Book Review: Fish Processing Technology in the Trophics

A comprehensive book on fish processing technology in the trophics was written by Jasmin Espejo-Hermes. It was published in 1998 by Tawid Publications

All said, Espejo-Hermes is a specialist in tropical aquatic products, having had extensive experience in the handling, processing, product development, and marketing of fish and other aquatic products. She holds a Master of Science in Fisheries (Fish Processing Technology) from the College of Fisheries (now the College of Fisheries and Ocean Sciences), University of the Philippines.

As stated by Dr. Leonor M. Santos, the author's former professor at the University of the Philippines, in the Foreword, of this book "is a most welcome addition to the very few books by Filipino authors on this topic....The inclusion of procedures for products found in the tropics makes the book a valuable reference for teachers, students and extension workers. On the other hand, the author's review of research work on the different processing technologies, especially those undertaken locally, serves the researcher well."

The book is divided into 17 chapters.

Chapter 1 deals on the status of fish processing in the world, in the Philippines and other southeast Asian countries. It also gives basic information on the nutritional importance of aquatic products.

Chapter 2 focuses on the handling of fresh (wet) aquatic products. It points out how bacteria, enzymes, hygiene and sanitation can contribute in the spoilage of aquatic products.

Chapter 3 to 11 gives the various methods in preserving fishery products from chilling to canning.

Chapter 12 gives the types of additives and their purpose.

Chapter 13 discusses on minor aquatic products like seaweeds, fish oils, shark fins, jelly fish, fish protein concentrate, sea cucumber, fish meal, fish silage, and shells and shellcraft.

The rest of the chapters deal on marketing of aquatic products, packaging of aquatic products, quality assurance in fish processing and waste management.

In addition to some illustrations, this book carries a 14-page bibliography, appendices, and an accurate subject index.

If we look at it, this book really is a comprehensive one and it can be used not only as a reference material for fish technology classes but will also serve as a review material for the Professional Regulation Commission Board Exam in fisheries technology.