The Human Cost of Seafood: Impacts of Global Trade and Aquaculture Expansion

Fisheries and aquaculture are crucial for global food security, supporting over 60 million livelihoods worldwide, predominantly in developing countries. This paper presents a perspective on the socioeconomic impacts of the expanding seafood trade and aquaculture growth on dependent communities, emphasizing their interconnected effects on livelihoods, poverty alleviation, and equitable development. While aquaculture can increase fish supply and stabilize markets, it requires strategic policies and sustainable management to prevent negative consequences such as habitat degradation and resource competition, particularly for small-scale fishers. The concept of pro-poor aquaculture is vital for ensuring fair access and benefits, though challenges persist in resource access, market dynamics, and regulatory gaps. Despite economic gains, the global seafood trade raises concerns about diverting nutritious food from local consumption and threatening food sovereignty, highlighting the need for policies that balance trade interests with domestic food security and equitable access. To address these issues, integrated policy frameworks are essential. These should promote sustainable management, equitable resource access and support for local markets, finally fostering a more equitable, resilient, and sustainable aquatic food system for all stakeholders.