Quercus believes that there is an excessive consumption of fish in Portugal, with the Portuguese eating more than 150 grams per day, which is 2.5 times more than the European Union average.
According to data available in 2020 quoted by the association, each Portuguese consumed an average of 59.9 kg of fish.
In a statement to mark World Oceans Day, the environmental organization argued that growing demand for marine protein, along with “unsustainable fishing practices” and the effects of climate change, are exacerbating ocean acidification.
“Over the past 200 years, the ocean has absorbed about 30% of total CO2 emissions, altering the production of calcium carbonate in ocean water, disrupting the carbonate-silicate cycle that caused this phenomenon of gradual drop in water pH “, the document reads.
Among the most affected species are crab, lobster, clams, mussels, oysters, sea urchins, corals and squid.
“Overfishing, destructive fishing practices and habitat destruction are major concerns that require urgent attention. If left unaddressed, these practices can deplete fish populations, disrupt marine ecosystems and jeopardize the livelihoods of those who rely on fisheries as their main source of income,” says Quercus, proposing the confection of dishes with a smaller dose of fish and the use of more abundant species, but also the consumption of seaweed.
“The food transition to using plant protein sources is also an option for more and more people, and there is still some way to go in terms of food education, in appreciating the wide range of nutritious options for people who want to reduce fish consumption , but also of other products of animal origin,” says the association.
Source: DN
