The review discusses the issue of microplastics (MP) contamination and its impact on particle-feeding molluscs. It highlights that the scientific literature on this topic has been rushed and contains numerous methodological flaws, misinterpretations, and exaggerated claims. The review provides a critical assessment of over 750 publications and finds that most have significant flaws. It also points out that while microplastics are commonly found in molluscs, the actual levels are very low and not demonstrated to pose a serious risk to human health or the shellfish themselves. The review identif ..read more

Omega-3 fatty acids have been found to hold promise for maintaining the lung health of people who eat them, according to a study backed by the U.S. National Institutes of Health. Researchers developed a two-part study, including a longitudinal, observational study of 15,063 Americans, investigating the link between omega-3 fatty acid levels in the blood and lung function over time. The study showed higher levels of omega-3 fatty acids in a person’s blood were associated with a reduced rate of lung function decline, according to the NIH, with the strongest associations of positive health benefi ..read more

By now most are aware of the role omega-3 fatty acids can play in promoting heart health, specifically by lowering triglyceride levels (high triglyceride levels puts you at risk for heart disease and stroke) and raising HDL (good) cholesterol levels. But the health benefits of eating fish don’t stop there. Research has found that omega-3 fatty acids may also: Benefit depression and anxiety. Reduce symptoms of ADHD in children. Improve mental and psychiatric disorders. Help prevent age-related mental decline and Alzheimer’s disease. Help prevent cancer. Promote brain health during pregnancy an ..read more

Join Florida Sea Grant on February 1 for a free, one-day event to learn about the pressing and emerging regulations and research and development activities for sustainable seafood production. Seafood Academy, hosted by Florida Sea Grant UF/IFAS Extension Seafood Specialist Dr. Razieh Farzad, is primarily intended for seafood processors, as well as fisheries, aquaculture, and family and consumer sciences extension agents. Topics will include but are not limited to preparing for the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA)’s food traceability rule, cell-based seafood production and more! Se ..read more

Soaring demand for fishery and aquaculture products has positioned seafood as the most globally traded animal protein, with a trade value of USD 164 billion (EUR 155.8 billion) in 2021, increasing by a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of more than 2.4 percent in the 10-year period 2011-2021, according to the latest seafood trade map and report compiled by Rabobank. The “2021 World Seafood Map” found that close to half of last year’s trade flowed to the European Union, the United States, and China, whose combined imports surpassed USD 80 billion (EUR 76 billion). According to the a ..read more

California King Salmon season is finally here, running May through late summer. This is a rare treat for a limited time. California King Salmon is a joy to cook on the barbecue, baked, or broiled. Enjoy this brilliant fish that’s worth the splurge!   Recipe: Wild King Salmon With Savory Whipped Cream © New York Times Yields six servings. Recipe courtesy of the New York Times. Ingredients 1 ½ pounds king salmon fillet, skin off and pin bones removed  Salt and pepper ½ cup heavy cream 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard  Pinch of cayenne ½ teaspoon lemon zest 1 ta ..read more

SAN DIEGO – A genetic-marker methodology for identifying the success of fish-stocking efforts was recently applied to white seabass and has convincingly shown that previous estimates of Southern California’s Ocean Resources Enhancement and Hatchery Program (OREHP), on which CFSI sits as a member, contribution to the once- depleted white seabass population have been greatly underestimated. This project, initiated four years ago, was conducted as a collaboration between HSWRI and the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources (SCDNR), along with a graduate student from the College of Charle ..read more

The Blue Economy Symposium is  a collaboration between the City of Fort Bragg and California Sea Grant focusing on exploring the needs and potential for developing a resilient and vibrant blue economy in and around Fort Bragg. The two-day symposium will bring together local and state agencies to develop pathways forward for the community. It will highlight current efforts underway to support sustainable fishing economies, expand community aquaculture practices in California, and introduce concept designs to establish municipal ocean water infrastructure for aquari ..read more

Two NOAA authors describe a recent report on climate change and how it is already affecting the world’s human and natural systems. © NOAA Some 270 top scientists from 67 countries, including two NOAA scientists, have published a large-scale report on climate change.  The report, Climate Change 2022: Impacts, Adaptation & Vulnerability, was released by the United Nations Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change. It describes how climate change is already affecting the world’s human and natural systems. In this video, NOAA authors Libby Jewett, director of the NOAA’s Ocean Ac ..read more

SB 80 (Commercial Fishing: Inspection: Crap Trap), that was co-sponsored by the California Fisheries and Seafood Institute (CFSI), was signed into law by Governor Newsom on Saturday, October 9, 2021. The major provisions of SB 80 provide a regulatory path for the Department of Public Health, Food and Drug Division to allow crab to be processed when Domoic acid levels are higher than allowed by law in the viscera, but not the meat. The passage of this bill will help CFSI members tremendously and will allow crab processing and sales to continue in instances when crab would be otherwise prohibite ..read more