Trade and foreign fishing mediate global marine nutrient supply

Abstract

Fish are an important source of bioavailable micronutrients and essential fatty acids, and capture fisheries have potential to substantially reduce dietary deficiencies. Considerable debate has focused on trade and fishing in foreign waters as drivers of inequalities and vulnerabilities in supplies of fish, but there is little understanding of their impact on nutrient supplies from fish. Here we analyse global catch, trade, and nutrient composition data for fisheries to quantify distribution patterns among countries with differing prevalence of inadequate nutrient intake. We find that foreign fishing relocates three times more nutrients than international trade. High seas catches, in particular, benefit nutrient deficient African nations and Small Island Developing States. In contrast, fishing in Exclusive Economic Zones of other nations predominantly benefits nutrient-secure nations, a trend that is exacerbated by international trade. Next, we developed a novel nutritional vulnerability framework that shows us African nations and Small Island Developing States currently benefiting from trade and foreign fishing, or with low adaptive capacity, are most vulnerable to future changes in nutrient supplies. Climate change exacerbates vulnerabilities for many nations. Harnessing the potential of global fisheries to address micronutrient deficiencies will require greater attention to nutrition objectives in licencing deals and trade negotiations.