Tag Roy D. Palmer

Are consumers fully aware of the health benefits of seafood? Many consumers do not act as if they are. It seems they do not have the information they need about the positive impacts the omega-3 fatty acids in seafood make on heart, brain and eye health. While fatty fish are especially good sources, any seafood is a better source of omega-3s than red meat. The need remains for clear communication and education about the health benefits, nutritional value and sources of omega-3s. 

The Global Nutrition Report 2014 highlights that nutrition and food security is a concern in all countries, not just low-income ones. Urbanization and rising living standards are key drivers in the ongoing increases in seafood demand and fisheries development. 

Research found that 80 to 90 percent of U.S. consumers did not meet federal dietary seafood recommendations and that seafood consumption varies significantly among socio-demographic groups. 

With major support from the government, a campaign has been launched to promote consumption of Mexico’s fishery and aquaculture products. The objective is to increase per capita seafood consumption to 12 kg by 2018. 

The increasingly fashionable Paleo Diet promotes eating like a caveman, with lots of protein, fruits and vegetables. However, it favors wild-caught seafood to farmed fish due to issues associated with feed sources and practices. 

Fish is the world’s most traded protein – and a healthy choice that will help feed the world’s growing population into the future. Aquaculture represents the most efficient method by which to convert feed to edible protein, and its use of marine ingredients is being addressed. 

The United States Food and Drug Administration has updated its advice for pregnant women on mercury and seafood with greater emphasis on the benefits of eating fish. This is a positive story, but reporting on the new perspective muddied its message with opinion and innuendo. Let us all find the way to continue to promote aquaculture’s healthy, renewable products in ways that keep the stories simple, so the messages are not lost on the journey to consumers. 

Seafood production people have to bring on healthful new product innovations, and marketing people must promote them to consumers who favor taste over health benefits in food choices. 

Although there is compelling evidence that early humans relied heavily on the fruits of the ocean, the mindset of powers that be tends to focus on utilization of land for food. In Australia, for example, the country controls water resources with 2.5 times the area of its land, yet it is not food secure in seafood. Many bright minds have not awakened to the unique opportunities that aquaculture and fisheries offer. It’s time to get aquaculture out of the pigeonhole. 

To help increase seafood consumption and gain recognition for the many health benefits of seafood, the author identified three wishes for 2014. Change the risk profile of seafood to defuse the sensationalized status of mercury. Professionalize the capability of the retail industry and create an avenue for consistent, positive messages sent to consumers. Increase education to girls and women about the unique benefits of seafood. 

Often-referenced but outdated reports have raised concerns over mercury, while in reality, not eating seafood carries greater risk than the minute presence of such chemicals. Cooperation and getting out consistently truthful, positive messages about seafood, the industry will see positive advances. 

Despite global strategies and political declarations that strive to support healthy diets with increased seafood consumption and regular physical activity, the world is seeing a rapid upsurge in obesity and under-nutrition, particularly in urban settings. 

Campaigns and promotions on seafood consumption are proving successful in countries around the world. Many of them involve governments working with industry and other institutions to clearly communicate the benefits of seafood. 

International groups agree that nations worldwide should better assess and manage the risks and benefits of fish consumption and more effectively communicate them to their citizens. 

A variety of factors combine to limit seafood consumption. Seafood is perceived to be expensive, and safety perceptions influence consumer buying decisions. Culture and tradition also play roles in forging seafood-eating habits.