June 1, 2016

Paper urges inclusion of fish consumption in nations' policies

A research paper prepared by WorldFish, an international, nonprofit research organisation, has recommended that the importance of consumption of fish for its nutritional value be considered in the framing of national policies, especially in resource-poor populations that rely heavily on cereal based-diets.

Improving fisheries and aquaculture with the adoption of nutrition-sensitive policies will be a critical means to achieving the sustainable development goals (SDGs), according to the paper, entitled "Sustaining healthy diets: The role of capture fisheries and aquaculture for improving nutrition in the post-2015 era".

The SDGs make achieving food security and ending malnutrition a global priority. However, the importance of fish for feeding the growing global population and providing a "healthy life for all" is often overlooked, the paper said.

Fish intake is associated with a 36% reduced mortality risk from heart disease and consumption of 60 grammes of fish per day is associated with a 12% reduction in mortality. An increasing number of countries recommend minimum levels of regular fish consumption in their national dietary guidelines.

WorldFish program leader Shakuntala Thilsted said: "Fish are beneficial to nutrition and health and will play an essential role in sustaining healthy diets. If the vision of the SDGs is to be attained, coordinated policy actions and investments that foster growth in which the benefits of fish are equitably distributed are essential. Fisheries and aquaculture must be seen as core components of the agriculture sector, as well as an entry point for multi-sectoral interventions aimed at improving nutrition and health outcomes".

The paper recommends multi-sectoral policy solutions based on diversification of production systems; efficient management and protection of all systems; improved value chains and markets; and consideration of context-specific consumer preferences and nutritional needs.