Curbing severe hunger and the prevalence of food insecurity: Is relying on the world fishing industry sufficient and ecologically sustainable?

Abstract

Food insecurity remains a critical global challenge and a key focus of Sustainable Development Goal 2 (SDG2), which aims to eradicate hunger, enhance nutrition, and promote sustainable agriculture. This study examine how greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions affect fisheries sector’s impact on food insecurity. Using panel data from 123 countries spanning 2000–2020, the analysis employs robust econometric approaches, including the instrumental variable two-stage least squares (IV-2SLS), smoothed instrumental variables quantile regression (SIVQR), and system generalized method of moments (GMM). The findings reveal that fisheries production significantly reduces undernourishment prevalence across diverse continents, income levels, and geographical contexts. Key dimensions of food security, availability, accessibility, stability, and utilization are enhanced through increased fisheries production, as evidenced by improved dietary energy adequacy, protein supply, caloric intake, and access to safe drinking water. However, GHG emissions negatively influence fish production and its capacity to mitigate food insecurity, underscoring the need for emission reductions to maximize the sector's benefits. In North America, a critical GHG emission reduction threshold of 1.125 is identified to neutralize adverse impacts, highlighting the urgency of addressing environmental concerns. Policy recommendations emphasize the adoption of sustainable fisheries management practices, including regulated fishing quotas, habitat protection, and prevention of overfishing. Investments in clean technologies, such as energy-efficient fishing vessels and renewable energy integration, are essential for reducing the carbon footprint of the fisheries sector. Strengthening climate adaptation strategies, such as early warning systems, diversified livelihoods for fishing communities, and advanced research, is critical for resilience. Additionally, integrating fisheries into broader national and regional food security strategies and fostering international collaboration, particularly under frameworks like the Paris Agreement, can further enhance sustainable food production.