A NOVEL METHOD FOR THE STORAGE OF LIVE NEPHROPS NORVERGICUS (L.) DURING LIVE MARKETING

Abstract

A system to hold and/or transport Nephrops for variable periods of time with very little physiological disturbances and also with a space/ weight optimization was produced. Tests were performed at 14 and 6⁰ CC using cascade systems with trays that retained different amounts of water and where the prawns were held free and restrained. Tests were also made inside a polystyrene box under moist conditions at ca. 2 ⁰ C. Water temperature had a marked influence on the metabolic rates of the prawns and this was evidenced by the higher temperature. Nephrops appear to be able to maintain aerobic metabolism independently of the amount of water that was retained at the bottom of the trays, provided that sufficient amounts of aerated seawater continuously reach the gills. Hyperglycaemia was observed, but was probably related to stress caused by the holding system and not to hypoxia. The prawns held inside polystyrene boxes showed anaerobiosis but they all survived the 12 h emersion period. Guidelines are made to design a system to hold Nephrops on a commercial scale.