More Than Fish—Framing Aquatic Animals within Sustainable Food Systems

Abstract

Aquatic animals are diverse in terms of species, but also in terms of production systems, the people involved, and the benefits achieved. In this concept piece, we draw on literature to outline how the diversity of aquatic animals, their production, and their consumption all influence their impact within the food system. Built on evidence from an array of reductionist and non-reductionist literature, we suggest that food systems researchers and policymakers adapt current methods and theoretical frameworks to appropriately contextualise aquatic animals in broader food systems. We do this through combining current understandings of food systems theory, value chain, livelihoods, nutritional outcomes, and planetary boundaries thinking. We make several claims around understanding the role of aquatic animals in terms of nutritional output and environmental impacts. We suggest a need to consider: (1) the diversity of species and production methods; (2) variable definitions of an “edible yield”; (3) circular economy principles and the impacts of co-products, and effects beyond nutrient provision; (4) role of aquatic animals in the overall diet; (5) contextual effects of preservation, preparation, cooking, and consumer choices; (6) globalised nature of aquatic animal trade across the value chain; and (7) that aquatic animals are produced from a continuum, rather than a dichotomy, of aquaculture or fisheries. We conclude by proposing a new framework that involves cohesive interdisciplinary discussions around aquatic animal foods and their role in the broader food system.

Marine Animal Co-Products—How Improving Their Use as Rich Sources of Health-Promoting Lipids Can Foster Sustainability

“…This is somewhat expected since in 2020, Asian countries distinctly led total fishery production (70%) [41]. Although considerable efforts have been made to more readily utilize marine animal co-products originated from the seafood processing worldwide, their exploration and use may vary considerably regionally [42]. In Asia, seafood value chains effectively accommodate these resources, resulting in little waste, while in Europe, stricter legislation (as response to bovine spongiform encephalopathy and other food threats) has rendered the utilization of these resources more difficult [43,44].…”

“…In Asia, seafood value chains effectively accommodate these resources, resulting in little waste, while in Europe, stricter legislation (as response to bovine spongiform encephalopathy and other food threats) has rendered the utilization of these resources more difficult [43,44]. In other, less developed regions, more lenient legislation and the low valorization of coproducts make disposal more generalized [42]. A specific case of particularly efficient utilization of marine animal co-products is Norway, which has developed processing facilities able to process over 0.65 million tons of seafood co-products by year, and where the Norwegian Atlantic salmon industry is reported to utilize 90% of its byproducts [45].…”

Strain-Specific Benefits of Bacillus on Growth, Intestinal Health, Immune Modulation, and Ammonia-Nitrogen Stress Resilience in Hybrid Grouper

“…Aquaculture, a rapidly expanding sector within the global food industry, faces significant challenges regarding the health and sustainability of aquatic species [ 1 ]. Intensive farming methods have led to environmental degradation, notably through changes in water quality, such as increased levels of ammonia-nitrogen, total organic matter, and nitrites [ 2 ].…”

Factors Influencing Consumption Behaviour towards Aquatic Food among Asian Consumers: A Systematic Scoping Review

“…The landmark EAT-Lancet Commission issued recommendations for responsible food consumption within planetary boundaries [ 1 ], but aquatic food was considered as a single commodity group [ 2 ], and various aspects of food systems such as affordability and cultural and demographic variations in nutritional sufficiency were not considered [ 3 , 4 ]. Understanding of the diversity and impact of aquatic food consumption on broader food security and sustainability has been limited and has often ignored perceptions of seafood as a dietary component and any associated behaviours.…”