Fish has been used as medicine from ancient to modern times. Its medicinal value lies not only in curing diseases but also in preventing illness, strengthening the body and mostly augmenting nutritional deficiencies. Fish and fisheries play a vital role in human nutrition, economy, employment and in natural ecological balance. Fish is the important sources of animal protein, essential fatty acids, vitamins, and minerals. Fisheries refer to the science, art, and industry, catching, culturing, processing, and marketing.
Fish is poikilothermic aquatic animal that breathe through gills and usually possess fins for its movement. They form one of the largest and most diverse groups of animals on earth in the waters. India has a distinction of having more than 22K fish species in its waters so far identified. They live in freshwater, marine, or brackish waters. Their body covered with scales poessing streamlined body. The respiration through gills & are mostly oviparous. Fishes are classified as jawless, cartilaginous & bony. Fish is considered a nutritional and medicinal food which is mostly recommended and advised by medicos worldwide for human consumption. It has very high nutritional and medicinal values. Fish continue to play a crucial role both in global food security and economic development.
Protein deficiency remains a major public-health challenge, particularly in developing regions, affecting children, pregnant women, the elderly, and economically weaker populations. Fish is often referred to as aquatic medicine, which can be effectively combined with medical, nutritional, and therapeutic interventions to combat protein deficiency in a comprehensive and sustainable manner. Fish has a tendency of high digestibility compared to red meat. It is rich source of omega-3 fatty acids it contains micronutrients such as iodine, zinc, selenium, and vitamin D. Fish-based diets can be effectively combined with clinical protein supplements, especially in severe cases of deficiency. This collaboration improves nitrogen balance, speeds up recovery, and reduces dependency on synthetic supplements alone. Modern medicine widely uses fish and fish derived compounds because of their proven therapeutic value. These medicines are used both as preventive and curative agents and are often classified as nutraceuticals, supplements, and medical nutrition products.
Fish provides high quality complete protein containing all essential amino acids required for human growth, tissue repair, immune function, and enzyme synthesis. When integrated with medical interventions, fish enhances the effectiveness of treatment against protein-energy malnutrition (PEM). In the modern science, fish has enabled the development of fish-derived medical foods, including; Omega-3 enriched capsules for malnourished patients. Fish collagen and amino acid formulations are used widely.
Protein deficiency, often termed as Hidden Hunger, remains one of the most pressing nutritional challenges confronting the developing world. Despite progress in agricultural productivity, millions continue to suffer from inadequate intake of quality proteins, leading to stunted growth, weakened immunity, poor cognitive development and increased susceptibility to disease. Today fisheries emerge not merely as a food source but as a form of natural medicine a sustainable, accessible and nutritionally superior solution to combat protein deficiency in developing countries.
Fisheries, encompassing both capture & culture fisheries and offer a unique convergence of nutrition, livelihood generation and environmental sustainability. Fish is now often described as Food of the Future which holds immense potential to nourish populations while addressing malnutrition in a cost effective and culturally acceptable manner. Blue revolution is the hope for tomorrow.
Protein deficiency arises when dietary intake fails to meet the body’s requirement for growth, tissue repair, enzyme production and immune function. Conditions such as kwashiorkor and marasmus are extreme manifestations, particularly affecting children and pregnant women. Even moderate deficiency leads to fatigue, muscle wasting, impaired learning ability and increased vulnerability to infections. The solution seems to be the fish diet & it’s supplements.
In many regions, especially rural and coastal communities, access to animal-based proteins like meat, eggs, and dairy is limited due to high costs. This nutritional gap necessitates an affordable yet high-quality protein source a role perfectly fulfilled by fisheries blessed to them by nature.
Fish provides high biological value protein containing all essential amino acids required by the human body. Unlike some plant proteins, fish protein is highly digestible and easily absorbed, making it especially beneficial for children, the elderly and the sick.
A single serving of fish can contribute significantly to the recommended dietary allowance (RDA) of protein while being lower in saturated fats compared to red meat. Small indigenous fish species often consumed whole provide not only protein but also essential minerals like calcium, phosphorus, and iron which are crucial for combating multiple forms of malnutrition simultaneously.
Beyond protein, fish is a powerhouse of micronutrients and bioactive compounds that elevate it from mere food to functional medicine: Omega-3 fatty acids (EPA & DHA) present in the fish support brain development, cardiovascular health, and reduce inflammation. Vitamins A, D, and B-complex enhance immunity, vision, bone health, and energy metabolism. Iodine, zinc, and selenium in the fish play vital roles in thyroid function, immunity and antioxidant defense.
Regular consumption of fish has been linked to reduced risk of heart disease, improved maternal health enhanced cognitive performance in children, and better overall nutritional status thus making fisheries a natural therapeutic intervention against protein malnutrition.
Fish farming and capture fisheries have revolutionized fish availability transforming a reliable year-round source of protein. Even pond culture and integrated farming systems can produce fish locally.
Integrated fish farming where fish culture is combined with agriculture and livestock maximizes nutrient recycling and enhances food security. Such systems not only increase protein availability but also improve farm incomes, ensuring nutritional and economic resilience for vulnerable communities.
Fisheries serve as dual function like healing bodies and strengthening livelihoods. Millions of people depend on fisheries for employment particularly in coastal and rural areas. Enhanced fish production increases household income enabling better access to diversified diets and healthcare.
From a public health perspective, promoting fish consumption reduces dependency on expensive protein supplements and imported foods available in the market. Fisheries based nutrition programs have proven effective in improving child growth indicators and reducing anemia and protein deficiency among children.
Fish production has a comparatively lower carbon footprint than terrestrial livestock. Sustainable fisheries management and responsible fish farming practices ensure long term availability of this vital protein source without compromising ecological balance.
By efficiently converting feed into edible protein fish represent one of the most resource-efficient foods available, aligning nutritional goals with environmental conservation.
Despite its immense potential, fisheries face challenges such as overfishing, habitat degradation, climate change and unequal distribution. Addressing these issues requires investment in sustainable aquaculture technologies. Promotion of small-scale and indigenous fisheries and policy integration of fisheries into national nutrition strategies. Recognizing fisheries as a health intervention rather than merely an economic sector can transform food systems and improve nutritional outcomes at large scale. This can act as remedy for protein deficiency.
In the fight against protein deficiency, fisheries stand as a natural, affordable, and powerful medicine. By delivering high-quality protein along with essential micronutrients, fish nourishes the body, strengthens immunity, and fosters healthy development across all age groups. Simultaneously, fisheries support livelihoods, promote sustainability, and enhance food security.
Harnessing the full potential of fisheries is not merely a nutritional choice but it is a strategic imperative for public health, social equity, and sustainable development. In nourishing humanity, fisheries truly embody the age-old wisdom: food is the first medicine. Thus, Grow Fish and Grow with Fish for sustainable remedy for protein deficiency.
The writer is Associate Professor in Zoology, Department Higher Education, Government of Jammu & Kashmir, India. syeduntoo12@gmail.com
