Eat Local Fish: A Caa tae Reclaim Nutrients for Health an Climate

In a grundbrakin study, scientists fae the Rowett Institute at e University o Aberdeen hae unveiled e hidin nutritional cost o the UK’s fish exports. Their research, published in Nature Food, reveals aat a wealth o nutrients fae local fish is bein lost tae foreign mercats, fyle the nation turns tae imported seafeed.

E study pynts oot aat iley fish sic as saumon, herrin, an mackerel caught in UK watters cuid provide a staggerin 73% o the daily recommended intak o Omega-3 fatty acids an 46% o Vitamin B12. Yet, maist o this nutritious catch is shipped abreed, leain e UK reliant on imported praans, cod, an tuna. Iss reliance nae ainly unnermines public health but poses a challenge tae the kintra’s climate goals.

Current consumption rates shaw aat e average UK citizen eats less than haaf e recommended amoont o fish, despite its weel-documented benefits in reducin hert disease. E researchers argue aat increasin local seafeed consumption cuid play a crucial role in achievin net-zero emissions, as fish production emits far fewer greenhoose gases compared tae ither animal proteins.

E research, pairt o the Scottish Government’s strategic program, eesed a unique database aat compiled ower a decade o data on seafeed production, trade, an consumption. Professor Baukje de Roos emphasised e need for targeted messagin tae educate the public on e types o fish aat should be consumed for optimal health.

E findins cuid influence global policies, benefittin baith heich-income kintras aat depend on imports an protectin e fish stocks o poorer exportin nations. E UK, a significant producer o herrin an mackerel, has e potential tae meet its nutritional needs wi these affordable fish, yet consumer preferences dictate current trade patterns.

Dr. Anneli Löfstedt, a member o the research team, reminisced aboot e cultural significance o herrin in British society. She noted aat tinned fish cuid be a viable solution tae rekindle interest in iley fish, fit eence played a vital role in e nation’s diet.

As e UK grapples wi its seafeed consumption habits, iss research serves as a clarion caa tae embrace local fish. By daein sae, e nation can improve public health an contribute tae a mair sustainable future.