
Nithiya Laila
TV Presenter, Founder of Brunch Bandits
Session 13 by Nithiya Laila – Fruits of the Tide: Eating with a Purpose for Ocean Conservation
We delve into the socio-economic forces that have elevated fish to a symbol of wealth and nutrition across civilisations. As cold supply chains and improved logistics brought fish to even the most landlocked communities, demand surged, leading to overfishing and the widespread use of heavy trawlers, placing immense pressure on our marine ecosystems. With the global fish market now worth 159 billion USD and trading over 179 million tonnes annually, the popularity of species like tuna, cod, and salmon has surged, making them dietary staples worldwide and threatening their survival. Through the lens of culinary anthropology, we’ll explore the historical significance of fish in our diets and how embracing sustainable practices with seaweed and bivalves can help protect ocean life. By reimagining our consumption of the ocean’s bounty, we can pave the way for a healthier future for both marine ecosystems and ourselves.