PROMOTING SEAFOOD CONSUMPTION: A TOOL FOR IMPROVING NUTRITION, HEALTH AND REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT - PUBLIC POLICY AND PRODUCERS EFFORT

Roy D.Palmer
Association of International Seafood Professionals
SOUTHBANK, Vic Australia  (www.seafoodprofessionals.org)
Roy.D.Palmer@seafoodprofessionals.org

The title of this presentation comes from the UN FAO COFI 32 meeting held in Rome in July 2016 and reported widely in the seafood media. The concept was organised by Mexico who had created Public Policy which decreed they would increase seafood consumption in their country by 3 kgs pp pa over 5 years - they achieved the goal in 3 years.

Seafood as a whole food is highly nutritious. Benefits to human health associated with the consumption of seafood are noted for multiple bodily organs and physiological functions. Seafood compares favorably with other protein sources in all areas but  importantly it offers superior macronutrients in the ideal form of lean proteins combined with healthy omega-3 long chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (n-3 LCPUFAs), and a wide array of highly bioavailable micronutrients and vitamins.

Over the years USA and European Commission have changed their advisories to women and issues about Human Nutrition are now on the WHO & FAO agendas so discussions relating to advisory positions are now more in the open.

Increasing seafood consumption is an imperative but changing habits is difficult so it is important for the aquaculture industry and relevant others involved to consider steps to support the great advantage that the health marketing angle gives seafood and how this is backed by scientific research.