Seafood and Health ’05: Issues, Questions and Answers Vice Admiral Conrad C. Lautenbacher, Jr. USN (Ret.) Under Secretary of Commerce for Oceans and Atmosphere NOAA Administrator December 5, 2006

Seafood and Health '05: Issues, Questions, and Answers2 Outline Welcome NOAA’s mission goals Seafood consumption trends Meeting the increasing demand Efforts at NOAA National Efforts International Efforts Summary

Seafood and Health '05: Issues, Questions, and Answers3 NOAA’s Mission Goals Protect, restore, and manage the use of coastal and ocean resources through ecosystem management Understand climate variability and change to enhance society’s ability to plan and respond Serve society’s needs for weather and water information Support the Nation’s commerce with information for safe, efficient, and environmentally sound transportation

Seafood and Health '05: Issues, Questions, and Answers4 U.S. PER CAPITA SEAFOOD CONSUMPTION (Processed product) Source: Fisheries of the United States 1910 '20 '30 '40 '50'60'70 '80'81 '82'83'84'85'86 '87 '88 '89 '90'91'92 '93 '94'95'96'97'98 '99'00 '01'02'03 ' Pounds RECORD: 16.6 lbs. Seafood Consumption Trends

Seafood and Health '05: Issues, Questions, and Answers5 Meeting the Increasing Demand NOAA is a steward of the oceans Science based fisheries management to ensure healthy stocks Wild harvest fisheries and aquaculture important to meet global seafood demand Increased demand paired with conflicting information on risks and health benefits of seafood consumption

Seafood and Health '05: Issues, Questions, and Answers6 Efforts at NOAA Funded and organized 1985 and 2005 conferences NAS Institute of Medicine study Identify adverse health effects of toxicants in seafood Examine availability of nutrients in seafood vs. other foods Determine impacts of modifying food choices Develop decision path for consumers Identify data gaps

Seafood and Health '05: Issues, Questions, and Answers7 Omega-3 fatty acids for National Institutes of Health Seafood inspection program Voluntary inspection services to industry for all edible products Inspection allows ability to apply official marks Services provided nationwide and in foreign countries Inspections of whole fish, formulated products, including products used for animal food Efforts at NOAA

Seafood and Health '05: Issues, Questions, and Answers8 National Efforts Agencies monitor seafood supply for contamiants Advisories about safety and consumption Risk – benefit analysis Research

Seafood and Health '05: Issues, Questions, and Answers9 International Efforts Global medical research on seafood and Omega-3s U.N. Organizations focusing on health and nutrition issues CODEX Alimentarius Commission World Health Organization Risk/Benefit for use in consumption recommendations Pollution controls to protect natural resources - ensures safety of seafood

Seafood and Health '05: Issues, Questions, and Answers10 Summary Seafood consumption rising Wild harvest and aquaculture will meet global demand Risk management important Continued research, dialogue and accurate information importantfor informed consumer decisions