Collier, T. K., NOAA Fisheries, Seattle, USA, tracy.k.collier@noaa.gov
Varanasi, U. ., NOAA Fisheries, Seattle, USA, usha.varanasi@noaa.gov
Dickhoff, W. W., NOAA Fisheries, Seattle, USA, walton.w.dickhoff@noaa.gov

THE SEAFOOD DILEMMA: A WAY FORWARD

Increasing seafood consumption will putatively improve human health and save lives. To meet the demand for seafood, there are more cultured and imported products available, but surveillance of products is minimal. At the same time, risks, or perceptions of risk, are changing because coastal areas are subject to habitat contamination by chemical and biological agents. The complexity of this situation results in a ‘seafood dilemma’, which may lead to reduced seafood consumption, and resultant loss of presumed health benefits. To address this, we recommend that integrated program is needed to provide: sustained and systematic monitoring of both wild and cultured seafoods; consistent regulatory and guidance criteria; increased analytical capacity, both for harmful and beneficial substances; publicly accessible and user-friendly data on benefits and risks of seafood consumption; and a seafood tracking system. This program should be advised by representatives from the seafood and aquaculture industries, environmental interest groups, and the public health community. While the development of this program will not be a trivial task, the benefits to public health and well being make such an effort well worthwhile.

Poster presentation

Presentation is given by student: No
Session #:120
Date: 03-03-2008
Time: 17:30 - 19:30