A diet rich in omega-3 fatty acids seems to be the way to go with experts harping over the health benefits of fish. Fish is a unique source of these essential fats that are found in its oil. Studies have shown that regular fish consumption can lower bad cholesterol levels and promote overall heart health. While the health benefits of eating fish have been appreciated in the recent years, many wild fish stocks are being over-fished, exploited and depleted to meet the growing demands. This is worrying news, not only for ecologists and fishermen but also for health experts and seafood lovers. A latest study that has appeared in the journal Marine Pollution Bulletin highlights the link between declining fish supplies and global guidelines that recommend higher consumption of seafood for better overall health. Simply put, the increased consumption of fish due to its health benefits has been affecting the global supplies."Many aquaculture operations inflict heavy environmental costs on wild fish stocks and coastal ecosystems such as habitat loss, pollution, disease and pests. To be viable in the long-term and help feed the world, there has to be a Blue Revolution in fish farming. Better management of wild fisheries could also boost production while helping heal damage to ocean life," says Professor Callum Roberts from the University of York.
Scientists analyzed data fisheries landings records for over 124 years and found that domestic fishery landings in United Kingdom have fallen to their lowest point in over 70 years.
These trends observed in United Kingdom can help us understand where the global supply stands as Europe imports about 55 percent of the fish it consumes. The study further states that global fish supplies have declined by nearly a third within the last 40 years alone. The good news is that the rapid growth in fish farming has shielded consumers from the consequences of overfishing and increased consumption as half of our seafood now comes from farms. According to lead author, Ruth Thurstan, "We need to think carefully about the implications of promoting greater fish consumption in a world where many people are already protein deficient," Fish is great source of high quality protein. Researchers suggest that nutrition standards should be lowered and other alternatives that supplement the health benefits of fish should be promoted in order to deal with the decreasing supplies and avoid shortage in future.
With inputs from IANS
Scientists analyzed data fisheries landings records for over 124 years and found that domestic fishery landings in United Kingdom have fallen to their lowest point in over 70 years.
These trends observed in United Kingdom can help us understand where the global supply stands as Europe imports about 55 percent of the fish it consumes. The study further states that global fish supplies have declined by nearly a third within the last 40 years alone. The good news is that the rapid growth in fish farming has shielded consumers from the consequences of overfishing and increased consumption as half of our seafood now comes from farms. According to lead author, Ruth Thurstan, "We need to think carefully about the implications of promoting greater fish consumption in a world where many people are already protein deficient," Fish is great source of high quality protein. Researchers suggest that nutrition standards should be lowered and other alternatives that supplement the health benefits of fish should be promoted in order to deal with the decreasing supplies and avoid shortage in future.
With inputs from IANS
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