Grant: Engage Grants Program
Memorial University of Newfoundland
$25,000.00
Development of innovative drying technology for optimized product value of sea cucumber
FY 2018-19
Summary
Sea cucumbers are found in both benthic areas and deep seas and have been used as a source of food and*pharmaceuticals for decades. During the past decade, several scientific research initiatives have explored*various species of sea cucumber, however, limited research has been dedicated to the Atlantic species. As an*emerging fishery in Atlantic Canada, the sea cucumber fishery is currently enduring sustainability and viability*issues. The most common sea cucumber species found in the northwest Atlantic is Cucumaria frondosa.*Newfoundland and Labrador (NL) is particularly concerned about the over exploitation of Cucumaria frondosa*and as a result, the province is enforcing more stringent policies compared to other Canadian provinces which*are currently in the developmental stages in Sea cucumber fishery. Limited amount of information available on*the harvesting and potential utilization is another drawback that hinders the expansion of this highly marketable*species. Therefore sustainable harvesting, processing and utilization of this benthic marine invertebrate is*crucial to create growth associated with most successful Sea cucumber fisheries worldwide. The proposed*research is based on Quin Sea Fisheries Ltd.'s. objective to further research and development of current Sea*cucumber processing methods in an effort to maximize efficiencies and yield of final market products. The*work consists of (a) Investigate and select the most efficient, economically and environmentally acceptable*storage and preservation methods; (b) Characterization of sea cucumber muscle wall; (c) Investigation of use of*different drying techniques to achieve higher yield and quality; (d) Evaluate the effectiveness of drying process*in terms of drying time, dehydration ratio, energy consumption, protein values and product quality. This*innovative approach will allow Canadian seafood processors to diversify, develop new products and better*position themselves to break into new markets and compete on an international scale.
Program
Engage Grants Program
Recipient
Location
Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada
Recipient Type
Academia
Type
Grant
Source
NSERC's Awards Data
As published
Application id
528750-2018
Name nom
Dave, Deepika
Department département
Fisheries and Marine Institute
Organization id
89
Institution établissement
Memorial University of Newfoundland
Province en
Newfoundland and Labrador
Province fr
Terre-Neuve-et-Labrador
Country en
CANADA
Country fr
CANADA
Fiscal year exercice financier
2018
Competition year année de concours
2018
Award amount
25000
Program id
EGP
Program name en
Engage Grants Program
Program name fr
Programme de subventions d'engagement partenariat
Group en
Research partnerships programs
Group fr
Programmes de partenariat
Committee code
1551
Committee name en
Atlantic Internal Decision Committee
Committee name fr
Comité de décision interne pour l'Atlantique
Area of application code
402
Area of application group en
Environment
Area of application group fr
Environnement
Area of application en
Oceans, seas and estuaries
Area of application fr
Océans, mers et estuaires
Research subject code
6100
Research subject group en
Food science and technology
Research subject group fr
Science et technologie de l'alimentation
Research subject en
Food science and technology
Research subject fr
Science et technologie de l'alimentation
Partie
1
Nb partie
1
Application title
Development of innovative drying technology for optimized product value of sea cucumber
Keyword
NSERC
Application summary
Sea cucumbers are found in both benthic areas and deep seas and have been used as a source of food and*pharmaceuticals for decades. During the past decade, several scientific research initiatives have explored*various species of sea cucumber, however, limited research has been dedicated to the Atlantic species. As an*emerging fishery in Atlantic Canada, the sea cucumber fishery is currently enduring sustainability and viability*issues. The most common sea cucumber species found in the northwest Atlantic is Cucumaria frondosa.*Newfoundland and Labrador (NL) is particularly concerned about the over exploitation of Cucumaria frondosa*and as a result, the province is enforcing more stringent policies compared to other Canadian provinces which*are currently in the developmental stages in Sea cucumber fishery. Limited amount of information available on*the harvesting and potential utilization is another drawback that hinders the expansion of this highly marketable*species. Therefore sustainable harvesting, processing and utilization of this benthic marine invertebrate is*crucial to create growth associated with most successful Sea cucumber fisheries worldwide. The proposed*research is based on Quin Sea Fisheries Ltd.'s. objective to further research and development of current Sea*cucumber processing methods in an effort to maximize efficiencies and yield of final market products. The*work consists of (a) Investigate and select the most efficient, economically and environmentally acceptable*storage and preservation methods; (b) Characterization of sea cucumber muscle wall; (c) Investigation of use of*different drying techniques to achieve higher yield and quality; (d) Evaluate the effectiveness of drying process*in terms of drying time, dehydration ratio, energy consumption, protein values and product quality. This*innovative approach will allow Canadian seafood processors to diversify, develop new products and better*position themselves to break into new markets and compete on an international scale.
