Presentation

About this project

Start date:	02/03/2025
Project description:	The current way we eat is not sustainable, as it heavily relies on land-based animal proteins, which contribute to environmental degradation, resource depletion, and biodiversity loss. Marine proteins, derived from fish and other marine sources, offer a more sustainable alternative, with lower environmental impacts. However, the challenge lies in integrating these marine proteins into everyday diets. How can we shift consumer behavior to embrace marine proteins as a regular part of their meals, overcoming barriers such as taste preferences, awareness, and availability? This project aims to explore strategies for making marine proteins a viable and attractive option for mainstream diets.
Outcomes:	This study explores the challenges and opportunities in promoting marine proteins as a sustainable food alternative in Zeeland. While marine proteins offer health and environmental benefits, consumers are deterred by concerns over taste, cost, and lack of familiarity. Even when people are aware of the health risks of red meat, few adjust their eating habits, showing that awareness alone isn't enough to change behavior. Supermarkets also face low demand, limited shelf life, and marketing challenges when promoting seafood products. However, Zeeland is well-positioned to lead in this shift, thanks to its research institutions, aquaculture innovation, and supportive local policies. The findings highlight the need for consumer education campaigns, improved supermarket strategies, and policy support to lower costs and boost visibility of sustainable seafood. Collaboration between producers, retailers, researchers, and policymakers is essential. By tackling these barriers, Zeeland can strengthen its economy while supporting the global move toward healthier and more sustainable food systems.
Commissioned for:

Saskia Nijhof (HZ Kenniscentrum Ondernemen en Innoveren (Stakeholder))

Protein Delta Zeeland - Integrating marine proteins in diets