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Journal Nature Food

A recent study indicated that microscopic fish could be essential in combating the global food insecurity dilemma and the malnutrition crisis.The research was released in the Nature Food journal. Small fish are the cheapest source of nutrient-dense fish available in a wide number of low- and middle-income countries and are frequently harvested in great quantities in the waterways of nations that currently suffer from malnutrition.  

In sub-Saharan Africa, malnutrition is on the rise, with an estimated 55 million children stunted by poor diets and 10 million children suffering from wasting. However, these new studies demonstrate that a daily quantity of extremely nutritious food may be provided to all young children living close to lakes or the ocean from just 20% of small pelagic fish gathered locally.

James Robinson, a Lancaster University expert in coral reef fisheries and climate change, said, "Our findings suggest that nutrients important to fighting malnutrition are within the grasp of vulnerable individuals living adjacent coastal and freshwater ecosystems across the globe."

These little, locally caught fish are cheap, full of essential components for maintaining a healthy diet, and already harvested in adequate quantities.  

Small pelagic fisheries need to be managed responsibly, and catches need to benefit local people that are in need.

These fish species, which are common in the developing countries of the Global South, are well-known for being high in iron, zinc, calcium, omega-3 fatty acids, and selenium. They can now offer a local and inexpensive supply of micronutrients for those who are at risk of poverty and malnutrition because this study's findings show that they are also significantly more economical than other fish. Unfortunately, the researchers warn that overfishing and competing demand from businesses involved in the production of fish oils or animal feeds pose dangers to the availability of these little fish.

"There has never been a greater demand for locally available, affordable, and wholesome food sources. According to study co-author and fisheries policy and enforcement advisor Godfred Asiedu of the Ghana Fisheries Recovery Activity, "Our study sheds light on the 'hidden' environmental, social, economic, the relevance of policymaking for the sustainable and equitable management of small-scale fisheries. and governance contributions of small-scale fisheries.

Source : earth.com