Why do fish need to fast before harvest?

Fasting empties the digestive tract, reducing the risk of fecal contamination during processing. It also improves flesh quality and extends shelf life. Tilapia typically require 24-48 hours; salmon require 72 hours.

What is the target harvest size for tilapia?

Market-size tilapia in the US is typically 450-680 g (1.0-1.5 lbs) whole fish. Premium markets may accept larger fish (800 g+). Size depends on market channel and buyer specifications.

How do I check for off-flavors before harvest?

Sample 3-5 fish 48 hours before planned harvest. Microwave a fillet for 30 seconds and smell/taste. If earthy or musty (geosmin/MIB), delay harvest and begin purging protocol.

What water temperature should transport tanks be?

For tilapia: 20-22°C (cooler than grow-out to reduce metabolism and stress). For salmon: 8-10°C. Always maintain DO above 6 mg/L during transport.

ToolsConductScience tool

AquacultureFree in-browser calculator

Harvest Preparation Checklist.

Generate a species-specific harvest preparation checklist for tilapia or salmon. Includes fasting schedules, equipment checks, and transport preparation.

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Validated2026-04-08

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Harvest Details

Species

Target Size (g)

Harvest Date

When to use

Preparing for scheduled harvest events
Training harvest crews on species-specific protocols
Documenting harvest preparation for quality assurance programs
Planning transport logistics for live fish delivery

Do not use for

For processing plant HACCP plans — this covers pre-harvest preparation only
For ornamental fish — protocols are designed for food-fish aquaculture

Test for off-flavors 48 hours early

Discovering off-flavors on harvest day is expensive. Always test 2 days before to allow time for purging if needed.

Calibrate scales before harvest

Inaccurate weight measurements affect settlement prices and FCR calculations. Calibrate on harvest morning.

Minimize handling stress

Stressed fish have elevated cortisol, which degrades flesh texture and reduces shelf life. Use low-stress crowding and rapid chilling.

Method

Fasting periods and transport parameters based on FAO post-harvest guidelines and species-specific aquaculture literature. All processing is client-side.

Validated

Last validated 2026-04-08. Calculations are designed for planning and documentation support; verify procurement decisions against manufacturer specifications or institutional SOPs.

How to cite

How to Cite

ConductScience Harvest Preparation Checklist (v1.0). ConductScience, Inc. 2026. Available at: https://conductscience.com/tools/harvest-preparation-checklist

FAO. Post-Harvest Fish Loss Assessment. FAO Fisheries Technical Paper. 2014.

Harvest Preparation in Aquaculture

The harvest phase is where production value is realized or lost. Poor harvest practices can cause bruising, stress-induced flavor defects, and bacterial contamination — all of which reduce product value. A structured pre-harvest checklist ensures that fasting, equipment, water quality, and transport logistics are addressed systematically, reducing waste and improving product quality.

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