Seafood Feeds More than Our Appetite

The Gulf and South Atlantic Fisheries Foundation, Inc. coordinates and administers high-quality research, marketing, and outreach projects that enhance the long-term viability and productivity of the southeastern U.S. commercial fisheries. There is more than one reason why the long-term sustainability of this industry is so important. Not only is seafood the life blood to many of the nation’s southeastern coastal communities, it is one of the most nutritional food sources available. Seafood feeds the general population and provides the means for food to families who depend on the resource for their livelihood.

The commercial fishing industry includes the commercial harvest sector, seafood wholesalers and distributors, seafood processors and dealers, and seafood retailers.

Not only does seafood feed the Gulf and Atlantic states’ economies, seafood feeds consumers in one of the healthiest possible ways. Seafood offers high-quality protein and other essential nutrients and contains omega-3 fatty acids. Research indicates that omega-3 fatty acids may help lower risk of chronic diseases such as heart disease, cancer and arthritis. These essential fatty acids are also crucial to brain development and growth. Moreover, seafood is an excellent source of protein for all ages – including women and new mothers who are breastfeeding, because new research shows that nutrients found in seafood play an important factor in babies’ brain and eye development. Dietary guidelines released in early 2011 by the U.S. Department of Agriculture call for 2 to 3 servings of fish per week.

The NOAA points out that protein in seafood is more readily broken down and absorbed than the protein in red meats and poultry.

Seafood also offers vitamins and minerals that are not easily found in other foods. Seafood is an excellent source of B complex vitamins, particularly niacin, B12 and B6. Calcium is also found in fish, especially fish with small bones such as sardines and smelts. Other minerals in seafood include zinc, found in oysters and crustaceans, iron found in oysters, bluefish, and shrimp, copper found in oysters, crabs, and lobster, potassium found in mussels, scallops, and clams, and iodine, phosphorus, and selenium is found in all seafood in general.

Without seafood, many of the coastal communities in the Gulf and South Atlantic region would be without more than 160,000 jobs. The health of Americans would be at risk without the seafood industry, as seafood is an excellent source of nutrients not easily found in other sources. The seafood industry is vital to the health of America, both economically and physically.