Author: Sharif Mohammad Sadat
On World Fisheries Day 2024, we are reminded of the intricate connections between aquatic ecosystems and human well-being. Fish are indispensable not only for global diets but also for maintaining ecological balance.
Currently, nearly 3.3 billion people rely on fish as their primary source of protein, while fisheries and aquaculture provide livelihoods to over 60 million people worldwide, according to the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO). Yet, this vital resource faces unprecedented threats from pollution, overfishing, and climate change.
The degradation of marine ecosystems directly impacts the safety and sustainability of seafood. Contaminants like heavy metals, microplastics, and agricultural runoff infiltrate marine food chains, compromising the health of fish and, consequently, the humans who consume them.
A study conducted by Pastorelli et al. found that cadmium levels in fish species like squid, red mullet, European hake, and Atlantic cod exceeded the European Union’s maximum allowable limits.
This contamination poses significant risks to human health, with high seafood consumers exceeding the tolerable weekly intake for cadmium. Mercury, another toxic metal, is prevalent in predatory fish like swordfish and tuna potentially causing neurological and developmental disorders in humans.
OCEAN PLASTIC
Microplastic pollution has emerged as one of the major global environmental threats, with increasing concerns about its impact on both ecosystems and human health. Studies have shown that they are ingested by marine organisms like zooplankton, fish, and birds and indicate that they are found in 56.5% of commercial fish samples analyzed.
This is particularly concerning, as fish consumption is widespread across the world, meaning that humans are exposed to microplastics over long periods.
When microplastics are ingested by marine animals, they often release toxic chemicals like pesticides, flame retardants, and heavy metals, which further compromise the health of both aquatic species and humans who consume seafood.
In Bangladesh, seafood contamination poses significant health risks, especially in coastal regions. A study on seafood from St. Martin Island revealed high levels of heavy metal contamination, exceeding the acceptable limits of lead, mercury, arsenic, chromium, and cadmium in various marine species. These contaminants, found in the muscle and exoskeletons of species like shrimp, lobster, and fish, present a serious health threat, especially since fish is a staple protein source for both locals and tourists. The Karnaphuli River Estuary, an industrial area in Chattogram, faces significant contamination from industrial and port activities. A study revealed elevated concentrations of toxic metals in benthic fish species, particularly zinc, lead, and chromium, which exceeded safe consumption limits.
Fish are crucial to human food security and health, but pollution from heavy metals, microplastics, and other contaminants threatens both marine ecosystems and the populations that depend on them. As fish consumption is widespread and integral to diets worldwide, the exposure to these pollutants, especially in commercial fish, poses serious risks.
The long-term effects of such exposure are still being studied, but there is a clear need for stronger environmental protections, sustainable fishing practices, and public health initiatives to reduce the risks associated with seafood contamination.
This World Fisheries Day, the message is clear: the health of our oceans is inseparably linked to the health of humanity. Healthy oceans mean healthy people. The time to act is now to ensure the sustainability of marine ecosystems and the well-being of future generations. Healthy fish, healthy oceans, healthy people — the fate of one is tied to the well-being of all.
Together, we can ensure a future where our oceans thrive, our fish remain a safe and sustainable resource, and the well-being of humanity is protected. Let’s take action now and secure a healthy future for generations to come.
References
1. Pastorelli AA, et al. (2012). Human exposure to lead, cadmium and mercury through fish and seafood product consumption in Italy: a pilot evaluation. Food Addit Contam Part A Chem Anal Control Expo Risk Assess. 29(12):1913-21.
2. FAO (2024). The State of World Fisheries and Aquaculture.
UNEP (2021). From Pollution to Solution: A Global Assessment of Marine Litter and Plastic Pollution.
3. Baki MA, Hossain MM, Akter J, Quraishi SB, Haque Shojib MF, Atique Ullah AKM, Khan MF. Concentration of heavy metals in seafood (fishes, shrimp, lobster and crabs) and human health assessment in Saint Martin Island, Bangladesh. Ecotoxicol Environ Saf. 2018 Sep 15;159:153-163. doi: 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2018.04.035.
4. Rahman MS, Akther S, Ahmed ASS, Saha N, Rahman LS, Ahmed MK, Arai T, Idris AM. Distribution and source apportionment of toxic and trace elements in some benthic and pelagic coastal fish species in Karnaphuli River Estuary, Bangladesh: Risk to human health. Mar Pollut Bull. 2022 Oct;183:114044.
5. Makhdoumi P, Hossini H, Pirsaheb M. A review of microplastic pollution in commercial fish for human consumption. Rev Environ Health. 2022 Jan 3;38(1):97-109. doi: 10.1515/reveh-2021-0103.
Biography:
Sharif Mohammad Sadat is a medical student from Bangladesh currently serving as the Regional Director for Asia Pacific at the International Federation of Medical Students’ Associations (IFMSA), a member of the WHO Youth Council. A passionate global health advocate, Sadat is dedicated to promoting sustainable health practices and ensuring health for all. His initiatives focus on making healthcare accessible and equitable, particularly for marginalized communities. He has a strong interest in One Health, emphasizing the interconnectedness of human, animal, and environmental health. His efforts aim to merge social growth with medical knowledge, contributing to a healthier and more equitable society.