Effect of trade on global aquatic food consumption patterns

This study analyzes global aquatic food consumption patterns, trade characteristics, and impacts from 1976 to 2019 using species-level mass balance and trophic level datasets for 174 countries. Global per capita aquatic food consumption increased significantly, but the human aquatic food trophic level (HATL) declined due to increased aquaculture production of low-trophic level species. Trade increased aquatic food availability and trophic levels in over 60% of countries, reducing geographic HATL differences. The study highlights opportunities for more equitable global aquatic food distribution.

Kangshun Zhao, Steven D Gaines, Jorge García Molinos, Min Zhang, Jun Xu