Contemporary aquaculture: implications for human nutrition

Abstract

Aquaculture is increasing the global supply of foods, and holds tremendous potential to address malnutrition and diet-related diseases. The species selected and feeds used affects the nutrients available from aquaculture. Progress in the development of novel and sustainable aquaculture feeds to reduce reliance on wild fisheries, feed fortification to increase nutrient content, and expansion of the diversity of aquatic species produced are key areas for continued research and development. Ultimately, the degree to which aquaculture will contribute to nutrition depends largely on who can access the fish produced, which will be shaped by production technology as well as trade and price dynamics. Finally, the contribution of aquaculture expansion to improving nutrition will be bounded by aquaculture's environmental sustainability.