A recent study published in the Nature Sustainability journal has revealed that 90% of the world’s seafood supply is at risk due to pollution. This is alarming considering that seafood is a significant food source for billions of people worldwide. The study focused on the vulnerability of “blue foods,” which refers to the more than 2,500 species of marine life that sustain 3.2 billion people globally.
The authors of the study highlighted the lack of attention given to how blue food production is affected by human-induced environmental changes. They found that over 90% of global blue food production faces substantial risks from environmental change, with the most significant threats observed in Asia and the United States.
These environmental threats include rising sea levels, increasing water temperatures, ocean acidification, algal blooms, and pollution caused by fertilizers, waste, and other chemicals that contaminate water supplies.
The concerning aspect of these threats is not only the reduction in the quantity of blue foods available but also the decline in quality and food safety. The study pointed out that seafood often contains non-native and indigenous bacteria introduced by humans and changing weather patterns. Additionally, high levels of mercury, persistent organic pollutants (POPs), pesticides, and antibiotics are present in seafood, posing health risks to consumers.
To address these issues, Ling Cao, a professor at China’s Xiamen University and co-author of the study, emphasized the need for countries to take responsibility for the environmental harm caused to marine life. She highlighted the United Nations global high seas biodiversity pact as a positive step in the right direction. Cao also raised concerns about ocean floor mining, urging countries to reconsider this potentially destructive practice and evaluate its impact on marine ecosystems.
The study’s findings underscore the urgent need for action to mitigate pollution and protect marine life. By implementing measures to reduce pollution and regulate fishing practices, we can safeguard the world’s seafood supply and ensure a healthier and more sustainable future for all.
