Description of Fish Processing Equipment

1. Definition

Fish processing equipment includes all machines and tools used to prepare, process, preserve, and package fish after capture or farming. These tools ensure optimal sanitary quality, enhance product value, and improve the profitability of processing operations.

2. Main Categories of Equipment

➔ Initial Preparation

• Sorting and filleting tables: Stainless steel or food-grade surfaces for sorting and cutting fish.

• Knives and cutting systems: Specialized knives, fish saws, and automatic cutting machines for filleting, portioning, or loin cutting.

• Descalers: Manual or automatic machines to efficiently remove scales without damaging the flesh.

➔ Advanced Processing

• Evisceration machines: Semi-automatic or automatic devices for hygienic and fast removal of viscera.

• Filleting machines: Automation to produce uniform fillets at high capacity.

• Brine injection systems: Machines injecting preservation or flavoring solutions into fish flesh.

➔ Preservation

• Freezing systems: Quick-freeze tunnels or plate freezers to maintain fish quality.

• Vacuum packaging machines: Protection of fillets or portions to extend shelf life.

• Cold storage rooms: Facilities to maintain products at low temperatures before shipment.

➔ Secondary Valorization

• Fish mincers: Equipment for grinding fish into surimi, pâtés, or other processed products.

• Bone presses and fish oil extractors: For by-product valorization.

3. Applications

• Fishing industry: On-board or onshore processing.

• Aquaculture: Processing farmed fish before commercialization.

• Agri-food sector: Manufacturing of finished products: fillets, canned goods, prepared meals.

• Catering and foodservice: Semi-industrial preparation for large-scale distribution and foodservice.

4. Main Objectives

• Productivity improvement: Reducing processing time.

• Quality and hygiene assurance: Meeting international sanitary standards.

• Product valorization: Producing high-quality fillets and developing new products.

• Waste reduction: Optimizing raw material usage.

Summary

Fish processing tools are essential to ensure efficiency, sanitary quality, and profitability in the fishing and aquaculture industries. From manual tools to fully automated lines, their selection is crucial to meet market demands and food safety standards.