Environmental burden of fish in healthy and sustainable diets

Fish is widely promoted as part of healthy dietary patterns. The aim of this review was to summarise current literature on the environmental footprint of fish and its role within sustainable diets. Fish generally represents a minor share of total dietary environmental impacts, contributing to a smaller proportion of greenhouse-gas emissions (GHGe), land and water use than meat and other animal products. Several modelling studies showed that substituting meat with fish or increasing fish intake within optimised dietary patterns can reduce environmental impacts, although the magnitude varies by country, diet type, and fish species. However, some analyses reported increased GHGe associated with higher fish intake, especially in models ensuring nutritional quality. Overall, fish consumption is compatible with achieving nutritionally adequate and lower environmental impacts, although optimal match between environmental boundaries and nutritional needs is not always possible. These findings suggest that fish can play a constructive role in sustainable diets when integrated thoughtfully within broader dietary shifts.