**2. Importance of fish and aquaculture to alleviate poverty and malnutrition**

The nutritional benefits of fish and fish oil consumption on human health, such as cancer, diabetes, and heart disease prevention, have long been known. The global demand for aquatic foods is predicted to continue to climb as public knowledge of the health advantages of fish intake grows [16].

Furthermore, by 2050, the world's population is predicted to increase by more than 30%, resulting in an additional 2.3 billion mouths to feed, with the majority of this expansion occurring in developing countries where fish is the primary source of protein [17].

The progressive intensification of production systems has resulted in the aquaculture sector's exponential rise during the last two decades. The use of manufactured feeds intended to fulfill the nutritional requirements of the targeted fish species is a major contributor to this intensive production system. For many fish species, feeds account for up to 70% of the variable cost of a commercial aquaculture operation [18].

The cost of fishmeal, an important protein source in fish diets, drives feed production prices. In recent years, the price of fishmeal has climbed more than twofold. It increased from around US\$600 per metric ton in 2005 to around US\$2000 in the first quarter of 2010 [19].
