Fisheries Paper 3 Alt B., WASSCE (SC), 2023

Question 4


(a) State five differences between specimen N and Q.
(b) Outline the steps involved in converting specimen Q to specimen N.
(c) Give three reasons for preserving fish in the form of specimen N.
(d) Name two materials that could be used to package specimen N.

Observation

  

A few candidates were able to successfully attempt the questions by mentioning the processes involved in converting Specimen Q to Specimen N. However, some of them could not state the processes in sequence.

 

       
The expected answers were:

The expected answer is as follows:

(a)        Differences between specimens N (Smoked catfish) and Q (Live catfish)
                                   


Specimen N (Smoked catfish)

Specimen Q (Live catfish)

Dead/ not moving

Has life/ moving

It is processed / smoked

It is unprocessed / fresh

Dried / Dried skin

Wet / Wet skin / moist

Hard / Tough

Soft / Flexible

Light in weight / Lighter

Heavy in weight / Heavier

Brownish /Black appearance

Greyish appearance

 

(b)        Steps involved in converting specimen Q (live catfish) to Specimen N (Smoked catfish)   
-           Stunning / killing / slaughtering the fish
-           Degutting / Gutting the fish / Removal of gut
-           Washing / cleaning the fish  
-           Add salt / seasoning (if preferred)
-           Folding and pinning the fish / Pitting of fish
-           Setting the smoking kiln
-           Arranging the fish in the kiln / Placing the fish on the kiln trays
-           Put heat source / heated charcoal
-           Allow fish to get smoked
-           Remove fish from the kiln when dried
-           Allow fish to cool and pack.

 (c )    Reasons for preserving fish in the form of specimen N (Smoked catfish)
-           To improve taste             
-           To extend shelf life
-           To prevent spoilage
-           To increase market value through value addition
-           To improve flavour
-           To make it more presentable / attractive
-           Easier to handle than live fish                                        

 

    (d)   Materials that could be used to package Specimen N (Smoked catfish)
-           Carton
-           Basket
-           Plastic trays
-           Bags / Polythene / Polyethylene / Polyestyrene / Zip lock
-           Sacks / Jute sacks
-           Paper / Cardboard
-           Leaves
-           Aluminium foil / mould