Contribution of Fisheries to Food Security- A Review

Abstract

The oceans have historically been considered limitless and thought to harbour
enough fish to feed an ever-increasing human population. However, the demands of a
growing population, particularly in poorer countries, now far outstrip the sustainable yield of
the seas. At the same time that fishing has become more industrialised and wild fish stocks
have become increasingly depleted, the production of aquaculture, fish and shellfish farming,
has grown rapidly to address the deficiencies in catch fishing. Capture fisheries produce more
than 90 million metric tonnes of fish annually, providing the world's increasing population
with a crucial source of protein. Due to the particular nutritional characteristics of fish,
fisheries represent far more than a source of protein. Vitamins and minerals and omega-3
fatty acids are essential micronutrients that are necessary to stop malnutrition and reduce the
burden of communicable and non-communicable diseases around the world.