Understanding the impact of climate change on ocean fish populations as well as better fishery management practices, will help ensure the continued delivery of seafood and livelihoods for millions of people around the world.
Critically, the world is confronted with the challenge of increasing access to healthy food for a population that is expected to reach 10 billion by 2050. This summer, as people around the world take to the beaches and coastlines for some relaxation and enjoyment, it’s valuable to remember the major role oceans have in supporting human sustenance.
Aquatic foods provide an opportunity to increase the availability of nutritious food, if caught or farmed sustainably. Yet fish is largely missing from key global food policy discussions and decision-making. The United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goal 2, Zero Hunger, does not mention fisheries or aquaculture by name, nor does it offer guidance on fish production systems. Fish are also underrepresented in development funding, such as those of the World Bank.
According to the U.N. Food and Agriculture Organization, the number of malnourished people in the world will increase from 678 million in 2018 to 841 million in 2030 if current trends continue — an estimate not accounting for effects of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Fishes provide 17per cent of the animal protein consumed globally and are rich in micronutrients, essential fatty acids and protein essential for cognitive development and maternal and childhood health, especially for communities in developing countries where fish may be the only source of key nutrients. It’s time to look at fish from a food systems perspective and to broaden the conversation on food and nutrition security and equity — especially in the face of climate change.
Global policymakers and funders can encourage innovative policies and support the role of fish in global food and nutrition security. That’s why experts at the Environmental Defense Fund, along with other partners, are championing the issue leading up to the United Nations Food Systems Summit, where bold new actions to deliver progress on all SDGs will be explored. The Summit, taking place this September, will awaken the world to the fact that we must work together to transform the way we produce, consume and think about food — and we must make sure aquatic foods are part of that conversation. EDF Blog
