Journal of Aquaculture Engineering and Fisheries Research

Prospects of fish supply demand and its implications for food and nutrition security

Annas Salleh^* Department of Veterinary Laboratory Diagnosis, University of Putra Malaysia, Malaysia
^*Correspondence: Annas Salleh, Department of Veterinary Laboratory Diagnosis, University of Putra Malaysia, Malaysia, Email:

Received: Jan 02, 2023, Manuscript No. JAEFR-23-99095; Editor assigned: Jan 04, 2023, Pre QC No. JAEFR-23-99095 (PQ); Reviewed: Jan 18, 2023, QC No. JAEFR-23-99095; Revised: Jan 23, 2023, Manuscript No. JAEFR-23-99095 (R); Published: Jan 30, 2023, DOI: 10.3153/JAEFR.9.1.006

Citation: Annas Salleh. Prospects of fish supply demand and its implications for food and nutrition security. J Aquacult Eng Fish Res. 2023; 9(01).

Description

Wild fish, with their vast array of species, have been a significant food source and part of ecosystems for thousands of years. However, the ever-increasing demand for seafood, coupled with unsustainable fishing practices, has led to numerous disadvantages associated with wild fish. In this article, we will explore the environmental, ecological, and economic challenges posed by the exploitation of wild fish populations. One of the primary disadvantages of wild fish is the pervasive issue of overfishing, which refers to the removal of fish from a population at a rate that exceeds their ability to reproduce. Overfishing disrupts the delicate balance within ecosystems by depleting certain fish species. This can lead to trophic cascades, wherein the loss of a top predator can trigger a chain reaction of ecological imbalances throughout the food web. The resulting decline in biodiversity can have detrimental effects on the overall health and resilience of marine ecosystems. Persistent overfishing can lead to the collapse of fish populations, causing irreversible damage to both the environment and the livelihoods of those who depend on fishing for their sustenance. Iconic species such as Atlantic cod and Bluefin tuna have faced severe population declines due to historical overfishing. Unsustainable fishing practices often result in high levels of bycatch, which refers to the unintended capture of non-target species. Bycatch can include endangered marine mammals, sea turtles, and seabirds, further exacerbating the negative impact on biodiversity. Additionally, certain fishing methods, such as bottom trawling, can cause significant damage to fragile marine habitats, including coral reefs and seafloor ecosystems. Industrial fishing activities, including largescale trawling operations, can release a plethora of pollutants into the marine environment. These pollutants include fuel spills, discarded fishing gear, and chemical additives used in fishing processes. Such pollution can harm marine life, degrade habitats, and disrupt the delicate balance of marine ecosystems. Wild fish, particularly those higher up the food chain, are prone to accumulating toxins such as heavy metals (e.g., mercury) and Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs) in their tissues. This bioaccumulation occurs as these substances move up the food chain, posing risks to human health when consumed. Many indigenous communities rely on wild fish for their cultural and economic sustenance. The depletion of fish stocks and the pollution resulting from industrial fishing practices can severely impact these communities, leading to a loss of cultural heritage, reduced food security, and economic hardships. Overfishing and the depletion of fish populations have significant economic consequences for commercial fisheries. As fish stocks dwindle, the fishing industry faces declining revenues, increased costs due to longer fishing trips, and potential job losses. Small-scale fishermen are particularly vulnerable, as they often lack the resources to adapt to changing circumstances. The demand for seafood continues to rise globally, driven by factors such as population growth and changing dietary preferences. This demand puts additional pressure on wild fish stocks and exacerbates Illegal Unreported and Unregulated (IUU) fishing practices. IUU fishing not only undermines conservation efforts but also distorts market dynamics and poses economic challenges to legitimate fishermen. While wild fish have been an important resource for human societies and ecosystems, their exploitation comes with significant disadvantages. Overfishing, depletion of fish stocks, environmental pollution, and economic challenges all underscore the need for sustainable fishing practices. Implementing sciencebased management strategies, promoting responsible fishing techniques, and reducing excessive fishing pressures are crucial steps toward mitigating the disadvantages associated with the exploitation of wild fish. Protecting wild fish populations is not only essential for preserving biodiversity but also for safeguarding the livelihoods and well-being of communities dependent on these valuable marine resources.

Acknowledgement

None.

Conflict of Interest

The author declares there is no conflict of interest in publishing this article.