Why we need pelagic fish to meet the world’s growing protein needs

With the world population expected to grow from 7.9 billion today to 8.5 billion by 2030 and 11 billion by 2100, the demand for affordable, high-protein food is only going to rise. We can significantly enhance diets across the world and offer nutrient-rich, low-cholesterol options with pelagic fish.

At North Atlantic, we’re committed to delivering sustainably sourced and cost-effective pelagic fish worldwide. Almost 100% of our catch is for human consumption, with around 90% exported to developing nations outside the EU.

Benefits of pelagic fish consumption

When sourced and managed responsibly, pelagic fish provides high-protein food with a low environmental impact. These fish are rich in super-healthy long-chain Omega-3 fatty acids and are also nutrient-dense, offering essential vitamins and minerals such as riboflavin, vitamin D, iron, and calcium. Remarkably, a 150g portion of pelagic fish can supply 50-60% of an adult’s daily protein requirement, making it an exceptionally nutritious choice for everyday consumption.

Promoting the consumption of pelagic fish can therefore help diversify diets and alleviate malnutrition in regions where other sources of protein are scarce or expensive. The benefits of eating pelagic fish extend well beyond individual health, encompassing economic, environmental, and social advantages crucial for sustaining global populations.

Ensuring fish for all

A report on food security by the UN’s Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) highlights serious concerns about food security and nutrition but notes signs of progress in many subregions.  Although global hunger and food insecurity have stagnated for two years, sustainable fishing remains crucial for global food security, especially with more than three billion people relying on wild-caught and farmed seafood for protein.

Although fish is critical in feeding global populations, adopting, and adhering to sustainable fishing methods is imperative to ensure the longevity and health of both the fisheries and the ecosystems they depend on.

Low carbon emissions

Beyond the significant health benefits, eating pelagic fish offers several other advantages for global populations. The sustainable fishing of pelagic species can support local economies and contribute to food security by providing a reliable and affordable source of protein.

While all food production generates CO2 emissions, wild-caught pelagic fish, when harvested sustainably, have a lower environmental footprint than land-based animal protein sources. They require less feed and water and do not contribute to deforestation or habitat loss, making them a more sustainable choice in the face of climate change and the need for more eco-friendly food production.

Our vessels make fewer, longer trips annually, minimising CO2 emissions through economic engine use, clean marine fuels, and investment in low-impact freezing technology. On-board processing is also highly efficient, allowing our vessels to stay at sea longer and optimise fuel usage while catching quotas cost-effectively. 

Protecting fish stocks

Pelagic vessels have among the lowest bycatch levels in the industry, at less than 1%. At North Atlantic, we fish exclusively for mackerel, horse mackerel, blue whiting, and herring using mid-water (pelagic) nets that never touch the seabed. This ensures our catches are always a single species from a single stock, making our vessels among the most ecologically friendly in the world.

Many fishing operations (including North Atlantic) now participate in scientific data collection, reporting catches, bycatch, and environmental conditions. This data is crucial for informed marine resource management.

Consumer guidance on sustainable fish also helps protect fish stocks. Diverse “blue foods” offer essential nutrients and support marine biodiversity, easing pressure on exploited species. Expanding dietary choices beyond common species to include alternative sustainable seafood can therefore strengthen food security, especially for populations dependent on fisheries affected by climate change and environmental changes.

Sustained food security

By implementing and upholding sustainable fishing methods, the international community can safeguard the enduring health of marine ecosystems, secure a consistent food source, and maintain the livelihoods of millions. This holistic strategy is crucial for maintaining food security in an expanding global population and promoting a sustainable interaction with our planet’s marine resources.