Aquaculture Can Bolster Food Security as Wild Fish Decline
Aquaculture is expanding rapidly to meet global food demand, but the industry faces challenges due to declining wild fish stocks and climate-driven supply instability. Researchers suggest that prioritizing local consumption in regions like West Africa could improve food security and nutrition.
Why it matters
Balancing global aquaculture growth with local food security is critical for sustainable development and addressing nutrient deficiencies in developing nations.
Small fish such as sardinella are an affordable source of protein and essential nutrients for millions of people across West Africa.
Research Fellow, Institute of Aquaculture, University of Stirling
Lecturer in Aquaculture, University of Stirling
Senior Lecturer in Management, University of Stirling
Some of these fish are increasingly exported or processed into fishmeal and fish oil for aquaculture feeds used in high-income European countries and across East Asia, particularly China. As nutrient deficiencies are common in people living in parts of West Africa, retaining more fish for local consumption could help improve diets and address dietary health problems.
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