A groundbreaking international study has revealed that Indian Ocean fisheries play a vital role in global nutritional security, contributing significantly to the world’s supply of essential nutrients. Published in the prestigious journal Fish and Fisheries, the study was conducted by researchers from The University of Western Australia, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, and the University of British Columbia.
🌊 Indian Ocean: A Global Powerhouse for Seafood Nutrition
According to the study, seafood harvested from the Indian Ocean accounts for:
- 12% of global wild-caught seafood
- Nearly 30% of the world’s calcium from seafood
- Almost 20% of vitamin A
- 15% of iron
- 13% of vitamin B12
These nutrients are essential for the health and development of over 800 million people living in countries bordering the Indian Ocean.
“Our research shows how essential Indian Ocean fisheries are—not just in terms of food volume but in delivering life-sustaining nutrients,” said lead author Vania Andreoli, Ph.D. candidate at UWA’s School of Biological Sciences and Oceans Institute.
🐟 Small Fish, Big Impact: Anchovies Lead the Way
One of the key findings was the nutritional importance of small pelagic fish, particularly anchovies. Despite making up only 2.5% of the catch by weight, anchovies deliver over 20% of the region’s total micronutrient supply. These fish are:
- Rich in omega-3 fatty acids
- Affordable for local communities
- Resilient to overfishing and climate change
Other small fish like herring, sardines, and mackerel also contribute significantly to dietary protein, iron, zinc, calcium, and vitamin B12.
“These nutrient-dense species are vital for both heart health and fighting malnutrition,” said Dr. Jessica Zamborain-Mason, a postdoctoral fellow at Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health.
🐟 Foreign Fleets, Tuna, and Squid: Less Nutrients, More Pressure
The study contrasts these nutrient-rich small fish with larger, commercially valuable species like tuna and squid, which are:
- Less nutrient-dense
- More expensive
- More vulnerable to overfishing and climate change
Moreover, foreign fishing fleets, which primarily target tuna and squid, contribute only 2% of the Indian Ocean’s total micronutrient output, while exporting most of the economic and nutritional benefits away from local populations.
“Fishing policy isn’t just about tonnage or profit—it’s about ensuring nutritious fish are accessible to those who need them most,” Andreoli emphasized.
🌍 Towards Sustainable Fisheries and Nutritional Equity
The findings provide crucial insights for policymakers, public health experts, and marine conservationists. As the climate crisis and global food insecurity grow, sustainable fishery management in the Indian Ocean must prioritize both ecological balance and nutrient equity for vulnerable populations.
Reference:
Andreoli, V., et al. (2025). Quantifying the Nutritional and Socio‐Ecological Dimensions of Indian Ocean Fisheries. Fish and Fisheries. DOI: 10.1111/faf.70008