Switch to Forage Fish Diet Could Prevent 750,000 Deaths Annually by 2050

Study suggests replacing red meat with herring, sardines, and anchovies to improve global health and reduce environmental impact.

Replacing red meat with forage fish like herring, sardines, and anchovies could prevent up to 750,000 deaths annually by 2050, particularly benefiting low and middle-income countries.
The adoption of a forage fish diet could significantly reduce the global prevalence of disability due to diet-related diseases.
Forage fish are rich in omega-3 fatty acids, calcium, and vitamin B12, and have the lowest carbon footprint of any animal food source.
Currently, three-quarters of the forage fish catch is used for fishmeal and fish oil, mostly for fish farming, rather than direct human consumption.
Researchers suggest that multi-sectoral policy coordination and culturally tailored interventions could help overcome barriers to adopting the forage fish diet.