Functional and technological potential of sardine, mackerel and horse mackerel of Northwest Africa (based on the results of the Great African Expedition 2024–2026)
Authors:
Konstantin V. Bandurin, Vladimir V. Shenderyuk, Elena N. Kharenko, Aleksandra B. Grisha
Abstract:
The waters of Northwest Africa are productive fishing grounds. In the late 1980s, catch of the USSR fishing fleet in these areas exceeded 1 million tons. Due to changing international legal conditions, the scale of the fishery has declined, but there are objective preconditions for an increase. To this end, expeditionary research is being conducted, which until 2024 was localized. Current conditions and international agreements have made it possible to conduct comprehensive joint research projects in 2024–2026, which will ultimately increase the catch of popular commercial species – sardines, mackerel, and horse mackerel. First, safety indicators were tested in aquatic biological resource samples, which met the requirements of TR CU 021/2011 and TR EAEU 040/2016. It was established that West African horse mackerel is a lean, high-protein fish species (1.1% fat), unlike European horse mackerel (5% fat). Sardines and mackerel contain 5,7% and 6.4% fat, respectively. Protein content in all samples was approximately 20%, with essential amino acids ranging from 3.5% (methionine and cystine) to 11% (leucine and isoleucine). The macronutrient composition of fish muscle tissue is primarily represented by potassium and phosphorus (up to 400 mg %). Saturated fatty acids predominate among lipid fatty acids (44–55%), with monounsaturated fatty acids being highest in European horse mackerel (30.5%) and lowest in West African horse mackerel (18.8%). West African horse mackerel is richest in omega-3 lipids, comprising 34.1%, while other fish species contain between 11,6 and 16,7%. Given the catch volumes and the technological potential of our country and African countries, the studied fish species can be used to produce traditional products, minced meat systems, dry concentrates, edible fish oil, and hydrolysates.
Keywords:
sardine; mackerel; horse mackerel; Northwest Africa; quality and safety; food systems
For citation:
Bandurin K.V., Shenderyuk V.V., Kharenko E.N., Grisha A.B. Functional and technological potential of sardine, mackerel and horse mackerel of Northwest Africa (based on the results of the Great African Expedition 2024–2026). Индустрия питания|Food Industry. 2026. Vol. 11, No. 2. Pp. 24–36. DOI: 10.29141/2500-1922-2026-11-2-3. EDN: FBHRTG.
