![]() ![]() A new analysis by the Marine Stewardship Council derived from Harvard University’s Aquatic Foods Composition Database, the most comprehensive global database of more than 3,500 aquatic food species and hundreds of nutrients, shows that this higher amount of 112 million tonnes of seafood could deliver essential nutrients and vitamins to many. This potential could have significant health benefits. However, experts estimate that another 16 million tonnes could be available without overfishing our oceans. The UN projects that this sector will produce 96 million tonnes of catch by 2030. According to the scientists behind the Blue Food Assessment – the work of over 100 professionals from 25 universities – aquatic foods are under-utilized even though they are some of the most nutrient-rich foods on earth. According to the UN’s Food and Agriculture Organization’s State of Food Security and Nutrition in the World report, health risks caused by calorie-rich, nutrient-poor foods have led to millions more early deaths, while the over-consumption of red meat contributes to serious but preventable illnesses, such as heart disease – now a leading cause of death globally.Ī re-evaluation is underway, with the UN and leading scientists now urging governments to make aquatic foods central to their food policies and for good reason. The consequence of these policies is stark. Yet, the role of seafood in helping to feed our population has been overlooked by governments in favour of land-based solutions, such as starchy vegetables and the production of red meat. The ocean covers more than 70% of our planet and provides protein for over 3 billion across the globe. A good starting point would be recognizing the contribution that our marine resources can make. With the world’s population set to reach 10 billion by 2050 and food systems and the environment already under intense strain, fresh thinking is required to meet the challenges ahead.
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