefore, NIFES examines and monitors the level of environmental pollutants in various species caught in and around the wreck of submarine U-864 off Fedje and MS Welheim near Florø. NIFES has also assessed food safety of seafood caught in connection with emissions from Full City and Petrozavodsk. NIFES participates in the Norwegian Coastal Administration s Surveillance Group. Monitoring by the submarine wreck U-864 off Fedje West of Fedje lays the wreck of the German submarine U-864 at a depth of 150 metres. It may have contained tons of mercury when it was torpedoed in In order to assess food safety, NIFES has therefore since 2004, monitored the level of mercury in fish and crabs from this area on behalf of the Norwegian Coastal Administration to determine whether the seafood is affected by mercury in the area. Analyses have been carried out on the species it has been possible to catch in fish traps. In 2009 NIFES measured the level of mercury in tusk and crab as it is almost exclusively these species that have been caught in this area in the last few years. Samples were taken near the wreck, and four nautical miles north and south of the wreck. Uncertain if tusk is affected The results for 2009 show that the level of mercury in tusk fillet is in line with the average for previous years. Throughout the monitoring period, from 2004 to 2009, a total of 322 tusk were analysed. Although the mean values for mercury in tusk caught in the area near the wreck have always been below the EU s upper limit value of 0.5 mg per kg wet weight, levels exceeding this were found in 17 individual fish, of the 322 analysed. Most of these higher levels were found during monitoring in 2008, while in 2009 two of 75 analysed fish had levels exceeding EU s upper limit. Nevertheless, the tusk from the area around Fedje do not show especially high levels of mercury compared with tusk caught elsewhere. Crabs are probably affected The results of analysis carried out in the period , of a total of 297 crabs, show that only claw meat from one crab had a level of mercury that was above the EU s upper limit of 0.5 mg per kg wet weight (the results are not adjusted for the measurement uncertainty). Monitoring also shows that the level of mercury in brown crab meat was relatively high, compared with other areas. This is probably due to the crab being polluted by the mercury in sediments around U-864. The result from 2009 shows that the mercury levels in crabs was considerably lower than in previous years. The reason for this may be that the crabs in 2009 were caught later in the year and in shallower water, and thus further away from 36

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38 Research News from NIFES the wreck, than previous years. EU has no upper limit for mercury in the brown crab meat. During the entire period, seven individual crabs had a mercury level in brown meat that exceeded 0.5 mg per kg wet weight. In 2009, none of the samples showed a measured value above 0.5 mg per kg wet weight. Still dietary advice The Norwegian Food Safety Authority has previously issued a dietary advice which recommend pregnant and breast-feeding women to avoid seafood from the area around the wreck. The new analyses do not change the food safety situation. Important to continue monitoring As individual specimens of different species have been shown to have a level of mercury that is above the EU s upper limit value, and as the pattern of dispersion of mercury could change, it is important to continue monitoring the level of mercury in seafood in this area. NIFES recommends continued 38

39 monitoring of seafood, regardless of what steps are taken to deal with the wreck. Funding: Norwegian Coastal Administration. Analysis of seafood taken around MS Welheim The wreck of MS Welheim is located about 10 km south of Florø on a sloping seabed, at a depth of metres. The ship sunk in 1944 and may have had between 300 and 1200 tons of diesel oil on board. For several years there have been several minor leakages from the wreck. NIFES are examining the levels of the environmental pollutants PAH and PCB in samples of Norwegian lobster, brown crab meat, blue mussel, tusk, ling and farmed fish around the wreck before and after emptying it for oil. Diesel oil contains polyaromatic hydrocarbons (PAH), some of which are toxic and can damage hereditary material and may be carcinogenic. Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) are healthhazardous synthetically produced compounds which are oil-soluble. NIFES will also measure the level of PCB and PAH in farmed fish from three localities in the vicinity. The wreck has now been emptied, and the samples were collected by the Norwegian Food Safety Authority before emptying. Samples taken after emptying will be collected in spring The results will be available when the samples after emptying have been collected and analysed. Funding: Norwegian Coastal Administration. NIFES are examining the levels of the environmental pollutants PAH and PCB in samples of Norwegian lobster, brown crab meat, blue mussel, tusk, ling and farmed fish around the wreck before and after emptying it for oil Evaluation of food safety after oil spills Polyaromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) are found in crude oil and various oil products. The substances can be detrimental to consumers` health. In connection with oil spills, the effect on food safety is assessed by analysing the level of the PAH compound benzoapyrene (BaP) in seafood samples. BaP is one of the most toxic PAH compounds. Full City In July 2009 the cargo ship Full City ran aground outside Langesund in Telemark. The Norwegian Coastal Administration was responsible for co-ordinating the environmental assessment and remediation after the oil spill. NIFES was responsible for assessing the seafood safety aspect. Samples of cod, saithe, haddock, pollock, eel, mackerel, crab and blue mussel were analysed for PAHs. The results showed low levels of BaP in the fish fillets and in brown crab meat. The 39

40 Research News from NIFES values were below the EU s upper limit. The BaP levels in mussels from several impacted locations were high, exceeding EU s upper limit for BaP in mussels. Based on these results, NIFES recommended that the Norwegian Food Safety Authority maintain the consumption advisory to avoid eating mussels which was issued for this area immediately after the oil spill, based on the precautionary principle. Oil spill from «Full City» outside Langesund. Picture from The Norwegian Coastal Administration. Petrozavodsk In May 2009 the freezer ship Petrozavodsk ran aground outside Bjørnøya in Troms, resulting in diesel leakage. NIFES was requested by the Norwegian Coastal Administration to assess whether seafood caught in the vicinity of the grounded vessel was safe to eat. Samples of cod liver were analysed for PAHs and PCB. As mentioned above, the effect of oil spills on food safety is assessed by analysing the level of the PAH compound benzoapyrene (BaP). The BaP levels in all of the liver samples which were analysed were below the quantification limit. This limit is below the EU s upper limit for BaP in fish which is 2 mg per kilo. It was not considered necessary to advise against eating cod liver from this area on the basis of the results from the analyses conducted. In collaboration with: The Norwegian Coastal Administration, the Institute of Marine Research and the Norwegian Food Safety Authority. Funding: Norwegian Coastal Administration. Quantification limit The smallest amount of a compound that can be determined with a given uncertainty. 40

41 Surveillance for the Norwegian Food Safety Authority Status report on the levels of undesirable substances and drug residues in farmed fish The levels of contaminants in farmed fish fillets largely reflect the feed the fish has consumed. Commercial fish feed is regulated by EU directives which Norway also implement. Thus the EU and Norway have established maximum levels in feed for several pollutants, such as dioxins and dioxin-like PCBs and heavy metals. The Norwegian Food Safety Authority has a programme for monitoring the levels of undesirable substances in fish feed, which also covers feed ingredients, as well as a monitoring programme on drug residues and the levels of certain environmental pollutants in farmed fish. Farmed salmon Pollutants such as PCB 7 and heavy metals in salmon fillets have been monitored for more than 10 years, while dioxins and dioxin-like PCB have been included since Documentation of the levels undesirable substances in salmon comes from two sources; one is NIFES s surveillance programme which examines individual fish and these results can be accessed in NIFES s searchable database ( while the other is the Norwegian Food Safety Authority s surveillance programme linked to EU Directive 96/23 (these reports can be accessed on the websites of both the Norwegian Food Safety Authority and NIFES). The levels of pollutants in salmon fillets in 2009 were low compared with the EU s upper limits for those pollutants where such values have been established. The level of dioxins and dioxin-like PCBs in salmon fillet is approximately 1/8 of the limit set by the EU and Norway for the legal sale of seafood, and is comparable to the levels found in oily fish species such as mackerel, springspawning herring and North Sea herring. As yet, no upper limit has been set for PCB 7 in the Codex or by the EU or Norway, but the levels are low and largely comparable with the levels found in mackerel, springspawning herring and North Sea herring. As regards the presence of the heavy metals from 2009, The levels of mercury, cadmium and lead in farmed salmon, stated as a Deloucing agents in fish Statistics of pharmaceuticals used in fish farming published in 2009 (Norwegian Institute of Publich Health) shows an increased use of deloucing agents. In 2009 NIFES analysed around 9000 samples from fish for a variety of different substances. For delousing agents, 725 fish were analysed, and 145 fish were examined for residues of diflubenzuron and teflubenzuron. The surveillance did not reveal any use of illegal substances or residues of legally used substances above the internationally set limits. Therefore, the use of pharmaceuticals for farmed fish did not affect seafood safety. 41

42 Research News from NIFES percentage of the EU s upper limit are 6%, 4% and 3%, respectively. The levels of dioxins and dioxin-like PCBs and PCB 7 have declined in recent years, while the heavy metal concentrations are low and show a stable trend. Farmed trout Farmed trout is included in the Norwegian Food Safety Authority s surveillance programme and the results found for pollutants in this species are comparable with those reported above for farmed salmon. Farmed cod Farmed cod is a lean species with a low fat content and the levels of organic pollutants such as dioxins and PCB in the fillet are about 1/10 of the concentrations found in oily fish species, but are comparable with the levels found in wild cod. Similarly the levels of heavy metals in farmed cod are similar to those measured in wild cod. Drug residues in farmed fish In order to ensure that farmed fish for human consumption do not contain remnants of approved drugs, including anti-lice agents, in quantities that represent a health risk, or residues of unauthorised drugs, Norway has a system of controls that is in complete conformity with international guidelines. The system was introduced in Norway at the end of the 90s and is based on the control and registration of drug use, the establishment of retention periods which ensure that the fish cannot be harvested until a specified period has elapsed after drug treatment, and analytical controls to determine any presence of drug residues in farmed fish. Analyses of samples taken in 2009 and previous years have not shown any remnants of unauthorized drugs, or remnants of authorised drugs above internationally accepted levels. Surveillance system Under international regulations, Norway is committed to monitor the level of certain drugs and environmental pollutants in farmed fish. These regulations also apply to all other food-producing livestock and products of animal origin. The Norwegian Food Safety Authority is responsible for sampling, wheras NIFES carries out the analyses and is responsible for reporting on issues related to farmed fish. The system is monitored by the EFTA Surveillance Authority (ESA) which ensures that EU law is correctly enforced in EFTA states. The samples taken in 2009 were from approximately 9000 farmed fish. The surveillance results are published in publicly available reports which can be accessed at Marine oils for human consumption Cod liver oil and marine oils are purified to eliminate undesirable substances before being sold as a food supplement. Data from previous years research shows that cod liver oil and other marine oils, in addition to fatty fish and seafood products, are most predisposed to accumulate fat-soluble organic environmental toxins such as dioxins and dioxin-like PCB. In 2009, 10 samples of fish oil and six samples of seal oil were analysed. The total 42

43 level of dioxins and dioxin-like PCB was below the EU s upper limit of 2.0 ng TE per kilo in all of the 21 samples analysed. None of the samples were above the Norwegian upper limit of 5.0 ng TE per kilo of fat for total dioxins and dioxin-like PCB, and not above the EU s upper limit value of 10 ng TE per kilo of fat. The data basis for dioxins and dioxin-like PCB in food is still very limited in both Norway and the EU. It is therefore important that Norway contributes to strengthening this data basis, especially in the area of seafood. Funding: Norwegian Food Safety Authority. Low levels of undesirable substances in mackerel from Grenland Fjord area Analyses showed that there were low levels of heavy metals, brominated flame retardants (total PBDE and total HBCD), dioxins and dioxin-like PCB in five pooled samples, each comprising five mackerel from the Grenland Fjord and surrounding areas along the coast of Telemark. The levels were comparable with the levels found in mackerel caught in the North Sea and the Norwegian Sea. Funding: Norwegian Food Safety Authority. Low levels of undesirable substances in Svolvær paste The sandwich filling called Svolvær paste contains fish liver. The levels of PCB in fish liver can vary, but the level is high enough for the Norwegian Food Safety Authority to advise children and women of child-bearing age or those who are breast feeding to avoid eating fish liver. NIFES has analysed the level of undesirable substances in pooled samples consisting of five tins of Svolvær paste. The level of PCB and other undesirable substanses were low in these samples and below the EU s upper limits, where these have been set. Funding: Norwegian Food Safety Authority. High dioxin levels in eel from the Grenland Fjord area NIFES has determined the content of the heavy metals cadmium and lead in 25 random samples of eel fillet from the Grenland area. The levels were below EU s upper limit. This was also the case for mercury. Nevertheless, the eel samples from the Grenland Fjord contained more mercury than eel samples taken from unpolluted areas. Measurements of dioxins and dioxin-like PCBs in the same eel samples showed levels of these substances exceeding EU s upper limit of 12 ng TE per kilo. In the samples from the Eidanger Fjord the level of total dioxins was more than 10 times higher than the EU s upper limit of 4 ng TE per kilo. The level of dioxins and mercury in the eel samples which were analysed, particularly the level in the eels caught in the Eidanger Fjord, indicates that there is a source of pollution in the area. 43

44 Research News from NIFES The Norwegian Food Safety Authority has given a dietary advice for the Grenland Fjord, which includes a recommendation to avoid consuming eel from specific areas. The Directorate of Fisheries stopped all eel fishing in August 2009 and has placed a total ban on eel fishing from The ban applies to both recreational and professional fishing. Funding: Norwegian Food Safety Authority. Low levels of undesirable substances and varying microbiological quality in sushi NIFES has analysed the level of undesirable substances in a total of 25 samples of sushi from restaurants and retailers in Bergen and Trondheim. Each sushi sample consisted of a 44

45 mixture of different seafood products, rice, vegetables, condiments and, in some cases, sauces. Undesirable substanses The content of undesirable substances was low in all of the samples analysed, and the levels of heavy metals, the PAH compound benzo(a)pyrene, dioxins and dioxin-like PCBs were below EU s upper limits for these substances. The level of the undesirable substanses which were the subject of the analysis (arsenic, inorganic arsenic, tributyltin, several PAH compounds, PCB, DDT and other chlorated pesticides as well as bromated flame retardants) were very low, and in many cases below the quantification limit. No upper limits have been established by the EU for these compounds. No traces of drug residues (seven different compounds) were found in any of the 13 samples analysed. Listeria, enterococci, E.coli and Salmonella Listeria monocytogenes is a bacterium which is commonly found in nature and occurs occasionally in seafood. In rare cases it can give rise to the disease listeriosis in humans and animals. In 2009 a total of 50 sushi samples were analysed for L. monocytogenes, and each sushi sample consisted of a mixture of different seafood products, rice, vegetables, condiments and, in some cases, sauces. The bacterium was found in 20% of the samples. In all of the positive samples, the number of bacteria was less than 10 bacteria per gram, and thus well below EU s upper limit of 100 bacteria per gram of fresh food product. This upper limit is valid at the end of the shelf life and assumes that the product is intended for consumption by healthy adults. Given the short shelf life stated for sushi, the scope for L. monocytogenes to replicate itself is limited. E. coli and enterococci are used as indicator organisms for faecal pollution, and thus a possible health risk. E. coli was found in a total of 18 of the 50 samples analysed, indicating that there is scope for improving the hygienic standard in the production of sushi. In an international context, bacteria related to the Salmonella genus are among the commonest causes of infections from food products. However, only very rarely do seafood products produced in Norway contain Salmonella, and none of the 50 sushi samples analysed contained this bacterium. Some parasites, such as the intestinal worm (Nematoda), can represent a threat to human health, but no parasites were found in any of the samples examined. Funding: Norwegian Food Safety Authority. 45

46 Research News from NIFES Monitoring of shellfish Shellfish have a special ability to accumulate metals. They may therefore have relatively high levels of undesirable metals such as cadmium, lead and inorganic arsenic. In June 2008 the Norwegian Food Safety Authority published a dietary advice related to the consumption of scallops and horse mussels due to the high level of both cadmium in the digestive gland of scallops as well as lead and cadmium in the kidney of the horse mussel. NIFES carries out microbiological analysis of the presence of E. coli, enterococci and Salmonella, as well as chemical analyses of undesirables (metals, DDT, PCB, dioxins, polybrominated flame retardants and PAH) in shellfish and crab on behalf of the Norwegian Food Safety Authority. However, the data basis is still unsatisfactory for shellfish, with the possible exception of the blue mussel. Based on random sampling, the examinations show a generally low level of undesirable substances, and a mainly good microbiological quality of shellfish. Mainly good microbiological quality of shellfish Shellfish can absorb gastrointestinal bacteria such as E. coli, enterococci and Salmonella if they are found in the water where the The data basis is still unsatisfactory for shellfish, with the possible exception of the blue mussel. Based on random sampling, the examinations show a generally low level of undesirable substances, and a mainly good microbiological quality of shellfish shellfish grow. Analyses of E. coli and enterococci are used to identify faecal pollution, and thus possible health risks. Among a total of 388 samples analysed for E. coli, 337 (87 %) had concentrations which were below the limit for classification as an A-location, which means that they can be taken directly for consumption. Concentrations of E. coli corresponding to a B-location were found in 46 samples, while the level found in five samples corresponded to a C-location. Shellfish from B- and C- locations must be replaced or heat treated before they can be sold. Enterococci were found in eight of the 388 samples analysed. There are more than 2500 variants of Salmonella bacteria. Many of them cause infection in humans, and foodstuffs should therefore not contain Salmonella bacteria. Salmonella was not found in any of the 61 samples analysed. Funding: Norwegian Food Safety Authority. 46

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48 Research News from NIFES Low level of undesirable substances in shellfish NIFES monitors the level of undesirable substances in several species of shellfish. In 2008, 62 samples of blue mussel were taken from 36 different locations along the entire coast. The level of metals in blue mussel was the same as previous years, and none of the heavy metals cadmium, mercury or lead were in concentrations that exceeded EU s upper limit. The levels of dioxins and dioxin-like PCB, PCB 7 and bromated flame retardants were low in the nine blue mussel samples that were analysed for these substances. Previously, high levels of cadmium and lead have been found in the horse mussel kidney, as well as high concentrations of cadmium in the digestive gland of the scallop. The Norwegian Food Safety Authority has therefore published dietary advice recommending the public to avoid eating the kidney from horse mussels and the dietary tract of scallops. Monitoring of horse mussels involved analysis of the entire soft parts, while only the mussel and roe of the scallops were analysed (most commonly consumed in Norway). The two horse mussel samples which were analysed had a cadmium level above EU s upper limit of 1.0 mg per kilo, while the level of lead was below the limit of 1.5 mg per kilo. This underpin the importance of following the dietary advice from the Norwegian Food Safety Authority with respect to scallops and horse mussel. The levels of polyaromatic hydrocarbons (PAH) were below the quantification limit for horse mussel. The muscle and roe of the analysed scallops had a generally low level of both heavy metals and PAH. Funding: Norwegian Food Safety Authority. Grading oyster quality In the European market, the flat oyster is considered to be the most exclusive species of oyster. Norway has never had a strong home market for oysters, and nor is there any quality standard for the flat oyster. In cooperation with several other institutions, NIFES has carried out a study of seasonal variations in quality at three locations by Bømlo in Sunnhordland. The work was based on simplified, but practical methods whereby the visual degree of fullness, the sweetness of taste and the mineral taste were all assessed on a scale with defined categories. Tasting was done by two shellfish researchers from the Marine Research Institute and NIFES. This was done in a rudimentary fashion which made it possible to assess more than 600 oysters over 10 different time periods, and within a limited budget. The visual degree of fullness was considered to be the most appropriate quality target for practical use in the oyster industry. A tool in the form of a chart with text and photo has been developed for this purpose. Some instruction and experience is required 48

49 to be able to judge the oyster effectively with regard to the visual degree of fullness. The advantage is that the method is quick and has direct relevance for the quality in the sense that the visual impression is an important part of the quality. The results from the study of seasons show that the visual degree of fullness is well correlated with the sweetness of taste. Most of the oysters were good, but nevertheless the results show a clear connection with the time of year, with the quality peaking around Christmas time. In collaboration with: Bømlo Skjell AS, Vest i havet AS and Institute of Marine Research. Photo: Arne Duinker 49

50 Research News from NIFES Environment and effect on seafood safety How are cod in a seawater inlet in Bergen affected by environmental pollutants? In the process of establishing biomarkers for environmental pollutants in fish and studying how these substances affect fish health and seafood safety, researchers at NIFES have examined the gene expression in cod from the Store Lungegårdsvann, a seawater recipient in Bergen. This is an area defined as relatively polluted, with considerable amounts of organic environmental pollutants in the sediments. Cod sampled at this location was compared with cod from the outer Hardanger Fjord, which is not considered to be a polluted area. The genes examined code for proteins known to respond to environmental pollutants often found in sewage and surface drainage water in urban areas. The findings showed that cod in the Store Lungegårdsvann are exposed to organic environmental pollutants which affect the expression of genes which are important for the detoxification mechanisms of the cod. The expression of two of these genes differs in the male and the female cod. The results indicated that the male cod are affected by environmental oestrogens. These are substances which mimic natural oestrogen in the body and which have a disturbing effect on natural hormonal processes. The effects may be due to organic environmental pollutants or the discharge of The findings showed that cod in the Store Lungegårdsvann are exposed to organic environmental pollutants which affect the expression of genes which are important for the detoxification mechanisms of the cod sewage and indicates a stress response in the cod. Follow-up studies with measurement of the proteins which these genes code for are necessary before it can be determined whether these gene expressions can be used as biomarkers for environmental pollutants in fish. In collaboration with: University of Bergen. Funding: Research Council of Norway. What is meant by gene expression? All cells in the body have a cell nucleus which contains DNA. The DNA contains genetic sequences which define the structure of different proteins with different functions. For a protein to be created, the DNA must undergo a process whereby the genetic sequences are transcribed to mrna, which is transported out of the cell nucleus. The term gene expression means the amount of mrna in a cell or a tissue at a given time. 50

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52 Research News from NIFES Does oil production affect the reproductive pattern of the cod? Environments can contain environmental pollutants which can have various effects on fish health and wellbeing. Alkylphenols are components of crude oil. They are found in produced water, which is the water that is produced along with the recovered crude oil. These substances, known as tensides, are used in a number of products, including detergents. There are several kinds of alkylphenols. Some of them are long-chain compounds which may be the cause of hormonal disturbances. Researchers at NIFES have analysed the expression of vitellogenins (female egg yolk proteins) in female cod exposed to environmentally relevant doses of alkylphenols. The results showed that the production of these proteins decreased when the female cod were exposed to alkylphenols, and at the same time the maturing process of the gonads is delayed. This means that the reproductive pattern of the cod is delayed, and if this period is prolonged it will have significance for the number of fish larvae that survive. In collaboration with: Marine Research Institute. Funding: Research Council of Norway. Combination effects of environmental pollutants in salmon Novel substances and products are continuously being produced and new pollutants are released in nature, adding to those that already exist. Animals and humans are commonly exposed to the combined effects of these pollutants through food, air and water, and in order to protect us against environmental pollutants in food they are subject to risk assessments. Dioxins and dioxin-like PCBs are environmental pollutants which break down slowly in nature and may have detrimental effects. Over the last 20 years attempts to combat pollution have greatly reduced the level of these substances in food products. The toxicity of environmental pollutants is known to vary, depending on whether they act together or alone, but we have little understanding of the way dioxins and dioxinlike PCB affect their respective toxicities. Environmental pollutants can accumulate in fish and other animals. The liver is the main detoxification organ of the fish. The expression of genes from liver cells says something about which cell mechanisms are affected. In one study, liver cells from salmon were exposed to either non-dioxinlike PCB (PCB 138), or the dioxins pentachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (1,2,3,7,8- PCDD) and tetrachlorodibenzofuran (2,3,7,8,-TCDF) alone, or a mixture. It was seen that the two dioxin compounds were less toxic when acting together than separately, while the non-dioxin-like PCB138 and dioxin were more toxic when acting together than separately. 52

53 For several dioxin-like compounds toxicity is measured using Toxic Equivalent Factors (TEFs). TEFs gives an indication of the relative toxicity of a dioxin-like environmental pollutants compared to the dioxin compound 2,3,7,8 -TCDD, which is known to be most toxic. When mixtures of several dioxin-like environmental pollutants are assessed, the concentration of each substance is multiplied by its TEF- value and the sum of these values is used as a measure of how potentially toxic the mixture is given in toxic equivalent, TEQs. PCB 138 has not been assigned a TEF since it is not a dioxin-like PCB. The study therefore shows that in some situations the TEQ may underestimate the toxicity of compounds when they are present in a mixture. As the study was carried out on liver cells the results are not necessarily representative for the whole fish. Likewise, changes at the mrna level do not necessarily reflect effects on proteins in the cells. Nevertheless, the results give some indication of which mechanisms are affected in the liver cells, and in this respect cells can be used as a tool to identify possible effects before conducting studies with live animals. Funding: Research Council of Norway and Ministry of Fisheries and Coastal Affairs. 53

54 Research News from NIFES 54

55 Interactions between environmental pollutants and nutrients Risk-benefit assessments from several countries have concluded that seafood is safe and healthy and is a natural part of a healthy and varied diet. Nevertheless, these assessments highlight the need for more research in order to understand how nutrients and contaminants in seafood interact, and what their overall effects are on our health. This knowledge together with dietary surveys will help us to develop targeted recommendations related to seafood consumption. Is mercury toxicity affected by nutrients in the fish? Fish and other seafood are a good source of several nutrients, such as selenium, but may also contain methyl mercury, one of the most toxic forms of mercury in nature. Through analysis of behaviour and gene expression in the brain, researchers at NIFES have previously shown effects on gene expression in the brain of offspring from mice which had been fed different chemical forms of methyl mercury in the feed. Gene expression was most affected by protein-bound methyl mercury in the feed. Changes in the brain as a result of exposure to mercury affected motor skills and behaviour. The combined effects of selenium and protein-bound methyl mercury on brain development, behaviour and motor skills have been assesed in offspring of dams fed diets containing either selenium or mercury or both selenium and mercury during gestation and lactation. Results from these studies showed that if the mice were given both protein-bound methyl mercury and selenium in the feed, the selenium protected the young mice against the negative effects of protein-bound methyl mercury. A feeding trial has been conducted to determine whether the composition of nutrients in different fish species gives protection against the toxic effect of proteinbound methyl mercury in young mice. Dams were fed a mercury-containing salmon-based or cod-based feed during gestation and lactation. Again, the effects on gene expression in the offsprings brain, and their motor skills and behaviour will be analysed. In collaboration with: Kings College London, NTNU, University of Canterbury, New Zealand. Funding: EUs 6th framework programme project Aquamax, the Research Council of Norway and the Ministry of Fisheries and Coastal Affairs. Zebrafish Zebrafish are commonly used as a model 55

56 Research News from NIFES system for the study of biological development. Researchers at NIFES are studying how mercury affects the development of the nervous system in embryos when the zebrafish has been exposed to feed containing mercury during gestation. Results to date show that mercury is transferred from the female to the embryo, and that nerve cells, which control the motor function showed development malformations in the embryo. Further studies will determine whether selenium can counteract these malformations when female fish are given feed containing both mercury and selenium. Knowledge of how environmental pollutants in feed affect fish development is important in order to safeguard fish health and food safety for the consumers. In collaboration with: National Research Institute of Fisheries Science, Japan. Funding: Research Council of Norway and the Fishery and Aquaculture Industry Research Fund. Seafood may contain methylmercury, but usually in concentrations that are considerably lower than the EU s upper limit for mercury in fish of 0.5 mg per kilo of fillet for most species and 1 mg per kilo for some predatory fish species, such as tuna and Atlantic halibut. 56

57 Interactions between nutrients in salmon and PCB Many pregnant women avoid eating fish during pregnancy due to environmental pollutants that may be present in seafood that could potentially damage the foetus. However, seafood is a source of many important nutrients, such as omega-3 fatty acids which we know are important for the development of the brain. There are 209 different PCB compounds. PCBs are fat-soluble and are found in oily fish and other seafood. Long term exposure to PCB can weaken the immune system, affect reproductive ability, lead to the development of cancer, and disturb the body s hormone balance. The foetus and infants are most vulnerable to negative effects of PCB. PCB-153 is one of the most commonly occurring forms of PCB in the environment. In order to determine the effect of this substance on the development of young mice, researchers at NIFES have carried out preliminary feeding trials where gestating and lactating dams were given PCB-153 in different types of feeds (either casein- or fish-based). The purpose was to determine whether nutrients in the salmon had any ameliorating effect on PCB-153. The fish-based feed did not lead to a lower accumulation of PCB-153 in the mothers compared with the results from a feed based on milk protein. It was shown that PCB-153 was effectively transferred to the offspring and was present in their liver and fatty tissues. Fish-based feed provided limited protection against the transfer of PCB-153 from mother to young, compared with a previous trial carried out at NIFES, where mice were given fish-based feed containing the brominated flame retardant PBDE-47. Results also indicate that there was little difference between the behaviour of offspring from mice that had been given casein-based feed containing PCB-153 versus offspring of mice fed on fish-based feed containing PCB Increased knowledge regarding interactions between nutrients and contaminants in seafood contributes to risk-benefit assessments by national and international bodies such as the Norwegian Scientific Committee for Food Safety, and the European Food Safety Authority and to provide science-based dietary advice for susceptible consumer groups, such as pregnant and breast-feeding women, and infants. In collaboration with: Kings College, London and Instituto Superiore di Sanità, Italy. Funding: EU s 6th Framework Programme project Aquamax, Ministry of Fisheries and Coastal Affairs and Research Council of Norway. Salmon silage is a possible source of bioactive components By developing functional food, a dietary supplement over and above basic 57

58 Research News from NIFES requirements, it is possible to influence one or more of the body s processes in a beneficial way and thus improve health and reduce the risk of illness. An example of functional food is food to which so-called bioactive peptides have been supplemented. One source of peptides from seafood is protein fractions that can be extracted from salmon silage following salmon production. To determine whether salmon silage contains bioactive components, it is necessary to analyse the level of undesirable substances in the protein fractions. A high level of undesirables is unfavourable if bioactive peptides are to be used in the future production of food. NIFES has therefore examined different protein fractions and found that the level of undesirables was low. The Institute has also initiated a feed trial where mice are given these protein fractions in the feed in order to determine whether they have a negative effect on health. In collaboration with: University of Bergen. Funding: NordForsk, the Nordic research councils, Ministry of Fisheries and Coastal Affairs. Do plant oils in feed affect intake of mercury by salmon? Plant oils and plant proteins are currently used as alternatives to marine raw materials in fish feed. Fish and other seafood may also contain environmental pollutants and other undesirable substances, which could represent a challenge to fish health and food safety. We have limited understanding of the way positive and negative components in seafood interact and what effect they have on fish and thus on food safety. In order to establish whether plant oils in the feed limited or increased the intake of environmental pollutants from feed, researchers at NIFES carried out a feeding trial where salmon were given feed where the main component was either plant oils or fish oils, both with high methyl mercury present in the feed. Methyl mercury is a harmful mercury compound that may be present in seafood. However, it is important to note that levels of methyl mercury in farmed salmon are low. The results showed that the source of fat in the feed had no significance for the intake of methyl mercury in the fillet. In other words, neither plant oils nor fish oils in the feed protect the salmon against exposure to mercury through the feed. Funding: Research Council of Norway and Ministry of Fisheries and Coastal Affairs. The marine omega-3 fatty acid EPA protects cells against mercury Laboratory cell cultures are an effective tool to determine which biological and genetic mechanisms are affected by various kinds of nutrients and undesirable substances. Researchers at NIFES have carried out a study where kidney cells from salmon were exposed to a mixture of methylmercury and, respectively, the marine omega-3 fatty acid EPA, the marine omega-3 fatty acid DHA, or the omega-6 fatty acid arachidonic acid. 58

59 The cells were compared with cells that had only been exposed to methyl mercury. The study showed that more cells die when they are exposed to a mixture of DHA and methyl mercury, rather than methyl mercury alone. The opposite was the case when the cells were exposed to a mixture of EPA and methyl mercury. The combination of the omega-6 fatty acid arachidonic acid and methyl mercury had no effect on the number of viable cells, compared to the cells that were only exposed to methyl mercury. Work is now in progess to establish which biological and genetic mechanisms are involved, in order to understand how EPA protects the cells against the negative effect of methylmercury. Funding: Research Council of Norway and Ministry of Fisheries and Coastal Affairs. 59

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61 Can seafood provide protection against lifestyle diseases? One of the biggest health challenges facing the Western world today relates to poor diet (including too much saturated fat and sugar), in addition to insufficient exercise. The World Health Organisation (WHO) is very concerned with this development and has increased its focus on the rapid growth of lifestyle diseases, which is also related to poor nutritional status. Lifestyle diseases include cardiovascular diseases, obesity, osteoporosis and mental disorders. The prevention of lifestyle diseases through a healthier diet, more physical activity and quitting smoking will be highly prioritised item on the WHO agenda: Engaging for health. A global health agenda (WHO). Populations at large are generally advised to increase the consumption of fish and other seafood, and better documentation underpinning the beneficial health effects of eating seafood, will make an important contribution to achieving the goal of a higher intake of seafood. According to A comprehensive assessment of fish and seafood in the Norwegian diet published by the Norwegian Scientific Committee for Food Safety, it is so far mainly the positive effect of marine omega-3 on cardiovascular diseases that has been sufficiently documented. This is largely because many studies have focused, on cod liver oil or fish oil, and not on the fish itself. Seafood contains a unique combination of nutrients; proteins, vitamins, minerals and marine omega-3 fatty acids, and NIFES conduct research to understand the health effects from consuming seafood. Populations at large are generally advised to increase the consumption of fish and other seafood, and better documentation underpinning the beneficial health effects of eating seafood will make an important contribution to achieving the goal of a higher intake of seafood 61

62 Research News from NIFES Obesity and diabetes Fat combined with sugar or starch plays a role in the development of obesity The positive effects of fish oil on health are well known, but presently the scientific documentation of the effects of fish oil on obesity is relatively limited. NIFES is therefore also engaged in research to determine whether proteins, sugar and other types of carbohydrates affect the development of obesity when they are consumed along with fish oil. Previous feeding trials carried out at NIFES have shown that mice which were given fish oil and sugar together became considerably more obese than those which were given a combination of fish oil and large quantities of protein. The level of calories in the feed types was identical. The institute has now carried out a 62

63 corresponding feed trial where the mice were given either fructose or glucose in combination with fish oil in order to determine whether the increase in weight was related to one or the other of these carbohydrates. The mice which were given fish oil and glucose together put on weight, while those that were given fructose and fish oil accumulated fat in the liver, which plays a vital role in fat metabolism. One other feed trial was carried out on mice. This time the mice were given fish oil along with two different kinds of starch, one with a high and one with a low glycemic index. The calorie content in both feed types was identical. Starch which is sugar, a type of carbohydrate, is found in a number of food products. Processed types of starch have a high glycemic index and increase blood sugar. The mice which were given fish oil and starch with a high glycemic index became more obese than those which were given a mixture of starch with a low glycemic index and fish oil in the feed. The reason for the development of obesity might be that the level of the hormone insulin rises when the mice eat different types of carbohydrates. Insulin plays an important role in the metabolism and storage of energy (mainly in the form of fat) in the body. In order to investigate whether insulin production is instrumental in the development of obesity in mice, a feed trial is to be started which will be identical to the feed trial where the mice were given a combination of fish oil and sucrose or fish oil and protein. But this time some of the mice will also be given a substance that inhibits the production of insulin. In collaboration with: University of Copenhagen, University of Bergen and Beijing Genome Institute. Funding: Research Council of Denmark. Glycemic index It serves as a measure or ranking of foods according to how fast and high the blood sugar rises after a meal. Do mice get fatter from a yo-yo diet? People who slim repeatedly by going on low calorie diets claim that they put on weight quicker and weigh more when they have completed the diet. To test whether this has a physiological explanation, NIFES has been studying fat storage in mice which have been given a diet rich in sugar and fat, alternating with a low calorie diet over some time. The fat storage in these mice was compared with mice which had received a continuous diet with a high fat and sugar content. Despite the fact that the mice that had been on the yo-yo diet had eaten fewer overall calories than the mice that ate the same diet over the entire period, both groups weighed exactly the same. The yo-yo mice probably produce more fat cells as a result of hunger, and NIFES will assess why this happens. In collaboration with: University of Copenhagen. Funding: Research Council of Denmark. 63

64 Research News from NIFES Proteins from marine sources and insulin resistance A diet with too much fat increases the risk of developing insulin resistance. Insulin resistance can lead to type II diabetes. In a previous study, NIFES showed that hydrolysed salmon proteins in the feed have a protective effect against obesity and insulin resistance in rats, and the Institute has now started a study to determine how different types of marine proteins affect insulin resistance in mice. In this study, the mice were given feed containing either proteins from whale or salmon, or milk proteins. In collaboration with: University of Copenhagen and INSERM. Funding: Research Council of Norway. The diet is important both before and after giving birth, but Norwegian women who are at a reproductive age and pregnant consume little seafood Mental health Can seafood help for postnatal depression? Previous studies have shown that there may be a link between seafood in the diet and mental health. Postnatal depression affects 10-15% of mothers in Norway. The diet is important both before and after giving birth, but Norwegian women who are at a reproductive age and pregnant consume little seafood. At the same time, it is perhaps these women who need it most, since they are carrying a child whose nutrition comes from the mother. NIFES will be carrying out a study to determine how diet can affect both the mental health of the mother during and after pregnancy and the development of the child after birth. The aim is to find out whether more seafood in the diet can lead to a better nutritional status and fewer mental disorders among mothers, and to study the significance this can have for the child. We will also be examining vitamin D, vitamin B12 and the iodine status of the pregnant women in both the prenatal and postnatal period. These are nutrients that are important for the health of both the mother and the child. I In the last trimester of the pregnancy and in the period until the infant is one year old we will keep a record of the food that is eaten by the mother, the father and the child, and we will take biological samples of both the mother and the child. Recruitment to the project started in autumn In collaboration with: The regional centre for the mental health of children and adolescents (Uni Helse/RBUP Vest) and the Municipality of Fjell. Funding: Programme Board for Nutrition, University of Bergen and Ministry of Fisheries and Coastal Affairs. 64

65 Cardiovascular diseases Eating salmon reduces the risk of cardiovascular disease Many studies have confirmed the positive effect of a supplement of marine omega-3 fatty acids in people suffering from cardiovascular diseases. This knowledge is well established, but in most of these studies fish oil capsules have been used. NIFES is therefore studying how marine omega-3 fatty acids from fish affect this group of people. In 2008 NIFES finished an eating trial where Chinese men participated at risk for developing cardiovascular/lifestyle diseases. The aim was to study how fatty fish affects the risk of developing cardiovascular/lifestyle diseases in high risk groups. The result from this study showed that consuming salmon which is rich in omega-3 and other important nutrients had a positive effect on the 65

66 Research News from NIFES participants health parameters. In 2009 the Institute started recruiting Chinese women for a corresponding eating trial. In collaboration with: Institute for Nutrition and Food Safety, Beijing, China. Funding: Research Council of Norway, Norwegian Seafood Export Council, Ministry of Fisheries and Coastal Affairs. Back and joint pains Do marine oils help against back pains? Muscular and skeletal pains are common among the public at large, accounting for half of the cases of long-term sick leave in Norway. NIFES studies how cognitive treatment or dietary supplements affect patients who are on sick leave due to chronic lower back pains ( The aim is to get the patients back to work, and to examine pain alleviation. All of the patients will receive short-term cognitive specialist treatment that is standardised and quality-assured. The treatment includes thorough medical examinations, advice on physical activity and how to come to terms with the complaints. The patients will then be split into four different groups. One group of patients will receive no further supplementary treatment. The patients in group two will receive a longer course of behavioural therapy focused on thought and behaviour patterns related to the back pains. The last two groups will get a diet supplement in the form of capsules, either seal oil, which has been shown to reduce pain, or soy oil for control purposes, and administered on a double blind basis where neither patient nor the doctor know what has been given. Blood samples will be analysed for different fatty acids and the data will be compared with information about the patients consumption of seafood. In collaboration with: Uni Helse, University of Bergen, and clinics/hospitals in various parts of Norway. Funding: Ministry of Fisheries and Coastal Affairs. NIFES studies how cognitive treatment or dietary supplements affect patients who are on sick leave due to chronic lower back pains 66

67 Whale and seal oil alleviate joint pains Joint pains due to inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) are often difficult to treat as the medicines normally used for joint pains may make IBD worse. Marine oils are rich in the fatty acid EPA which has an antiinflammatory effect. Under a study carried out at NIFES, 18 patients were given seal or whale oil for 10 days. The oil was administered directly into the small intestine where the inflammation is localised. Both groups experienced a reduction in the pain and a better quality of life after taking the oil. The results also showed that the patients who had been given seal oil had a lower level of PEG2, which is a biomarker for inflammation and pain, after they had taken the oil for 10 days. This was not equally clear, however, in the patient group which had been given whale oil, possible because the level of EPA in whale oil is lower than in seal oil. The results are in line with findings from studies where 67

68 Research News from NIFES patients have been drinking fish oil for 14 days. As both seal oil and whale oil contain less marine omega-3 fatty acids, it is therefore possible that there are also other components in whale and seal oil which contribute to the positive effect. In collaboration with: Haukeland University Hospital, University of Bergen. Funding: University of Bergen, Haukeland University Hospital, Fishery and Aquaculture Industry Research Fund, Ministry of Fisheries and Coastal Affairs. Oxidised omega-3 products do they affect our health? In a project funded by the Food Research Programme, of the Research Council of Norway, NIFES will examine whether there are negative health effects associated with eating rancid fish oil. It seems obvious that fresh fish oil is healthier than rancid fish oil, but the effects are not well documented. Both consumers, the government and the industry are interested to know more about how omega-3 from different products may be absorbed in the body and which criteria should be followed with respect to freshness. The studies will make use of cell experiments, animal experiments and human eating trials. In collaboration with: University of Oslo, University of Uppsala. Funding: Research Council of Norway, Ministry of Fisheries and Coastal Affairs, Smartfish AS, Marine Harvest Ingredients. Bone health Vitamin D in fish fillet what is its significance for bone health? Throughout life, the calcium in our bones is constantly replaced. When less calcium replaces the calcium that is lost, our bones become weaker and more brittle and we are more exposed to fractures. Persons with the early symptoms of osteoporosis are advised to take a calcium and vitamin D supplement. Fatty fish and fish liver, as well as some other seafoods, are the only natural sources of vitamin D in our diet. Vitamin D increases the absorption of calcium in the intestine and is necessary to regulate the body s calcium balance. Vitamin K appears to ensure that calcium is taken up in the bone tissue. NIFES has produced salmon enriched with vitamins D and K which has been used in an eating trial involving women in the menopause who are especially susceptible to osteoporosis. In the 68

69 salmon, vitamin D is converted into active metabolites, and the aim of the trial is to see if vitamin D and vitamin D metabolites have a better effect on bone health when they are taken up through the salmon rather than when vitamin D is taken in pill form. Three groups made up of 123 participants in all were given salmon with different levels of vitamins D and K, while one group was given vitamin D and calcium as a diet supplement. The amount of vitamin D and K was measured before and after the consumption of salmon or the supplement in order to determine whether the enriched salmon had an effect on the women s vitamin status. The bone metabolism rate (the rate at which calcium is replaced in bone) was also measured. The results indicate that there is a difference between the different groups, but it is still too early to state the cause of the difference. Search yourself! Do you want to know the content of environmental pollutants and nutrients in Norwegian commercial fish species? Take a look at the searchable database on In collaboration with: Skretting, University of Bergen (Haukeland University Hospital). Funding: Research Council of Norway, Ministry of Fisheries and Coastal Affairs. 69

70 Research News from NIFES Aquamax Fourteen countries with a total of 33 partners have participated in the four-year project Aquamax, which is headed by NIFES. The full name of the project is Sustainable AquaFeeds to Maximise the Health Benefits of Farmed Fish for Consumers and it will be concluded in The project is integrated in the EU s 6th Framework Programme, and the countries participating which are outside the EU are Norway, India and China. The project has an overall cost framework of 15 million. Aquamax has provided the opportunity to prepare various tailor-made feeds using alternative raw materials for farmed salmon, rainbow trout, sea bass, sea bream and carp. The aim has been to arrive at a plant based feed which is good for both the fish and the consumers. A number of trials have been carried out, covering the entire value chain from the fjord to the dinner table. The research has resulted in important new knowledge about the nutritional needs of the fish, and about fish as safe and health food. Cholesterol in salmon is reduced by plant raw materials in the feed This project has shown that it is possible to replace 70

71 70% of the fish oil and 80% of the marine proteins in traditional salmon feed by plant raw materials without this being at the expense of the salmon s nutritional requirements. The level of nutrients in plant based raw materials and marine raw materials differ, but there are also other components in plant raw materials which may affect fish health. Various animal models have also shown that certain components in plants affect the level of cholesterol in the blood, and among these are phytosteroles which have the effect of reducing cholesterol in humans. The project showed that the level of phytosteroles in the salmon s blood increased as the proportion of plants in the feed increased, and the level of cholesterol in the salmon s blood fell as the amount of plants in the feed was increased. The research has resulted in important new knowledge about the nutritional requirement of the fish, and about fish as safe and health food However, as the level of phytosteroles in the fillet was relatively low, the level of cholesterol in the consumer will not be affected to any appreciable extent by eating salmon fed on plant-based feed. High cholesterol is a risk factor for cardiovascular diseases in humans, and NIFES will now do research to determine how phytosteroles affect heart health in salmon. This is part of a new project aimed at analysing heart health and obesity, in both salmon given plant-based feed, and in humans who consume this salmon. Lower level of heavy metals, PCB, dioxins and bromated flame retardants Several environmental pollutants degrade very slowly and accumulate in living organisms. These substances are also found in fish and other seafood. Marine feed products contain more organic environmental contaminants such as PCB, dioxins and brominated flame retardants, also called Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs), than plant raw materials. These substances are fatsoluble and are found in fish oil. Fish meals are a potential source of heavy metals. However, plant raw materials may also contain other undesirable substances which are not found in marine raw materials. NIFES has examined the transfer of different undesirable sustances from feed to fish in the entire production cycle for salmon which were given a traditional marine based feed, or a feed containing 70% plant oils and 80% plant protein. It was found that using plant raw materials reduced the content of POPs in salmon fillet by 51 82%, while the level of arsenic and mercury fell by 80 90%. However, the level of polyaromatic hydrocarbons (PAH) was significantly higher in the fillet from salmon that had been given plant-based feed compared with salmon that had consumed a feed containing marine raw materials. The results show that the use of plant based raw materials in the feed reduces the level of POPs in the fillet, but can increase the level of undesirable substances such as PAH which are found in plants. 71

72 Research News from NIFES Do women who eat fish have children who are free of allergic conditions? A steadily increasing number of children develop atopic eczema, asthma and other allergic conditions. Several scientific studies indicate that this is connected to a low omega-3 status among women during pregnancy. There is therefore reason to believe that the development of allergies has already started before the child is born. Programme 1: Sustainable feed This programme aims to develop novel aquafeeds enabling the production of healthy and contaminant free: carpe, rainbow trout, Atlantic salmon and seabream. Programme 2: Health benefits This programme will assess the human health benefits of fish produced on new feeds. Programme 3: Seafood safety This programme will assess the safety of fish farmed on the new feeds. Programme 4: Public perception This programme will assess public perception of farmed fish and devise a framework to communicate the risk and benefits of consuming farmed fish to the public and other other stakeholders. Under the Aquamax project pregnant women in the UK were given salmon for dinner twice a week, from the 21st week of pregnancy until birth takes place. Salmon contains especially low levels of environmental contaminants such as POPs and heavy metals, and more than enough omega-3 fatty acids to ensure that the women receive an amount corresponding to ISSFAL s recommended weekly intake of omega-3. The results so far indicate that the intake of salmon has had a good effect on the women s general nutritional status, and that both mother and child have an improved omega-3 status. This confirms that a healthy and varied diet is important for the mother s nutritional status. It is still too early to say whether the women s intake of salmon has any effect on the development of atopic eczema in the children. 72

73 NORAD collaboration project Collaborators from: - Norway - China - France - Sweden - Spain - Italy - United Kingdom - Estonia - Greece - Netherland - Hungary - Germany - India - Belgium p.eu The tropical island of Mauritius in the Indian Ocean wants to increase its fish farming activities. NIFES is providing competence to aid Mauritius in establishing appropriate legislation and monitoring of both fish, feed and medication. In 2008 NORAD initiated a 3-year programme of collaboration between Norway and Mauritius. The aim of the project is a transfer of competence in the management of fisheries and fish farming activities. By participating in working meetings and providing guidance, NIFES has helped to enhance the level of public management in Mauritius and to establish monitoring systems for the island s fish farming activities. This includes the production of fish feed, the use of medication and control of residual medication in fish. At a working meeting held in May 2009 the agenda included fish nutrition, feed resources and feed regulations. At a new meeting in January 2010 the focus was on laboratory control of feed, quality assurance, sampling, reviews of international regulations and the introduction of national regulations for the use of medication and controls in Mauritius. In collaboration with: Centre for Development Cooperation in Fisheries (CDCF), Institute of Marine Research, Directorate of Fisheries and Ministry of Agri Industry and Fisheries (MAIF) on Mauritius. Funding: NORAD. 73

74 Research News from NIFES 74

75 Method development undesirable substances and nutrients NIFES: A national reference laboratory NIFES is accredited in accordance with the ISO-NS standard, and complies with obligations set under the EEA Agreement pursuant to its status as a national reference laboratory (NRL) for the determination of pollutants, nutrients and microbiological content in accordance with the following directives: Dir. 96/23EC Measures to monitor substances and residues (only in aquaculture products), Dir. 92/117/EEC Monitoring of zoonoses and zoonotic agents (only parasites in marine organisms), Dir. 01/492 and 79/023 Blue mussel directive, Dir. 2002/32/EC of 7 May 2002 Undesirable substances in feed, Regulations 1831/2003 Food additives (only for fish feed), Commission Regulation 466/2001 Limit values for contaminants in food. The obligations which NIFES has as NRL is related to Control Regulation 882/2004, art. 33 and include cooperation with the Community Reference Laboratory (CRL). If there are several national reference laboratories (NRL) in an area, they are required to cooperate. As a national reference laboratory, NIFES has a responsibility to arrange national laboratory tests, analyse random samples from accredited laboratories, give professional advice and guidance within the reference function area, give advice about accreditation of analyses and engage in method development and method adjustment. The laboratory is also required to be updated on the international development of methods within the reference function area. Renewed accreditation status for NIFES NIFES determines nutrients and undesirable substances in foodstuffs, mainly fish and other seafood, for the Norwegian authorities. Based on these data and research in the fields of aquaculture nutrition and human nutrition, seafood safety and surveillance, the Institute gives advice to the public sector, the food industry and regulatory bodies as part of the process of ensuring that it is safe and healthy to eat seafood. Norwegian accreditation is carried out annually, and every fifth year there is a thorough review of the quality system at the laboratories of NIFES. In 2009 the institute received renewal of its accreditation status for a further five years. This confirms that the activities of NIFES are in line with current standards and that the internal procedures at the laboratories ensure satisfactory traceability and control of data. The methods are also tested regularly on ringtests (interlaboraty proficiency test) which give an indication of how the methods perform compared with corresponding methods at external laboratories. Norwegian accreditation requires that accredited companies take part in ring tests. NIFES currently has around 70 accredited methods of analysing different undesirable substances and nutrients in foodstuffs, including fish and seafood. NIFES also has a 75

76 Research News from NIFES number of accredited microbiological methods of identifying parasites, residual medication and bacteria in seafood and seafood products. Method activity A common method has been developed for the collection of samples to be analysed for organic environmental pollutants. Its area of application includes PCB, dioxin-like PCB, dioxins and brominated flame retardants. The method makes analysis work more effective. A common method has also been developed for the collection of samples to be analysed for pesticides. The method has been validated and is used in routine analyses. Several new methods have been developed for the analysis of undesirable substances and metals. This includes a new method of analysis for the minerals sodium, potassium, magnesium, calcium and phosphorus using ICPMS which has been developed and 76

77 validated. The method can be used to analyse for all five minerals at the same time. A method of determining the level of methyl mercury using isotope dilution GC-ICPMS has also been validated. NIFES has started work on the development of more selective and sensitive analysis methods for residual medicines. Steps are in hand to implement a new method for determining the presence of malachite green, crystal violet and brilliant green, as well as leukoforms of the two firstmentioned. NIFES has developed a method that can quantify 18 different PFAS compounds (perfluorated organic compounds). PFAS has been found in low concentrations in seafood. Several of them have not been found in seafood before. Fish and shellfish can take up PAH (polyaromatic hydrocarbons), also in the case of discharges from oil tankers. NIFES has therefore been working on the development of an effective and automated method of determining the different PAH compounds. NIFES has developed a method for identifying the fatty acid that is bound to glycerol in a specific position (position 2). The fatty acid can be identified in different marine oils, whale oils and seal oils. The method is automated and very effective. Research shows that it is the fatty acid in position 2 that has the greatest nutritional value. Cell cultures are among the tools used to understand how individual nutrients affect fish and humans. It is a tool which reduces the use of animal testing. NIFES has developed cell models which can be used to study the effects of different nutrients and undesirable substances on the immune system of salmon and cod. NIFES already has a cell model system to study the effect of environmental pollutants on the liver cells of salmon, but as different species react differently to contaminants the Institute has now developed a corresponding model system for liver cells from cod. This has not been done before. In order to understand how omega-3 and omega-6 in the diet affect the body s production of chemical messengers which increase or reduce inflammatory effects, there is a need to measure biomarkers in different cells and tissues. NIFES has previously developed a reproducible, rapid and simple method for identification of the biomarker PGE-2 (eicosanoid) in cells cultivated in the laboratory. Further development work is being carried out on this method so that it can also be used to measure biomarkers of this kind in other sample types. Funding: Ministry of Fisheries and Coastal Affairs 77

78 Research News from NIFES Aquaculture Nutrition NIFES has editorial responsibility for the scientific journal Aquaculture Nutrition, which is published by Wiley-Blackwell. The journal receives an increasing number of manuscripts to be assessed for publication, particularly from major aquaculture nations like China, India and Brazil. Wiley-Blackwell has a new website presenting both the publishing house and the journal, and the efficiency of the search engine has been improved. The journal currently has one chief editor and three coeditors. The steadily increasing number of articles in the journal, and the need to increase the number of pages, shows that Aquaculture Nutrition is an internationally recognised journal in the area of fish nutrition. Fiskesprell The action plan for a better diet among the public at large ( ) concluded, among other things, that the consumption of seafood by Norwegians is lower than it ideally should be, and children eat less fish than adults. It was because of this that the Fiskesprell project was started. It s aim is to increase the focus of fish consumption among children and young people, partly by integrating this topic in teaching activities in nurseries and in the Food & Health curriculum in secondary schools. The project is administrated by the Ministry of health and Care Services, the Ministry of Fisheries and Coastal Affairs, and the Norwegian Directorate for Health and Social Affairs, and is headed by the Norwegian Seafood Export Council. NIFES previously had responsibility for the nutritional aspects of the project through the booklets Fiskesprell for nursery personnel, "Fiskesprell, a teacher s guide for Food & Health in secondary schools" and "Fiskesprell, a study manual for the 9th and 10th grade. In 2009 the process of extending the project to include primary schools was started, and NIFES was responsible for designing the booklet Fiskesprell, a study manual for the 5th-7th grades. In conformity with the teaching plan, the contents are divided into Food & Lifestyle, Food & Consumption and Food & Culture. The booklet can be used separately or as a supplement to other teaching material. Several of the exercises in the booklet can also be used in other subject areas. Since February 2010 the project has been open to primary schools throughout Norway. 78

79 Teaching and education Teaching for the University of Bergen The University of Bergen offers education at both Master and PhD-level within aquaculture nutrition and human nutrition in collaboration with NIFES. Six of NIFES academic staff were affiliated to the University of Bergen being responsible for teaching 10 subjects throughout All together NIFES contributed with teaching in 13 subjects, giving about 90 credits. Fish Nutrition MAR 253 (10 ECTS) Seafood Microbiology MAR 255 (10 ECTS) Food Chemistry and Analysis MAR 352 (15 ECTS) Food Toxicology MAR 353 (10 ECTS) Macro - and micro nutrients NUTR 207 (10 ECTS) Human Nutrition - Macro nutrients NUTR 300 (10 ECTS) Human Nutrition - Micro nutrients NUTR 301 (10 ECTS) Human nutrition - Digestion NUTR 302 (10 ECTS) Human nutrition Methods in Nutrition Analysis NUTR 310 (5 ECTS) The structure and function of lipids HUCEL367A (5 ECTS) 79

80 consumption. The Institute is independent and publishes the results of its research nationally and internationally. The National Institute of Nutrition and Seafood Research (NIFES) is a research institute with administrative duties, affiliated to the Norwegian Ministry of Fisheries and Coastal Affairs. The institute gives research-based advice to the government, food authorities and the aquaculture- and fishery industries in matters concerning fishfeed, health and safety aspects of seafood NIFES has modern laboratory facilities including a laboratory for nutrient analysis, a laboratory for analysing undesirable substances and a molecular biology laboratory. The institute functions as a national reference laboratory for a number of methods and has approx. 70 accredited methods in accordance with Norwegian standard NS-EN ISO/IEC In collaboration with NIFES, the University of Bergen offers education at bachelor- master- and PhD levels in the fields of human nutrition and fish nutrition. In addition, NIFES hosts apprentices in laboratory work. NIFES holds the editorial responsibility for the international periodical Aquaculture Nutrition. w w w. r e i n e l i n j e r. n o r l Research at NIFES is divided into four programmes: Seafood and Health Seafood Safety Aquaculture Nutrition Surveillance More information on NIFES P.O. Box 2029 Nordnes, 5817 Bergen Norway Telephone: Fax: postmottak@nifes.no Visiting address: Strandgaten 229, 5004 Bergen, Norway

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