Effect of season and fishing ground on the activity of lipases in byproducts from cod (Gadus morhua)

Lipase activity at acid and neutral pH has been measured in cut off, liver and viscera from cod caught in the Icelandic Sea (three different seasons) and the Barents Sea (one season). Lipase activity at pH 5 was highest in liver, while at pH 7 lipase activity was highest in viscera. Activity at pH 7 was higher than at pH 5 in liver and viscera, and at the same level in cut off. Lipase activity at pH 5 and 7 (20 °C) was higher in cut off samples from the Icelandic Sea in May-June, compared to October-December. Lipase activity at pH 7 (20 °C) was higher in cut off from the Barents Sea compared to the Icelandic Sea. No significant effect of season or fishing ground was found for liver lipase. Lipase activity at pH 5 and 7 in viscera from the Icelandic Sea was lower in May-June compared to the other seasons. Lipase activity was generally higher in viscera from the Icelandic Sea compared to the Barents Sea.