Effects of season and location of catch on the fatty acid compositions of some Australian fish species

Fatty acid compositions and lipid contents of five common table species of marine fish from temperate Australian waters were determined for samples taken during two seasons (four species) and three locations of markedly differing latitude (one species). Variabilities in total lipid extract and phospholipid fatty acid compositions were assessed between samples of each species, as well as between individuals of the same sample. These were then compared with data obtained for the other species analysed. The highest n3 polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) content lipids were found in fish from colder waters (southern locations and spring season catches). The leaner species were found to have much more stable lipid characteristics with changes in the water temperature at sampling.