Quality changes in the physiology, behaviour, nutrition, and taste of Urechis unicinctus during waterless live...

Waterless transportation at low temperatures is ideal for many live aquatic organisms. Urechis unicinctus, which boasts unique taste and nutritional characteristics, is well-suited for this transportation method; however, the impacts of transportation duration on U. unicinctus physiology have not been determined. In this study, we determine the optimal duration of low-temperature waterless live transport for U. unicinctus according to physiology, behaviour, nutrition, and taste changes. We determined an optimal transport duration of 48 h, with longer durations inducing oxidative stress, metabolic disorders, lipid degeneration, and tissue damage; increased levels of harmful metabolites, such as ethyl oleate; and decreased levels of beneficial substances, such as fatty alcohols. These changes exacerbated oxidative stress and caused weight loss, nutrient depletion, and reduced sensory quality. By elucidating the molecular mechanisms underlying rapid degradation during U. unicinctus transport, this study has implications for mitigating transport-related quality losses and optimising live seafood transport.