Anthea McGibbon, Staff Reporter
This is the fourth instalment of The Gleaner's new feature, 'How to ...', an instruction guide giving practical advice on fixing many of those pesky problems that pop up - without paying an arm and a leg. Seize on info from industry experts and become a veritable Mr or Mrs Fix-it.
Jamaica costal waters have become polluted, placing marine life at risk. As a result, consumers of fish are also at risk. Fisherman Richard Saunders has more than 20 years experience in preparing fish for consumption.
Saunders said dundar (oil and waste) and the use of trawlers and dynamite pose serious threat to fish in the sea.
To ensure healthy fish, Saunders advises that shrimp nets should be used for catching shrimps and that factories should avoid dumping their waste into the sea.
Fish in dundar-contaminated water can lead to poisoning. In addition, there are some species that should not be eaten out of season. The barracuda is a prime example. The fish might be poisonous because it feeds on 'copper grass' sometimes.
Saunders warns that consumers should be on the lookout for dishonest vendors who seek to hustle unhealthy catches.
anthea.mcgibbon@gleanerjm.com
Tips for healthy eating
In this November 2006 photo, Lauriston Reid, right, gets help from two of his colleagues to hold his big catch - a 150lb tarpon. Reid caught the fish in waters near the Palisadoes in Kingston. - File
Ensure that the fish is fresh.
The eyes of the fish should not be pale or white.
When preparing fish, it must be properly washed and gutted. Vinegar can be used in this process as well as lime. Both agents minimise rawness and contamination and also add flavour while softening the bones, which can be hazardous when eating.
The fish should be placed on ice if it will not be cooked immediately.
Some persons prefer to place salt, pepper and even garlic on the fish before refrigeration.
Useful sites on fish poisoning
http://www.clubcruceros.org/FishShellfish.html
http://www.wikihow.com/Avoid-Food-Poisoning
http://adam.about.com/encyclopedia/firstaid/Poisoning-fish-and-shellfish.htm
http://jamaica-gleaner.com/gleaner/20060406/cook/cook1.html
http://www.silber.com.br/barracuda/info/
