The Amazing Role of Seafood for Human and Planetary Health

What we eat matters for our health and the health of our planet, and sustainable seafood is part of the solution to help consumers adopt a climate friendly diet. There is the potential to ensure our future food security and health through sustainable aquaculture. Seafood, which is a lean protein that is high in vitamins, minerals, and essential omega-3 fatty acids EPA and DHA, has been shown to have tremendous health benefits. For example, recent studies have shown that eating seafood can decrease the risk of heart attack, high blood pressure, stroke, and obesity. Leading global health organizations recommend Americans eat seafood at least twice a week and unfortunately Americans are simply not eating enough.

Per the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 7 out of 10 premature deaths in the U.S. can be preventable through diet and lifestyle changes. 90% of our $3.3 Trillion in healthcare spending is on chronic diseases and mental health conditions. Also, new research shows that 12.7 billion healthcare dollars are associated with low seafood omega-3 consumption. Eating the recommended amounts of seafood can be part of the solution to our public health crisis.

In a recent Senate Commerce Committee hearing in Washington, DC, I testified on the importance of seafood for the health of Americans and increasing the availability of sustainable U.S. seafood. We currently consume 16 pounds of seafood per person per year. If all Americans follow the Guidelines to eat seafood two times per week, we would need 26 pounds of seafood per person per year, and we currently do not have enough seafood.

With 70% of the planet covered by oceans and currently only about 3% of the ocean utilized to grow our food, we have the capacity and know how to grow more healthy and sustainable seafood for our citizens.

Therefore, eating sustainable seafood both wild and farmed is a good way to make sure there’s enough seafood for future generations to come while enjoying the delicious taste of seafood, plus essential nutrients for your optimal well-being. Here’s a consumer guide developed with our partners on how to buy sustainable seafood, and for more on the health benefits of eating seafood, along with simple recipes please visit seafoodnutrition.org.

By Linda Cornish, Founder & President of Seafood Nutrition Partnership