Sustainable Approaches to Fish Preservation

Fish is important to daily nutrition and for many years, it has been a source of income for countless communities especially those in riverine areas. However, it faces a major challenge that leads to substantial post-harvest losses: rapid spoilage. 

Fish spoilage is a natural process, and primarily, it is driven by two factors: bacterial action and autolytic enzymes. The ever-present bacteria on the fish’s surfaces and guts begin their work once the fish is caught by breaking down the fish’s tissues thereby causing undesirable smells and textures. While rigor mortis (the stiffening of the muscles after death) offers a brief reprieve due to lactic acid, it is often a fleeting defense as the bacterial actions eventually continue. Also, autolytic enzymes in the fish contribute to softening the flesh and spoilage, especially under unfavorable conditions like high temperatures or delays in processing. This underscores the critical need for effective preservation methods immediately after harvest.

Fish preservation has to do with reducing fish spoilage and increasing the shelf life of fish through varying methods so that it is durable and healthy for human consumption. It is important to note that maintaining fish freshness is not only to encourage food safety, but to sustain the stability of local economies and the well being of communities. Thus, it is no news that the Enatta Foundation is making commendable efforts in this regard, particularly in empowering Nigerian fisherwomen through facilitating innovative post-harvest storage initiatives.

Modern Solutions for Fish Preservation 

Traditional methods of fish preservation like sun drying, salting, smoking, canning and pickling have long served communities; however, modern challenges demand modern solutions. Empowering fisherwomen with the right tools is paramount to reducing post-harvest losses and enhancing their economic resilience. Knowing this, a cornerstone of Enatta Foundation’s post-fish harvest storage initiatives is the promotion and provision of effective cold chain solutions such as refrigeration.

Freezing

Freezing is one of the most effective methods for sustaining the flavour and quality of fresh fish, closely mimicking its just-caught state. This is because freezing significantly inhibits the metabolic activities that lead to spoilage. There is an emphasis on the careful handling of fish immediately after capture, followed by prompt gutting and cleaning. The use of airtight wrapping materials to prevent freezer burn and the maintenance of consistent freezer temperatures at 0 degrees Fahrenheit (-18 degrees Celsius) or lower effectively reduces the growth of spoilage microorganisms. 

The Foundation supports both traditional ice-packing methods and the use of deep freezers, understanding that flexibility is key to adoption. It carried out a profound intervention during the International Women’s Day (IWD) 2025 celebration by distributing refrigerators and high quality polystyrene boxes to women in fishing communities. This initiative directly addressed the problem of limited storage and enabled fisherwomen to preserve their catch more effectively and secure better market prices for their produce. 

Solar-Powered Fish Preservation Methods

Beyond the distribution of refrigerators, Enatta Foundation advocates for the incorporation of solar-powered fish preservation methods. Solar power is rising as a transformative solution for remote and off-grid fishing communities like many communities in Nigeria. This approach utilizes the abundant energy of the sun to reduce post-harvest losses and empower local economies. They include:

Solar Refrigeration

There is a push for the incorporation and widespread application of solar power in fish preservation via refrigeration. Solar-powered refrigerators and cold rooms are a pivotal link in the cold chain system, as they enable fish preservation especially in areas without reliable electricity. These systems make use of photovoltaic panels to generate electricity, which then powers refrigeration units. This allows for the chilling or freezing of fish, thereby significantly extending its freshness and market value. 

Solar Dryers

Solar fish dryers are a remarkable advancement over traditional open-air sun drying. These enclosed structures, which often resemble greenhouses or tents, improve the drying process by controlling temperature and protecting the fish from pests and contamination. They fasten moisture removal and create a more hygienic and higher-quality dried product. Some advanced solar dryers incorporate ventilators to maintain optimal drying conditions. This further improves efficiency and reduces drying times from days to hours. This technology is a sustainable alternative to the use of traditional smoking kilns which are often harmful to the health of its users due to high emissions. It is also extremely impactful in fishing communities where traditional sun-drying is hindered by unpredictable weather or unsanitary conditions.

A Sustainable Future for Fisherwomen

These post-fish harvest storage initiatives are about ensuring food security and fostering economic independence within fishing communities. By providing essential tools like refrigerators and polystyrene boxes, and seeking partnerships for a move towards solar-powered fish preservation systems, Enatta Foundation is empowering fisherwomen to transform their livelihoods and creating a more sustainable and prosperous future for them.