Progress 01/15/18 to 01/14/24
Outputs
Target Audience:The target audiences for the duration of the project included: 1) Industry professionals positioned to use the findings to make change within theseafood production and aquaculture industries, seafood processing industry, retail, and restaurants; 2) Policymakers, nongovernmental organization staff, and advocatespositioned to use the findings to develop or support policies or interventions; 3) Seafood consumers; 4) Those who may want to use our data to advance measurement of seafood resource use, waste or other topics; 5) Academics and educators who can use the findings to further advance science and science education.These include researchers focused on the food, energy and water nexus, seafood, food waste or food systems,or lifecycle analysis; as well as students with these interests at K12, college and post-graduate levels. Changes/Problems:Over the course of this project, we have made the following changes and extended the timeline, in order to adapt to opportunities or challenges. None of these changes shift the general alignment of the project outputs with our original goals. Broadened objective 1 from aquaculture feeds to explore both farmed and wild caught seafood, and increased the extent of focus on retail/restaurants; Shifted the specific list of seafood supply chains studied based on feasibility of obtaining data, and based on networks of our team and colleagues. Increased the overall project scope from 7 to 10 supply chains (we visited 7 and used secondary data to add the others into our analysis). Based on feasibility, we excluded freight services. Increased consumer survey screening from 300 to 2000, in order to obtain a larger and more rigorous sampling approach. We also switched the survey from Amazon MTurk to a Qualtrics survey panel. Due to higher costs, researcher determination of priorities, and COVID-19, we omitted qualitative data collection from consumers. Shifted one case study to byproducts. Additionally, the case studies could not be conducted in parallel, so each tells a separate story and there is not an overarching manuscript. We had originally planned to create a proof of concept calculator to allow users to estimate variations in water and energy use or environmental impacts with various shifts. However, potential users did not see this as a worthwhile investment of time. The final list of 11 core publications and 27 total publications, with two more under review and at least two more in progress, differs from the original list of 10 publications provided in the proposal. The proposed evaluation/synthesis report has not yet been published. However, other than exceptions above, the content from the proposal should be covered in existing or pending publications. What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided?This project provided in-depth mentored training to: Four postdoctoral fellows, whose training focused on LCA and modeling, seafood supply chains, seafood economics, and environmental psychology. Two of them have moved on to faculty roles. Four PhD students developed dissertations linked to the project, including one whose entire dissertation was part of the case study research and who presented about it at a national conference. One masters student also completed her ScM dissertation focused on the project, and later published this paper as a manuscript and presented about it at a national conference. Another completed her practicum requirement with faculty mentorship. At least 6 masters students, 4 PhD students, and a DrPH student had the opportunity to learn about the research methods and content while contributing to the project as research assistants. Their work covered skills including literature review, research participant recruitment, primary and secondary data collection, database management, survey design, qualitative interview design, data analysis and writing research summaries. Further, in this convergent research, all of these trainees had the chance to learn from faculty outside of their primary disciplines. Information from the study was incorporated into the Johns Hopkins course, "Seafood and Public Health," taken by 111 students over the past four years. Project faculty also taught a seminar in Vietnam for 10 students and 10 faculty members. Project faculty have incorporated findings from the project research into at least 15 guest lectures in other courses, and a presentation about the research was provided to deans of all of the Chinese schools of public health. How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest?We have developed the following approaches, to reach: 1) Non-scientist audiences including industry, consumers, policy-makers, NGO staff and advocates: Eight research briefs summarizing key studies Website housing all of the project's key products and a photo gallery Press releases for selected studies Two blog-type stories on the Center for a Livable Future website A team member created tweet threads to share about findings from research papers A podcast is planned. 1) To reach industry in particular, we shared the above products widely via listserves, personal connections, and networking.In addition: Two team members attended the Boston Seafood Expo, where they met with approximately 50 seafood industry stakeholders to share about the project, build relationships and seek assistance with recruitment or knowledge sharing; We created a communications document in English/Spanish to reach staff at Smartfish in Mexico and other staff with relatively limited English proficiency. Many restaurant/retail industry leaders with interest in food attend the US Food Waste Summit/ReFED Food Waste Summit, so we have presented at each. 3) We reached out to individuals involved with food waste measurement via ReFED and the USDA. 4) We also communicated about the findings with academics: Those interested in nexus ideas: We presented at three US-based INFEWS events and made three presentations at a US-China INFEWS conference. Academics interested in food systems or food waste: In addition to the above summits, we gave the lead-off talk at a National Academy of Sciences event on the future of food; presented at a National Academy of Sciences and Engineering workshop on food loss and waste impacts; and at the Food Systems Research Summit. We also provided full panels of presentations on the project at the AAAS and the American Public Health Association conference, among others. What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals?
Nothing Reported
Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals?
IMPACT Seafood is a healthy and relatively sustainable protein.Due to limited resources, we must produce seafood (and all food) as sustainably as we can. Getting there requires understanding the amount and drivers of energy and water use and of waste. Previously, that information was difficult to compare, outdated, and incomplete. We gathered and modeled data on energy and water use and loss/waste across the US seafood supply, providing the most comprehensive information to date. The findings suggest diverse ways to reduce these footprints, including changing feed production and consumer behavior; and reducing air transport. OBJECTIVE 1:Measure energy and water use in seafood production and identify optimal reduction strategies: Examine variation in production resource use for seven top seafood products. Identify a set of systems interventions to reduce resource use. Model potential impacts. Seek input on intervention acceptability from industry and others. 1) Major activities:Gathered/analyzed qualitative/quantitative data on seafood resource use in 7 supply chains. Interviews were performed in Mississippi/Alabama, Alaska, Seattle, Vietnam,Norway and remotely. Designed novel approaches to obtaining retail/restaurant data. Performed lifecycle analyses (LCA) to model energy and water use across seafood types and supply chain stages. 2) Data collected:Gathered primary and secondary data on water use, energy use, and infrastructure from seafood production [feed production, hatcheries, fishing], processing and wholesale in the top 10 seafood supply chains (shrimp, salmon, tuna, tilapia, catfish/pangasius, Alaska pollock, cod, crab, flatfish and scallops), comprising 79% of the country's seafood. Gathered qualitative data onfactors affecting resource use, changes over time, current and potential future strategies, tradeoffs and coupled uses, and supply chain challenges. Gathered secondary data on resource use in retail/restaurant industries, and in households. 3) Summary statistics/discussion: MODELING:(Italicized: Under review). 96 MJ energy and 170 L water needed for 1 kg edible aquatic food. Production used 55% total energy (57% aquaculture, 43% capture fisheries). Production and processing accounted for 81% and 16% ofwater use. Aquaculture feed required the largest share of water use (52%), followed by hatcheries and farms (45%). Transport contributed 21% of energy use, with 94% of that for imports. 17% of imports come by air. DISCUSSION - Modeling Energy use relates to volume, so interventions should focus on top-consumed species. Production had the highest energy footprint. Interventions include farm and fishery management, biosecurity, genetic technologies, fish feed sustainability, fuel-efficient fishing gears. Key opportunities for reducing aquaculture water footprints include improving feed conversion ratios, using recirculating systems where appropriate, and reducing pond seepage and evaporation. The study draws attention to high energy use for air freight. QUALITATIVE Interviewees described existing resource efficiency strategies and commented on possible future strategies. Cost savings drove past adoption of, and interest in, energy conservation practices. However, direct costs generally did not motivate reducing freshwater use.Associated costs like energy to run pumps and supplies to treat contaminated surface water mattered more. Energy and water use were coupled in ways such as using energy to pump, heat and cool water; and using much water in operations. Poor water quality raises aquaculture energy use. DISCUSSION - Qualitative Focus efforts to improve resource use on identifying and scaling-up strategies that improve efficiency of >1 resource and/or that apply across multiple settings. 4) Key outcomes: We published papers on qualitative insights across supply chains;energy and water use in farmed catfish;renewable energy in farmed catfish and wild salmon;environmental support to wild Alaskan salmon and farmed Norwegian salmon;and a case study/LCA of wild Alaskan salmon energy/water use. Other manuscripts contribute foundational knowledge on the seafood sector, supporting the later modeling. OBJECTIVE 2:Measure energy and water use in seafood waste and identify optimal reduction strategies: Determine the extent, composition, and key factors affecting seafood waste from production to consumption. Estimate lost water and energy resulting from seafood waste. Identify a set of systems interventions to reduce seafood waste. Model potential impacts. Seek input on intervention acceptability from industry, consumers and others. Provide three case studies describing implementation of selected seafood waste reduction strategies. 1) Major activities:Created new concept model to organize seafood FLW research, completed primary and secondary data collection on FLW similar to Obj. 1. Collected survey and diary data from US consumers. Performed case studies of SmartFish, a program in Mexico that reduces waste by improving methods among artisanal fishers and cultivating demand for sustainably caught seafood;and Norway salmon aquaculture. 2) Data collected: Gathered FLW dataparallel to thatin Obj. 1. 3) Summary statistics/discussion: 23% of US aquatic food supply was lost or wasted, with highest amounts in production, consumption. Most FLW occurs in homes. Processors reduced physical losses by finding markets for lower quality products and scraps. Imported seafood made up 78% production losses and ~¼ aquatic FLW. In fisheries the top loss source is discarding at sea. In aquaculture, the top source is death of harvestable-size animals, which also carry higherresource impacts vs earlier losses. Recommendations: Implement policies to adopt efficient fishing gear and production practices. Develop markets for less-valuable portions of catch. Evaluate best practices, work with aquaculture industries to adopt evidence-based strategies for reducing mortality. Strengthen investment in capacity, infrastructure, and technology in low- and middle-income countries. Improve practices that help reduce consumer waste. Develop and implement consumer education on seafood preparation, safety, perishability. Lifecycle impacts (Italicized modeling findings: under review.) 23% energy and 24% water embodied in US aquatic food was lost. Retail and consumers are key targets for intervention, accounting for 54% overall FLW, and 70% and 65% of embodied energy and water in the waste. We identify resource tradeoffs between interventions (e.g., packaging is energy intensive but reduces perishability and FLW.) Recommendations Prioritize consumer behavior research, aquatic food management guidance, and upstream strategies to help consumers and retailers; and further data to help optimize across systems. 4) Key outcomes. This research finds we waste seafood at half the previously estimated rate. Food waste experts at USDA and ReFED (amajor US FLW nonprofit) expressed interest in our data to enhance their national FLW models. The research provided qualitative insights, seafood waste diary data, and a new concept model of consumer seafood FLW drivers. Manuscripts covered FLW in salmon aquaculture, bycatch reduction devices in Ecuador/Costa Rica shrimp trawl and tuna/mahi longline fisheries, and review of data on ghost fishing. Case study research is in review/underway on seafood byproducts; and the SmartFish program (Mexico). OBJECTIVE 3:Integrate findings, develop recommendations and communicate: Synthesize findings and make recommendations. Communicate with general and targeted audiences. Evaluate project. Major activities: Created 8 communications briefs, published new website, and communicated via social media, news releases, networking and presentations. We have not yet published the formal synthesis/evaluation, butthe project's key findings and recommendations have generally been published or are under review in other sources, including the summary briefs.
Publications
- Type:
Conference Papers and Presentations
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2023
Citation:
Neff R. Innovations in addressing wasted food. Food Systems Research Summit. University of Vermont, Nov, 2023.
- Type:
Journal Articles
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2023
Citation:
Love, D. C., Asche, F., Fry, J., Nguyen, L., Gephart, J., Garlock, T. M., Jenkins, L.D., Anderson, J.L., Brown, M., Viglia, S., Nussbaumer, E.M., & Neff, R. (2023). Aquatic food loss and waste rate in the United States is half of earlier estimates. Nature Food, 4(12), 1058-1069. https://doi.org/10.1038/s43016-023-00881-z
- Type:
Journal Articles
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2024
Citation:
Fry, J. P., Scroggins, R. E., Garlock, T. M., Love, D. C., Asche, F., Brown, M. T., Nussbaumer, E.M., Nguyen, L., Jenkins, L.D., Anderson, J., & Neff, R. A. (2024). Application of the food-energy-water nexus to six seafood supply chains: hearing from wild and farmed seafood supply chain actors in the United States, Norway, and Vietnam. Frontiers in Sustainable Food Systems, 7, 1269026. https://doi.org/10.3389/fsufs.2023.1269026
- Type:
Conference Papers and Presentations
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2023
Citation:
Full Session: 4295.0 Getting seafood on Americans plates sustainably and equitably: Addressing wasted seafood and use of water and fossil fuels while improving access. American Public Health Association 2023 Annual Meeting, Atlanta, GA.
- Type:
Conference Papers and Presentations
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2023
Citation:
Presentation: Neff RA. Seafood supply chains and consumers at the food-energy-water nexus. American Public Health Association 2023 Annual Meeting, Atlanta, GA.
- Type:
Conference Papers and Presentations
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2023
Citation:
Presentation: Love, D. Loss and waste in United States seafood supply chains and among consumers
- Type:
Conference Papers and Presentations
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2023
Citation:
Presentation: Fry J. Hearing from seafood producers on how to improve resource use and reduce waste in supply chains
- Type:
Conference Papers and Presentations
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2023
Citation:
Scroggins R. Renewable energy in fisheries and aquaculture: Case studies from the United States
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Progress 01/15/22 to 01/14/23
Outputs
Target Audience:During Year 5 our target audiences included seafood industry sectors and the seafood industry overall, retail and food service/restaurant sectors, seafood consumers, policymakers and governmental/nongovernmental organization staff focused on seafood, food waste, and resource use, as well as researchersand students focused on seafood, food system resource use,andfood waste. Changes/Problems:We sought and receiveda no cost extension to extend project work by one year. This extension was primarily necessitated by the pandemic and its sequelae:Wefaced challenges in obtaining the interviews needed to complete data collection due to the pressures faced by the seafood industry and for other reasons. We had to cancel planned data collection trips. Additionally, while we had planned to follow-up our consumer seafood survey to obtain a fuller sample, the ongoing disruptions to consumer seafood use patterns led us to continue delaying the data collection. Individuals on the team were also personally delayed by COVID or other challenges. In addition, some individuals or student researchers moved to other positions. What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided?In year 5, four graduatestudents and one postdoc worked actively with theproject.These students had the opportunityto learn about seafood supply chains and waste while contributing to the project, as well as learning from the multiple disciplines of this project's investigators. (Note: this includes additional students beyond those who are listed as receiving funding.) Graduate student research assistants built skills in literature review, qualitative data collection and analysis,quantitative data analysis, and writing for both academic and popular audiences. One masters student first-authoreda publishedmanuscript about potential shifts towards renewable energy in seafood production, using project data, and had several opportunities to present this research. Another masters student beganworking with another team member to create communications briefs summarizing projectresearch, as well as working on survey development and partner communication. One doctoral student used the project for her dissertation research, including completing data collection and analysis during this year. The postdoctoral fellowreceived mentoring and experience with data collection and analysis, modeling, and Life Cycle Assessment methodology, and has since been recruited for a faculty position. Lastly, information from the study has been presented to students via the JHU course, "Seafood and Public Health." How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest?In Year 5, wepublished tenpeer reviewed manuscripts and made two presentations. The findings were shared with practice and research colleagues throughout the seafood and food waste sectors via social media and in some cases, direct email. For several, a team member created tweet threads to summarize the key findings in a readable way. During the year we began work on a set of communication briefs, blog-type commentaries, and related strategies to further disseminate the findings, as described below. What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals?In our final year, we have three main goals. 1) Complete the planned descriptive analyses: We have at least 7 descriptive data analyses/manuscripts underway, including papers to describe consumer seafood waste, industry interviews regarding strategies for reducing resource use and waste at different supply chain stages (2 papers), case studies of a fishery intervention (2 papers) and of a seafood supply chain, and energy use in seafood transport. In this last year we will complete these analyses and manuscripts. We will also perform new data collection to add to our understanding of consumer seafood discard patterns and drivers.We have an opportunity to embed our questions in a coming wave of a largeongoing study of consumer food waste behaviors, enabling both a larger sample and comparisons to other data from that study. We will thus complete that data collection and share the findings, as well as integrating findings into ourmodels. Synthesize results to generate broad insights: Our synthesis work will: 1) summarize findings on energy and water use, and waste across the U.S. seafood supply and among consumers; 2) present scenarios of approaches to reducing resource use and waste; 3) summarize findings regarding potential interventions. Communicate: We will complete our set of communications briefs and blogwriting tosummarize and translate manuscript findings for our key target audiences. We will share these on a website, and will reach out to trade publications and other media to pitch stories aboutour work and to share these materials.We plan to travel to domestic and international conferences to share about the work. We will share our findings directly via contacts and social media.We will also organize at least onewebinar and at least one podcast presentation. Several communication opportunities have already been extended to us by those with interest in this work, and for others we will perform focused outreach to secure opportunities.
Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals?
OBJECTIVE 1. In Year 5 we completed quantitative data collection for the top seafood species in the US diet, including primary and secondary data collection on infrastructure, energy, water use, waste and byproducts from seafood production, processing, retail and restaurants.We incorporated thedata into energy, water and waste models. We developedlifecyle inventories for the remaining species and supply chains, including direct and indirect energy and water use. We developed further models of energy and water use all along the supply chain. We also completed all of our qualitative interviews for supply chain actors within the seafood sectors of concern, and analyzed much of the qualitative data. Based on these data, we further solidifiedourestimates of the energy and water intensities for the average American seafood diet. We also used the data to perform additional analyses to explorefactors such as air transportation,cold chain energy use, potential for shifts to renewable energy, and more. We published four manuscripts summarizing analytic findings, making comparisons, and presenting case studies of specific settings that would provide illustrative insight. Many of these used mixed methods approaches to present complementary findingsfrom our qualitative and quantitative data. Further, we published three manuscripts that contribute foundational knowledge about the seafood sector, and which will undergird parts of themodeling forthe larger synthesis manuscripts which are underway. Objective 2 In year 5, we completed model development regarding seafood waste, performed initial analysis of the seafood waste data and developed a mixed methods manuscript describing seafood waste across the US seafood supply chain (under review). We used a portion of our data to examine seafood byproduct usage, and wrote a manuscript describing the findings, including case studies. An additional thread of our research examines interventions. We analyzed qualitative data focused on bycatch reduction, resulting in two publications, and sustainable artisanal fishing, with manuscripts underway. Lastly, recognizing that additional data collection was needed to feel confident in our consumer seafood waste estimates, we prepared for a consumer survey which will occur in the coming year, integrated within a larger food waste study. Objective 3 We communicated about our findings via social media, and in some cases, media releases. We networked extensively with colleagues at conferences and meetings, to make them aware of our research and to lay the foundation for future sharing of findings. We shared about the work in lectures and an academic course about seafood and public health. We also established plans for our broader synthesis publications and communications materials in the final project year. For many audiences, that fuller synthesis of insights will be particularly valuable.
Publications
- Type:
Journal Articles
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2022
Citation:
Viglia S, Brown MT, Love DC, Fry JP, Scroggins R, Neff RA. 2022. Analysis of Energy and Water Use in US Farmed Catfish: toward a more resilient and sustainable production system. Journal of cleaner production, 379, [134796]. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jclepro.2022.134796
- Type:
Journal Articles
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2022
Citation:
Scroggins RE, Fry JP, Brown MT, Neff RA, Asche F, Anderson JL, Love DC. 2022. Renewable energy in fisheries and aquaculture: Case studies from the United States. Journal of Cleaner Production, 376, [134153]. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jclepro.2022.134153
- Type:
Journal Articles
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2022
Citation:
Brown MT, Viglia S, Love D, Asche F, Nussbaumer E, Fry J, Hilborn R, Neff RA. 2022. Quantifying the Environmental Support to Wild Catch Alaskan Sockeye Salmon and Farmed Norwegian Atlantic Salmon: An Emergy Approach. Journal of Cleaner Production, 369, [133379]. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jclepro.2022.133379
- Type:
Journal Articles
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2022
Citation:
Brown MT, Viglia S, Love D, Fry J, Neff RA, Hilborn R. 2022. Wild caught Alaska sockeye salmon: a case study of the food energy water nexus for a sustainable wild catch fishery. Journal of Cleaner Production. 369:1. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jclepro.2022.133263
- Type:
Journal Articles
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2022
Citation:
Love DC, Thorne-Lyman AL, Conrad Z, Gephart JA, Asche F, Godo-Solo D, McDowell A, Nussbaumer EM, Bloem MW. Affordability influences nutritional quality of seafood consumption among income and race/ethnicity groups in the United States. The American journal of clinical nutrition. 2022 Aug;116(2):415-25. https://doi.org/10.1093/ajcn/nqac099
- Type:
Journal Articles
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2022
Citation:
David C. Love, Frank Asche, Ruth Young, Elizabeth M. Nussbaumer, James L. Anderson, Robert Botta, Zach Conrad, Halley E. Froehlich, Taryn M. Garlock, Jessica A. Gephart, Andrew Ropicki, Joshua S. Stoll & Andrew L. Thorne-Lyman (2022) An Overview of Retail Sales of Seafood in the USA, 20172019, Reviews in Fisheries Science & Aquaculture, 30:2, 259-270, DOI: 10.1080/23308249.2021.1946481
- Type:
Journal Articles
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2022
Citation:
Asche F, Yang B, Gephart JA, et al. Chinas seafood importsNot for domestic consumption? Science. 2022;375(6579):386-388. https://doi.org/10.1126/science.abl4756
- Type:
Journal Articles
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2022
Citation:
Jenkins, L.D. 2022. Turtles, TEDs, tuna, dolphins, and diffusion of innovations: key drivers of adoption of bycatch reduction devices. ICES Journal of Marine Science. 2022, 0,110, fsac210, https://doi.org/10.1093/icesjms/fsac210
- Type:
Journal Articles
Status:
Submitted
Year Published:
2023
Citation:
David C. Love, Frank Asche, Jillian Fry, Mark Brown, Ly Nguyen, Taryn M. Garlock, Elizabeth M. Nussbaumer, Gabriela L. Sarmiento, Sigbj�rn Tveteraasd, Roni Neff. Fisheries and aquaculture by-products: Case studies in Norway, United States, and Vietnam
- Type:
Conference Papers and Presentations
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2022
Citation:
Fry, J. P. (2022, February 10). (Sea)Food Energy Water Nexus: Perspectives from Actors Across Key Supply Chains. Innovations at the Nexus of Food, Energy, and Water Systems (INFEWS) PI Workshop, Princeton, NJ. (Virtual conference due to COVID-19 pandemic.)
- Type:
Conference Papers and Presentations
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2022
Citation:
Neff RA. (2022). Resource Use and Waste at the Seafood-Energy-Water Nexus. Innovations at the Nexus of Food, Energy, and Water Systems (INFEWS) PI Workshop, Princeton, NJ. (Virtual conference due to COVID-19 pandemic.)
- Type:
Journal Articles
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2022
Citation:
Jenkins, L.D., Eayrs, S., Pol, M.V., Thompson, K.R. 2022. Uptake of proven bycatch reduction fishing gear: perceived best practices and the role of affective change readiness. ICES Journal of Marine Science. 2022, 0,110, fsac126, https://doi.org/10.1093/icesjms/fsac126
- Type:
Journal Articles
Status:
Under Review
Year Published:
2023
Citation:
Love, David C.; Asche, Frank; Fry, Jillian; Nguyen, Ly; Gephart, Jessica; Garlock, Taryn M.; Jenkins, Lekelia D.; Anderson, James; Brown, Mark; Viglia, Silvio; Nussbaumer, E.M.; Neff, Roni. Aquatic Food Loss and Waste from Production to Consumption: United States Case Study.
- Type:
Journal Articles
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2022
Citation:
Love DC, Gephart JA, Zhu J, Garlock T, Stoll JS, Anderson J, Conrad J, Nussbaumer EM, Thorne-Lyman AL, Bloem MW. 2022. Identifying Opportunities for Aligning Production and Consumption in the U.S. Fisheries by Considering Seasonality. Reviews in Fisheries Science and Aquaculture.
|
Progress 01/15/21 to 01/14/22
Outputs
Target Audience:During Year 4 we networked with practitioner target audiences in the seafood and aquaculture industries, and in the food waste space, including practitioners working in business, non-governmental organizations, and government. We also networked with academic researchers and students. We presented about the project in multiple venues, reaching members of the above practitioner, researcher and student groups. Changes/Problems:1) Over the past year we sought and obtained a no cost extension of one year. The additional year was necessitated by delays in data collection due to COVID-19 effects on the seafood industry and consumers, and by a gap in study funding related to USDA approval processes. 2) We have made extensive efforts to collect data from the tuna industry, including using multiple approaches, seeking expert advice, and using our networks. Despite these approaches, we have faced challenges in receiving data. If we cannot obtain sufficient data in a timely way, we will need to decide whether to drop this sector from the project. 3) The pandemic increased the challenges of primary data collection from retail and restaurant industries. Accordingly, we are working with a consultant to provide these data. 4) Lastly, we have reduced the number of seafood waste intervention case studies in the project due to challenges in identifying active interventions specific to seafood waste, which would be appropriate for case studies, and for which the practitioners were open to engaging in case study creation. The pandemic added to the challenges, partly by reducing opportunities to identify case studies, but more importantly, by reducing capacity for research participation among various candidate projects we explored. We believe that one in-depth case study, supplemented by additional manuscripts characterizing the range of interventions described in the qualitative research, provide an alternative approach to providing in-depth insights regarding intervention approaches. What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided?In year 4, seven graduate student research assistants and 2 postdoctoral fellows had the opportunity to learn about seafood supply chains and waste while contributing to the project, as well as learning from the multiple disciplines of this project's investigators. (Note: this includes additional students beyond those who are listed as receiving funding through the project.) Graduate student research assistants built skills in literature review, research participant recruitment, qualitative data collection and analysis, and quantitative data analysis. Postdoctoral fellows have received mentoring and experience with data collection and analysis, modeling, and Life Cycle Assessment methodology. In addition, a masters student at Johns Hopkins University has been developing a manuscript about potential shifts towards renewable energy in seafood production, using project data, and another masters student used the project for her practicum. A doctoral student, Bixuan Yang, received a Ph.D. in August with significant participation in the project, which also contributed to Jordan Moor and Adam Ceballos' work on their Ph.D. dissertations. Ph.D. student Gabby Lout continued to receive training through the project, and is using it for her dissertation. She also participated in the AAAS panel presentations. Lastly, information from the study has been incorporated into the JHU course, "Seafood and Public Health. How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest?In addition to publishing articles in academic journals as described above, in Year 4, several research team members presented preliminary findings to academic and industry target audiences via webinars and guest lectures. The team submitted and prepared a full panel for the AAAS conference sharing several aspects of the study. Dr. Asche presented on an FAO Fish Price Index Webinar, "Impact of COVID 19 on seafood markets: Challenges and opportunities." We also developed two presentations for the INFEWS investigators' conference (which was held just after the project year ended.) Manuscripts published by the team have also been shared on social media and through our networks in order to reach broader audiences. What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals?Objective 1: We will finish the analyses of quantitative and qualitative data, and model potential intervention impacts. We plan to finish data collection on the tuna industry if possible, or remove it from the project if needed. We will gather input from experts on potential interventions. We will complete in-progress manuscripts and submit to peer reviewed journals for publication. We will also develop several additional manuscripts, and will present the findings at conferences and invited talks, aiming to reach academic and non-academic audiences. Objective 2: We plan to complete analysis for our seafood supply chain waste model and report the results via manuscript submission. We will also complete and submit the manuscript on consumer seafood waste, and publish the case study manuscript. At least one qualitative manuscript will also address seafood waste solutions. We will communicate the findings with audiences focused on food waste, including the ReFED Summit, and with audiences focused on seafood. We will continue building toward the potential that our data may be added to national food waste models used within ReFED and beyond, and modeling performed within the new national "RECIPES" food waste research network supported by the National Science Foundation. Objective 3: During Year 4 the project will substantially increase our focus on synthesis and communication. We expect to complete at least one synthesis manuscript, and to develop recommendations which can be vetted with colleagues. We will add specificity to our communication strategy and planning, including further specifying our priority opportunities, channels and targets to assure the results reach key audiences. We have planned conference presentations at the INFEWS conference and the ReFED national food waste summit, and other submissions are underway. We will spend time developing targeted and general communication materials, performing networking, and making presentations. We will also disseminate results to the public via media, public presentations, and other channels.
Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals?
IMPACT Seafood is a healthy protein source, and many seafood products require less energy, water and feed to produce than many terrestrial food animals. Nonetheless, there are numerous opportunities to further reduce resource use and waste across the seafood supply chain and by consumers. This project gathers primary data to enable describing patterns of water use, energy use and waste in the U.S. seafood supply, and performs modeling of impacts and potential solutions. It complements quantitative data with qualitative insights to summarize key factors and nuances/tradeoffs influencing resource use and waste patterns, and to identify feasible solutions for reducing seafood resource use. In the context of global and domestic challenges in food security, and resource limitations/costs, the findings are thus valuable to diverse seafood industry stakeholders, retail and food service industries, policy-makers, advocates, and food waste managers. In year 4 we have published papers that broadly advance understanding of the seafood sector and fill gaps in knowledge (including characterizing seafood consumption and restaurant patterns across the US, examining seafood trade in perishable products and food quality issues in seafood trade, and studies of factors contributing to seafood losses within sectors and among consumers). These gains set the stage for our final year in which we complete analyses, synthesize findings, apply models and qualitative research to understand potential impacts and feasibility of different interventions, publish further results, and communicate the findings to key audiences.The findings will shed new light on opportunities for making considerable impact on reducing seafood resource use and waste. Our data and models on seafood waste will also likely be incorporated into national-level food waste modelling, filling a gap by providing updated information, including what may be the first estimates of seafood waste in the US aquacultured seafood supply. ACCOMPLISHMENTS BY OBJECTIVE: OBJECTIVE 1: Measure energy and water use in seafood production and identify optimal reduction strategies 1) Major activities We have nearly completed quantitative and qualitative data collection regarding resource usage and related interventions, for the top 10 seafood species in the US diet, including primary and secondary data on infrastructure, energy, water use, waste and byproducts from seafood production, processing, retail and restaurants; as well as qualitative interview data. Many of our planned lifecycle analyses are complete or well underway. Qualitative data analyses are also well underway to examine factors affecting waste and resource use, how it has changed over time, current strategies used to address these issues, potential strategies, tradeoffs and coupled uses, and challenges facing each seafood sector and supply chain stage included in the study. 2) Data collected Quantitative: In year 4, quantitative data collection for all but one species of fish (tuna) was completed. We incorporated the primary data into energy, water and waste models. We have nearly completed analysis of production and processing (90%) for eight of the top ten seafood species, comprising 75% of all seafood consumed by US households (Shrimp, 100%; Salmon, 100%; Canned tuna, 60%; Alaska pollock, 100%; Tilapia, 80%; Cod, 80%; Catfish, 100%; Pangasius, 100%). From these data, we have generated preliminary estimates of the energy and water intensities for the average American seafood diet at the processing gate. We have collected Life Cycle Inventories for the species mentioned above including direct and indirect energy and water use for farming/fishing and processing. We have developed models of transport energy from processing gate to distribution centers and final transport to site of consumption. We are developing models for energy and water use among consumers for seafood preparation. Qualitative: In year 4 we completed 19 qualitative interviews with supply chain actors in multiple seafood sectors (out of over 50 total interviews). Qualitative data analyses are complete for sockeye salmon and U.S. catfish, and are incorporated into sector-relevant manuscripts. Other sector supply chain qualitative analyses are underway, as well as integrated topical analyses across sectors. 3) Summary statistics, discussion of results The following two tables summarize preliminary results for energy and water use for production and processing of selected seafood species. The analyses find considerable differences by species and production method, and tradeoffs in water and energy use. 4) Key outcomes or other accomplishments The above-described analyses are being summarized in multiple manuscripts. These including characterization of resource use in sockeye salmon and catfish; modeling potential impacts of a shift toward renewable energy; and assessing potential interventions. Team members have additionally published papers that build understanding of seafood supply chains, including U.S. national studies of seafood in retail and in chain restaurants, and two studies related to seafood trade and product quality. OBJECTIVE 2: Measure energy and water use in seafood waste and identify optimal reduction strategies 1) Major activities We completed much of the data collection and analysis needed to assess loss and waste across the supply chain and among consumers, and to gain qualitative insights into seafood waste across the supply chain. We also completed case study data collection and analysis. 2) Data collected The qualitative and quantitative data collection activities described for Obj. 1 included collection of waste data. We completed analyses of previously-collected consumer waste diaries, and completed data collection and performed analyses for the Smartfish case study. 3) Summary statistics, discussion of results Preliminary findings suggest less seafood waste occurs than previously thought (about 22% of human edible aquatic foods). Prior estimates were constructed with less primary data and may not have accurately reflected aquatic food flows. The research preliminarily identifies a greater role of aquaculture versus fisheries (25% vs 75%) in waste, and distinguishes physical and quality loss rates. The analyses also provide more refined suggestions of where in the supply chain to target future interventions. 4) Key outcomes or other accomplishments We have drafted manuscripts on seafood waste across the entire supply chain, and on consumer seafood waste. Additional manuscripts are underway regarding the Smartfish case study, and seafood waste solutions. We have been in conversation with food waste experts at ReFED regarding using our data to enhance their national food waste models, and may also use the work in national food waste modeling through the RECIPES food waste research network. We have published several papers addressing more specific aspects of seafood waste. One manuscript examined a consumer seafood waste intervention and presented a new framework for drivers of consumer seafood waste. Another manuscript considered losses in salmon aquaculture. We published a manuscript on adoption of bycatch reduction devices in the shrimp trawl and longline fisheries for tuna and mahi in Ecuador and Costa Rica and a review of data availability regarding ghost fishing. The two above-mentioned trade manuscripts also concern seafood quality, and thus have high relevance for waste. OBJECTIVE 3: Integrate findings, develop recommendations and communicate Integrated analyses of seafood resource use and waste across the supply chain are described in the above sections. We plan further integrative work to use our models to understand impacts and undergird recommendations. We have communicated results and activities this year, at conferences, in a webinar and lectures, and in a new academic course about seafood and public health.
Publications
- Type:
Journal Articles
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2021
Citation:
Neff RA, Love DC, Overbey K, Biehl E, Deutsch J, Gorski-Steiner I, Pearson P, Vigil T, Turvey C, Fry JP. Consumer Seafood Waste and the Potential of a Direct-from-Frozen Approach to Prevention. Foods. 2021; 10(11):2524. https://doi.org/10.3390/foods10112524
- Type:
Journal Articles
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2021
Citation:
Love, D.C., Turvey, C., Harding, J., Young, R., Ramsing, R., Tlusty, M.F., Fry, J.P., Nguyen, L., Asche, F., Nussbaumer, E.M., Thorne-Lyman, A.L., Bloem, M. (2021). Nutrition and origin of US chain restaurant seafood. The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, 113(6), 1546-1555. https://doi.org/10.1093/ajcn/nqaa437
- Type:
Journal Articles
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2021
Citation:
Love, D.C. Nussbaumer, E., Harding, J., Gephart, J.A., Anderson, J.L., Asche, F., Stoll, J.S., Thorne-Lyman, A.L., Bloem, M. (2021). Risks Shift Along Seafood Supply Chains. Global Food Security, 28:100476. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.gfs.2020.100476
- Type:
Journal Articles
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2021
Citation:
Avraam, C., Zhang, Y., Sankaranarayanan, S., Zaitchik, B., Moynihan, E., Juturu, P., Neff, R.A., Siddiqui, S. (2021). Optimization-based systems modeling for the food-energy-water nexus. Current Sustainable/Renewable Energy Reports, 8, 4-16. https://doi.org/10.1007/s40518-020-00161-5
- Type:
Journal Articles
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2021
Citation:
Love, D.C., Asche, F., Young, R., Nussbaumer, E.M., Anderson, J.L., Botta, R., Conrad, Z., Forelich, H.E., Garlock, T.M., Gephart, J.A., Ropicki, A., Stoll, J.S., Thorne-Lyman, A.L.. (2021). An overview of retail sales of seafood in the USA, 2017-2019. Reviews In Fisheries Science & Aquaculture, 30(2), 259-270. https://doi.org/10.1080/23308249.2021.1946481
- Type:
Journal Articles
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2021
Citation:
Asche, F., H-M. Straume and E. V�rdal (2021) Perish or prosper: Trade patterns for highly perishable seafood products. Agribusiness, 37(4), 876-890. https://doi.org/10.1002/agr.21704
- Type:
Journal Articles
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2021
Citation:
Pincinato, R.B.M., Asche, F. Bleie, H., Skrudland, A. and Stormoen, M. (2021). Factors influencing production loss in salmonid farming. Aquaculture,532, 736034. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.aquaculture.2020.736034
- Type:
Journal Articles
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2021
Citation:
Ceryes, C.A., Antonacci, C.A., Harvey, S., Spiker, M.L., Bickers, A., Neff, R.A. (2021). Maybe its still good? A qualitative study of factors influencing food waste and application of the E.P.A. Food recovery hierarchy in U.S. supermarkets. Appetite, 161: 105111. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.appet.2021.105111
- Type:
Journal Articles
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2021
Citation:
Kowalski, A.A., Jenkins, L.D. (2021). A review of primary data collection on ghost fishing by abandoned, lost, discarded (ALDFG) and derelict fishing gear in the United States. Academia Letters, Article 4495. https://doi.org/10.20935/AL4495
- Type:
Journal Articles
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2021
Citation:
Jenkins, L.D. (2021). Power, politics, and culture of marine conservation technology in fisheries. Conservation Biology, 1-10. https://doi.org/10.1111/cobi.13855
- Type:
Conference Papers and Presentations
Status:
Other
Year Published:
2021
Citation:
CONFERENCE PANEL: American Association for the Advancement of Science: Seafood, Energy, Water Nexus: Reducing Waste in the U.S. Seafood Supply Chain. Phoenix, AZ. (Virtual conference due to COVID-19 pandemic). February 9, 2021.
Moderator: David Love
1. Fry, J. P. Title: Sustainability in Seafood Production: Perspectives from Fishers & Fish Farmers.
Discussant: Christina Hicks, Lancaster University
1. Jenkins L. SmartFish International: A Case Study of Market-based Approaches Impact on Waste.
Discussant: Hoyt Peckham, SmartFish International
1. Neff RA. Wasting seafood: Insights from US consumers.
Discussant: Laura Moreno, University of California-Berkeley.
- Type:
Conference Papers and Presentations
Status:
Other
Year Published:
2021
Citation:
Asche, F. (2021) COVID 19: Challenges and opportunities. COFPAA, Webinar, Oct. 2.
- Type:
Conference Papers and Presentations
Status:
Other
Year Published:
2021
Citation:
Asche, F. (2021) Market Opportunities for U.S. Aquaculture Producers: The Case of Branzino. Aquaculture America 2021, San Antonio, Aug 13.
- Type:
Conference Papers and Presentations
Status:
Other
Year Published:
2021
Citation:
Asche, F. (2021) Aquaculture and the Environment. Invited seminar at the University of Concepcion, Chile. Apr. 28.
- Type:
Conference Papers and Presentations
Status:
Other
Year Published:
2021
Citation:
Asche, F. (2021) Socio-economic impacts of aquatic diseases and economic drivers. Lecture at Nordland University, Norway, Feb 8.
|
Progress 01/15/20 to 01/14/21
Outputs
Target Audience:The overall project's target audience includes the seafood and aquaculture industries, retailers, restaurants, seafood consumers, researchers focused on the food-energy-water nexus, lifecycle analysis practitioners, students at K12, college and post-graduate levels, high school teachers, and students of a massive online open courseware course (Coursera). All of these audiences will be targeted when we are ready to disseminate project findings. During Year 3 we networked with practitioner target audiences in the seafood and aquaculture industries, and in food waste, including practitioners working in business, non-governmental organizations, and goverment. We also networked with academic researchers and students. We presented about the project in multiple venues, reaching members of the above practitioner, researcher and student groups. Changes/Problems:Two events in late 2019 and early 2020 significantly delayed this project. First, USDA processing of the continuation award for this grant was significantly delayed. Between January 15, 2020 and May 13, 2020, we did not know if the remaining two years of the award were approved, and were consequently unable to continue project activities until continued funding was approved. This administrative delay coincided with the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. Institutional restrictions on any non-COVID-19-related research projects and prohibition of interstate and international travel prevented us from performing supply chain data collection planned for early 2020. Additionally, because the seafood industry was heavily affected by COVID-19, we continued postponement even after we were technically permitted to re-start data collection. We felt it best to refrain from making requests of our industry contacts for a period of time as supply chains and operations adjusted. Lastly, consumer behaviors and purchasing patterns were markedly affected during the pandemic, and we therefore delayed consumer-related projects in order to keep the focus on consumer actions under more typical conditions, rather than actions distinct to pandemic times. These delays pushed back our project timelines for the remaining duration of the award. Specifically: Supply chain data collection and LCA analyses have been delayed for the remaining two species of study. As described, we are adapting data collection methods to a more remote/electronic model to accommodate for continued safety concerns and travel restrictions, as well as working with a local partner. For the consumer waste diary and survey, we had originally planned to implement a second wave of data collection so we could increase the total sample size. However, because of pandemic research restrictions and a concern that the pandemic may have altered U.S. food consumption patterns significantly enough to make a second survey incomparable to results from a pre-pandemic survey, we decided not to collect a second round of consumer survey data. As a result, the consumer survey sample size is less than originally proposed, although we believe still large enough to yield important results for understanding drivers and extent of consumer seafood waste in the U.S. For the case studies, the pandemic altered our overall approach in several ways. Depending on support with the SmartFish team and logistics of remote interviews, our sample size may be reduced. We are constantly thinking of how to best adapt our field research approaches to continue to advance this project by analyzing existing data on bycatch and waste reduction, as well as adapting interview recruitment and data collection methods. For the consumer case study, we had learned that we would need to select a different intervention for focus because the one we had intended to study was not operating. However, we delayed re-scoping the case study both because of pandemic impacts on consumer behavior and reduced implementation of food waste prevention interventions given the crisis situation. We are currently re-scoping the case study project to select a different intervention, and aim to perform the work during 2021. Additionally, although we had proposed writing a synthesis report of all three case studies, after more in-depth consideration and discussion of the design and content of each of the three case studies, we have decided to synthesize results of the consumer and SmartFish case studies, and write a separate manuscript on results of the Norway policy case study. With these other tasks pushed back, we need to also delay many of the summative/synthetic activities, including developing recommendations, full synthesis of resource use and waste results across species and supply chain stages, synthetic manuscripts, and related communications. Accordingly, we plan to request a no-cost extension to enable an additional year to complete the planned activities. What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided?In year 3, nine graduate student research assistants and two postdoctoral fellows had the experience to learn about seafood supply chains and waste while contributing to the project, as well as learning from the multiple disciplines of this project's investigators. Graduate student research assistants built skills in literature review, research participant recruitment, qualitative data collection and analysis, and quantitative data analysis. Postdoctoral fellows have received mentoring and experience with data collection and analysis, modeling, and Life Cycle Assessment methodology. In addition, a masters student at the Johns Hopkins University has fulfilled an academic practicum requirement with mentorship from Dr. Neff based on development within one of the case studies. How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest?In addition to publishing articles in academic journals, in Year 3, several research team members presented preliminary findings to academic and industry target audiences via webinars and guest lectures. The team also submitted and prepared a panel for the AAAS conference sharing several aspects of the study [the actual panel occurred in Year 4, but the preparation occurred in Year 3.] What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals?Objective 1: We expect to complete data collection and analysis for the last two species, Vietnamese shrimp and light meat tuna captured in the Pacific by fishing vessels. The shrimp and tuna data collection trips were postponed during the pandemic and we plan on doing recruitment by phone/internet instead. We have also hired someone in Vietnam to collect shrimp data on the ground, to supplement the remote data collection. shrimp and tuna species within the first half of 2021. In addition, we expect to complete data collection and analysis on the consumption phase of the supply chain in the first 6 months of 2021. We are preparing to recommence qualitative data collection from industry experts and will perform remaining data analysis of interview results over the next year. Objective 2: Waste data: In the next year we will finish collection of supply chain waste data from shrimp and tuna, as noted in Objective 1. We also plan to complete analysis of consumer waste diary and survey data, followed by drafting and publication of academic manuscripts. Supply chain and consumer data will then be integrated and reported in a manuscript. Case studies: This year we will complete follow up interviews and a final round of interviews with fishers for the SmartFish case study. This will be done remotely (as it was previously delayed with COVID) and the timeline has not been determined. Tentatively this will occur in late spring - early summer with data analysis to follow. The second case study is being re-scoped due to both the pandemic and a discontinuation of the intervention we initially planned to study. We aim to complete all or most of this revised case study during 2021. A third case study on the Norway seafood industry and waste has been begun, and will be completed during 2021. Drafting of the combined case study report will occur in fall - winter 2021 and afterwards. Objective 3: During Year 4 the project will substantially increase our focus on synthesis and communication. We expect to complete at least one synthesis manuscript during the year, and to develop recommendations which can be vetted with colleagues. We will add specificity to our communication strategy and planning, including further specifying our priority opportunities, channels and targets to assure the results reach key audiences. We will develop targeted and general communication materials, perform networking, and make presentations. We will also disseminate results to the public via media, public presentations, and other channels. We note that the list of project activities planned for the coming year is not exhaustive of all activities we aim to complete overall. Because some project activities were delayed due to the pandemic and a gap in continuation funding, we plan to request a no-cost extension to enable full completion.
Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals?
IMPACT We have completed data collection and Life Cycle Analysis of water and energy used in production processes for four of six proposed seafood species including USA Catfish, Vietnam Pangasius, Norway Atlantic Salmon, and Alaskan Sockeye Salmon. These species represent about 27% of the USA average seafood diet. Results include detailed analysis of energy and water use within each stage of the production process including feed production, hatchery production, farming (grow out), and processing. For wild caught Sockeye Salmon, stages include fishing and processing. In all cases transport between stages was evaluated as well as the energy and water embodied in amortized infrastructure and materials required (packaging etc.). In addition, we have completed analysis of the transportation costs for distribution of seafood from point of entry in the US (14 ports) to central distribution points within each of 4 regions (Northeast, South, Midwest, and West). These data will be used along with qualitative data related to potential techniques and technologies for savings, to evaluate where in the supply chain the best options for energy and water savings exist; taking into account not only where the largest savings might be realized, but also cost effectiveness. Conclusions we can draw from these analyses so far include: For farmed species, feed is the largest embodiment of energy, comprising between 40-70% of total energy at the processing gate. In all aquaculture cases, the embodied energy in feed ingredients far outweighed the direct energy used in processing ingredients into feed formulations (average about 20/1) For wild caught Alaskan Sockeye Salmon, the largest energy input is diesel fuel used in fishing boats, while the energy used in monitoring activities by Alaska Fish and Game amount to about 1% and the transport of labor to Bristol Bay accounts for about 5.9% of total energy embodied in Sockeye product. The embodied energy and water in seafood products at the processor gate for the analyzed species are as follows: Catfish (MJ/kg: 120; I/kg: 3,100); Pangasius (MJ/kg: 27; I/kg: 224); Norway Atlantic Salmon (MJ/kg: 38; I/kg: 245);Alaskan Sockeye Salmon* (MJ/kg: 30; I/kg: 18) (*average of three seafood forms: Head & Gut, Filets, Canned) The percentage of total energy and water that are direct inputs (direct inputs are foreground inputs while indirect are background inputs) to each species' production were as follows: Catfish (% Direct Energy: 55; % Direct Water: 74); Pangasius (% Direct Energy: 1; % Direct Water: 63); Norway Atlantic Salmon (% Direct Energy: 7; % Direct Water: 27); Alaskan Sockeye Salmon (% Direct Energy: 61; % Direct Water: 75). We also completed the main analyses for the consumer seafood consumption and waste diary. Among the results, we found seafood discard levels to be particularly low among those who were aged 45-54 (adjusted prevalence ratio (aPR) 0.59 (95% CI 0.40, 0.87) and age 55-64 (aPR 0.65 (0.44, 0.97)) compared to the those aged 18-24. Additionally, seafood discards were at least twice as high in each of the income groups between 25,000 and 150,000, compared to those with household incomes under $25,000. Information on discard levels and demographics is being linked with data on reasons for discard, and with survey data on consumer attitudes and behaviors in seafood consumption and discards. The results will both provide some of the first available data on consumer seafood discards, and also contribute estimates to the overall Team's modeling analyses. ACTIVITIES Objective 1. Measure energy and water use in seafood production and identify optimal reduction strategies. Objective 1A, 1B: Measurement We completed data collection for four of the six planned seafood species. Data were collected via in-person surveys, for the most part, with follow-up questions via email and phone calls where necessary. As a result of COVID-19, the Team initiated surveys for the remaining two species at a distance, using local personnel, email requests and in some cases video conferencing for data collection. We developed economic value chains for all six studied species. We have nearly completed LCA analysis for the production phase of the initial four species. We are beginning LCA analysis of the consumption phase, which begins with the distribution (transport) of seafood products to wholesalers, and retailers, and ends with human consumption. Still to be evaluated and analyzed are energy and water use and waste generated by wholesalers, retailers (including restaurants) and consumers. Objective 1C: Seek expert input on implications of findings for industry practice While data collection in Year 3 was limited by research restrictions related to the COVID-19 pandemic, we have analyzed existing qualitative interview results with supply chain experts. Data collection will recommence in summer 2021. Objective 2. Measure energy and water use in seafood waste and identify optimal reduction strategies During this reporting period, we finished collecting data from fisheries and aquaculture production and processing stages, calculated summary statistics, plotted the data as figures including synthesis across datasets, analyzed waste data for those sectors, and drafted results for a forthcoming manuscript. We previously completed consumer data collection including surveys and a diary, and we are analyzing results to quantify consumer seafood waste and understand influencing factors. For case study research, in year 3, we analyzed data from the first round of SmartFish case study interviews completed in year 2, prepared an interview guide for a second round of SmartFish key informant data collection, and conducted and analyzed one "round two" interview. Preliminary findings were prepared for a presentation at the AAAS conference held in January 2021. We also began scoping to restart work on the second case study, including networking with multiple contacts who might connect us to relevant activities. Design and some initial data collection for the third case study have also restarted, via remote contacts to sources in Norway and review of secondary sources. Objective 3. Integrate findings, develop recommendations, communicate, evaluate Integrate findings: A team focused on integrating findings on seafood waste across the supply chain has been meeting regarding this effort. Develop recommendations: Recommendations will be developed once data collection and analysis is complete. Communicate: We have communicated results and activities throughout the duration of this project. Specifically in Year 3, several research team members presented preliminary findings to academic and industry target audiences via webinars and guest lectures. The team also submitted and prepared a panel for the AAAS conference sharing several aspects of the study. Evaluate: We continue to evaluate project activities and outcomes via quarterly and annual team meetings and collection of process and outcome data for each project objective.
Publications
- Type:
Journal Articles
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2021
Citation:
Pincinato, R.B., F. Asche, H. Bleie, A. Skrudland and M. Stormoen (2021) Factors influencing production loss factors in salmonid farming. Aquaculture. 532, 736034. doi.org/10.1016/j.aquaculture.2020.736034.
- Type:
Journal Articles
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2020
Citation:
Love, D.C., Asche, F., Conrad, Z., Young, R., Harding, J., Nussbaumer, E.M., Thorne-Lyman, A.L. and Neff, R., 2020. Food Sources and Expenditures for Seafood in the United States. Nutrients, 12(6), p.1810.
- Type:
Journal Articles
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2020
Citation:
Kruijssen, F., Tedesco, I., Ward, A., Pincus, L., Love, D., Thorne-Lyman, A.L. Loss and waste in fish value chains: A review of the evidence from low and middle-income countries. 2020. Global Food Security, 26:100434.
- Type:
Conference Papers and Presentations
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2020
Citation:
Presentation: Asche, F. Virtual Capitol Hill briefing, Sustainable Fisheries Briefing: Impacts of COVID-19 organized by the Ocean Caucus Foundation and Marine Stewardship Council, May 19, 2020. https://youtu.be/q4Oq4Lxb9RU
- Type:
Conference Papers and Presentations
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2020
Citation:
Invited Seminar: Asche, F. and J.L. Anderson. Aquaculture: Dominating global seafood supply by 2040. Florida State University, Tallahassee, March 6, 2020.
- Type:
Conference Papers and Presentations
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2020
Citation:
Presentation: Asche, F., D. Lipton and C.A. Roheim. Webinar panel #6 in the Aquarium of the Pacific Series Exploring Sustainable Seafood: Farmed vs Wild: Will Farmers Seafood Push Fishers put of Business? October 29, 2020.
- Type:
Conference Papers and Presentations
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2020
Citation:
Guest lecture: Love, D. Seafood in the Diet: Consumption Patterns at Retail and Food Service University of Florida Food Science and Human Nutrition Department Webinar. September 29, 2020
- Type:
Conference Papers and Presentations
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2020
Citation:
Guest lecture: Love, D. Seafood in the Diet: Consumption Patterns at Retail and Food Service US Aquaculture Society Webinar. August 22, 2020
- Type:
Conference Papers and Presentations
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2020
Citation:
Guest lecture: Fry, J. P. Food-energy-water Nexus within Wild and Farmed Seafood Supply Chains. Joseph Zilber School of Public Health, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee. (2020, November 23).
- Type:
Journal Articles
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2020
Citation:
Omolayo Y, Feingold BJ, Neff RA, Romeiko XX. 2020. Life cycle assessment of food loss and waste in the food supply chain: A review. 2020. Resources Conservation & Recycling. v.164. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.resconrec.2020.105119
|
Progress 01/15/19 to 01/14/20
Outputs
Target Audience:The overall project target audience includes the seafood and aquaculture industries, retailers, restaurants, seafood consumers, researchers focused on the food-energy-water nexus, lifecycle analysis practitioners, students at K12, college and post-graduate levels, high school teachers, and students of a massive online open courseware course (Coursera). All of these audiences will be targeted when we are ready to disseminate project findings. As noted above, during Year 2 we networked with diverse target audiences and reached many through presentations, including practictioners, academics, NGO staff, policy-makers, and students. Our audiences included leading practitioners working in the food waste and seafood space across the U.S. and some internationally in Vietnam. Changes/Problems:Objective 1 Updates: Objective 1A has broadened from aquaculture to reflect our intent of exploring farmed and wild caught seafood, and has a greater focus on retail and restaurants than was initially described. We have shifted from lifecycle assessment (LCA) to a more focused LCI approach based on feasibility and relevance to our goals. We have consolidated travel activities by collecting several types of data in each trip and following up by phone. We determined that rather than creating a new calculator tool based on our data, there would be greater benefit from contributing our data to groups better suited to visualize and translate to the public, and which are already developing such tools. The list of supply chains for study was also updated, as follows: Canned tuna will switch from Ecuador to the US flagged fleet in Thailand because key contacts indicated that there may be difficulty recruiting Ecuadorian companies to work with an American research team. Farmed shrimp will now be studied in Vietnam instead of Thailand, to take advantage of key contacts in the industry and relationships established in Vietnam during Year 2 data collection. Finally, since this project was awarded, the Alaska pollock industry has hired a consulting firm to perform an LCA and do not want to respond to two sets of questions. To avoid additional burden on industry participants, we have reached out to the consulting firm and hope to acquire their data for our study. Objective 2 Updates: We have not yet reached our desired sample size in the survey, and we are thus preparing for a second wave of recruitment with improved retention strategies. The problem was partly related to a longer than anticipated time required to find the desired number of eligible participants. Thus, there was a delay in survey implementation and some participants did not follow through. We will not be performing qualitative work with consumers beyond the 2B survey, due to the need for increased budget for the survey and a sense that the existing data will be sufficient for our purposes. Case study timelines were shifted back due to an investigator's sabbatical and a postdoctoral fellow's departure. One case study intervention (frozen seafood marketing) will be replaced with an alternative because the intervention is no longer being implemented by the identified partner. What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided?In Year 2, seven graduate student research assistants and two postdoctoral fellows had the experience to learn about seafood supply chains and waste while contributing to the project, as well as learning from the multiple disciplines of this project's investigators. Graduate research assistants working on the project are building research skills in literature review, secondary data collection and database management, survey design, qualitative interview design, and quantitative and qualitative data analysis. The postdoctoral fellows have received mentoring and experience with qualitative and quantitative data collection, and LCA inventory design and analysis. This project provides training to multiple PhD students, postdoctoral fellows, and masters students. Dr. Jenkins continues to provide mentoring for a PhD student (Gabby Lout) in case study methods development. PhD student Gabby Lout has attended several workshops on qualitative methods, as well as a writing workshop for grad students, all of which were supported by this grant. Jenkins has also taught Case Study Research methods in which Lout was a student and learned Case study research methods and how to use software programs MAXQDA and Endnote. Jenkins also directly mentored Lout in the revisions of case study materials like the protocol, interview guides, project summary, and recruitment and thank you letters. Drs. Love and Brown gave a seminar at the School of Government, University of Economics Ho Chi Minh City while collecting data in Vietnam. Ten students and ten faculty participated in the seminar. The School has a USAID Training Grant to increase education and capacity. During the seminar, School of Government faculty and Drs. Love and Brown discussed the possibility of returning to Vietnam to do additional lectures as part of this training grant in future years. We anticipate more opportunities to include our work in courses, conferences, and seminars as we have data to share. How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest?Dr. Love and CLF Program Officer Elizabeth Nussbaumer attended the 2019 Boston Seafood Expo, where they met with approximately 50 seafood industry stakeholders for the purposes of seeking cooperators and key informants for research, but also to share about the project goals and expected outputs with industry. Several of the contacts established at the Expo have contributed to the project by helping with recruitment or sharing knowledge with the research team about the landscape of species supply chains. We have written and published two stories on the Center for a Livable Future website to highlight and share the supply chain data collection activities occurring in Vietnam and Norway. These stories have been shared on the CLF website and on social media outlets (Twitter and Facebook), which reaches consumers, industry and policymakers. In addition, we performed approximately 9 presentations concerning the work to diverse audiences both onsite and webcasted globally, including the leadoff talk at a National Academy of Sciences event on the future of food. Dr. Dreyer also discussed the project and objectives in a plenary address at the Student Research Conference at Truman State University. The supply chain and wasted food team has attended several conferences and spoken with others about our work. Postdoctoral fellow Dr. Silvio Viglia presented on the U.S. catfish LCA data at a conference in China in fall 2019. Dr. Love presented at Johns Hopkins University Food Systems Symposium in November 2019, which was an event attended by academics researching a diverse range of food systems topics from many different disciplines. Six educational presentations were made in course guest lectures, as well as during Dr. Neff's food system sustainability course. We have also been discussing the project through our own networks to raise awareness among seafood industry experts and researchers about the project. What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals?We are on track to complete the project over the next two years. In Year 3 we plan to complete the following. Objective 1. Measure energy and water use in seafood production and identify reduction strategies. We will travel to Vietnam and Thailand to collect the remaining data for LCI and qualitative analyses. We will complete or nearly-complete these analyses for each supply chain, and work toward synthesizing across supply chains. We will also complete data collection and analysis regarding retail and restaurant resource use and waste, and qualitative data collection from stakeholders. Overall planned outputs for this objective: Approximately 14 manuscripts: one on LCI for each supply chain; one each about retail, restaurant, consumption; one qualitative manuscript; one food waste manuscript; one about interventions tested. Communication of each manuscript. Most of these will be underway in Y3, and we anticipate submitting at least 1/3 of them during the year. Objective 2. Measure energy and water use in seafood waste and identify optimal reduction strategies. As in objective 1, we will complete supply chain data collection from production, processing, retail and restaurant sectors, and finalize the conceptual model for waste. We will then begin integrating the waste data into the broader LCI model. We will also complete qualitative data collection regarding waste, interventions, and acceptability. We will run and complete the second wave of data collection for the consumer survey/diary, and perform analysis. The SmartFish case study will be completed, including coding, follow-up interviews and analysis. We will identify a new consumer-level case study to replace the frozen seafood intervention, and will begin collecting and analyzing data for that. We hope to also complete the Norway seafood policy case study during this period. Overall planned outputs for this objective: Approximately 8 manuscripts: one describing waste LCIs, one describing qualitative findings, one about consumer seafood study, one describing interventions tested, one for each case study, synthesis manuscript for case studies. Presentations, communication. Most of these will be underway in Y3, and we anticipate submitting at least 1/3 of them during the year. Objective 3. Integrate findings, develop recommendations, communicate, evaluate. The work to develop syntheses and recommendations in each part of the project will begin during Y3. We will also share draft findings with key stakeholders to obtain their feedback. We will continue to disseminate research activities and results to the field including stakeholders positioned to use the findings through presentations, webinars, and direct outreach. We will communicate with students and the public via media, social media, written stories, presentations, and seminars with students. We will continue to provide mentoring, training and professional development to our team's students and postdoctoral fellows. Planned outputs: Communications activities surrounding each project output and surrounding the larger project.
Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals?
During this reporting period, we completed much of our extensive primary data collection, as described below. Data analyses are ongoing. Objective 1. Measure energy and water use in seafood production and identify optimal reduction strategies. Status: We have performed extensive data collection and analyses are underway. Lifecycle inventory (LCI) water and energy models are complete or nearly so for feed, hatchery, fish production, and processing for USA catfish, Vietnam pangasius and Norway Atlantic salmon. LCIs for Alaska species are underway. We have thus identified stages and processes with the highest energy and water demands, to inform selection of interventions for further study. The project to explore and map availability, nutrition and consumption in retail, restaurant and consumer domains is also far along, using novel approaches and creating new data. Activities: More specifically, during this period we: 1) continued reviewing data on water and energy use in target seafood types to enable building on existing research and tailoring primary data collection tools to most efficiently collect critical data from industry stakeholders. 2) Performed data collection trips to Alabama, Mississippi, Alaska, Seattle, Vietnam, and Norway. Each trip involved extensive advanced research and networking, as well as follow-up tasks. We designed novel approaches to obtaining the retail, restaurant and consumer-level data, including assessing the distribution of seafood availability, nutritional content and consumption. While the number of seafood businesses in each supply chain is relatively small, the number of consumer-facing businesses across the U.S. is large, making sampling challenging. We purchased a national dataset of retail and restaurant sites to design the sample. We also analyzed thousands of menu items to create a new database of seafood across 160 restaurant chains. These were combined with National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) data to develop food source and population-based consumption estimates for seafood. These analyses enabled us to map the availability of our INFEWS species (listed below) across the US. Objective 1C: Seek expert input on implications of findings for industry practice. Status: We performed qualitative interviews to enrich understanding of the quantitative findings, to identify possible interventions, and to assess receptivity to these. Interviewees include individuals working in the studied seafood supply chains, other experts, and those in downstream industries selling multiple seafood products. We completed qualitative data collection from seafood supply chains 5-6 (see below), with collection ongoing for 1. Others will be completed in 2020. Analyses are underway and are providing rich insights. Activities: Performed outreach to identify and recruit interviewees (often extensive outreach needed), performed interviews, data analysis ongoing. Objective 2. Measure energy and water use in seafood waste and identify optimal reduction strategies. Objective 2A. Determine the extent, composition, and drivers of seafood waste across the supply chain. Status: We have performed extensive data collection. Analyses and manuscripts are underway. Similar to the resource use assessment, we are gathering and analyzing quantitative and qualitative data from supply chain businesses and other sources, to estimate waste across the US seafood supply. We have begun populating our theoretical model of seafood waste in Excel with data collected from the supply chain and consumer-facing businesses. We completed primary and secondary data collection on waste from production through processing for the covered supply chains as in Objective 1; qualitative data collection is ongoing, as described above. Activities: We refined our detailed questionnaires to quantify and describe seafood and input loss and waste, as well as reuse and recycling activities. We also refined our qualitative tools to gain in-depth understanding of existing and potential strategies for reducing losses of inputs and outputs. Data collection from supply chain actors occurs during the same visits or calls as the resource use data collection. Objective 2B. Determine extent, composition, & influencing factors for seafood waste at consumer level. Status: We aim to develop a rich understanding of seafood waste at the consumer level. We collected data through an innovative online and mobile suite of data collection instruments. We also completed and reported on a related, formative survey and diary project focused specifically on waste of fresh and frozen seafood, which substantially informs the present study. A related manuscript was prepared. Activities: We piloted and implemented our pre-survey, two-week diary survey, and post-diary survey to provide insight about consumer behaviors and perceptions related to seafood preparation, purchasing, and waste, and collected detailed data on daily in-home discard behavior for two weeks. Through Qualtrics, we recruited participants and collected data. We have not yet reached our desired sample size, and are preparing for a second wave of recruitment with improved retention strategies. An initial database for the first wave of implementation has been prepared for analysis. Objective 2D. Use a multiple case study approach to describe implementation of waste-reduction strategies Status: Case studies can provide deep insights to inform future intervention implementation. We have conducted field research for case study 1, examining SmartFish in Mexico, which reduces seafood waste by improving methods among artisanal fishers and cultivating demand for sustainably caught seafood. Activities: We developed a detailed protocol to enable consistent methodologies across the three case studies. For SmartFish, we updated interview guides, gathered documents, conducted participant observation and interviews, and reviewed interview transcriptions for accuracy. Data analysis is ongoing. Objective 3. Integrate findings, develop recommendations, communicate, evaluate. Integrate findings, develop recommendations: We have begun efforts to integrate the project findings, though most of this work will take place in Y3 and Y4. Communicate: Throughout, we have worked to communicate about our work in order to raise awareness among researchers and practitioners; to obtain collaborations, input, and buy-in for results; and to reduce the risk of duplication. We have networked extensively, including with industry and nonprofit organizations. Some of this networking has also resulted in collaborations with new colleagues or conversations about future collaborations. New public communications activities in Y2 included translating our communications document into Spanish and starting a series of blog posts sharing information about the data collection for a broader audience (starting with Norway and Vietnam.) The following species, sources, and product forms are included: Channel & hybrid catfish, Mississippi/Alabama, Farmed, Fillet Sockeye salmon, Alaska (+Seattle) , Wild, Fillet Pink salmon, Alaska (+Seattle), Wild, Can or pouch Alaskan pollock, Alaska, Wild, Fillet, surimi Pangasius, Vietnam, Farmed, Fillet Atlantic salmon, Norway, Wild, Fillet Farmed shrimp, Vietnam, Farmed, Head off/on Skipjack tuna, Pacific (US flagged fleet), Wild, Can or pouch
Publications
- Type:
Journal Articles
Status:
Awaiting Publication
Year Published:
2020
Citation:
Garlock, T., F. Asche, J.L. Anderson, T. Bj�rndal, G. Kumar, K. Lorenzen, A. Ropicki, M. D. Smith and R. Tveter�s (2019) A Global Blue Revolution: Aquaculture Growth across Regions, Species, and Countries. Forthcoming in Reviews in Fisheries Science and Aquaculture.
- Type:
Journal Articles
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2019
Citation:
Shamshak, G.L., J.L. Anderson, F. Asche, T.M. Garlock and D. Love (2019) U.S. Seafood Consumption. Journal of the World Aquaculture Society. 50, 715-727.
- Type:
Conference Papers and Presentations
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2019
Citation:
Asche, F. (2019) Trade measures to improve importers production practices. 11th AD-HOC FAO Fish Price Index Workshop. Siracusa, September 26-27, 2019.
- Type:
Conference Papers and Presentations
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2019
Citation:
Dreyer, S. (2019). Opportunities and Challenges in Interdisciplinary Research and Collaboration. Plenary address given at Student Research Conference, Truman State University.
- Type:
Conference Papers and Presentations
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2019
Citation:
Love, D. (2019). Resource Use in Seafood Production, Processing, Distribution, and Consumption. Johns Hopkins University Food Systems Symposium. Baltimore, MD.
- Type:
Conference Papers and Presentations
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2019
Citation:
Neff R. (2019). Future of the Future of Food. U.S. National Academies of Sciences, Washington, DC, webcasted. Innovations in the Food System: Shaping the Future of Food. Used seafood waste as case study example in lead-off talk for event.
- Type:
Conference Papers and Presentations
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2019
Citation:
Neff R. (2019). Wasted food and Environmental Sustainability. University of Maryland Institute of Marine and Environmental Technology. Seminar series.
- Type:
Conference Papers and Presentations
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2019
Citation:
Shamshak, G., J.L. Anderson, F. Asche, T. Garlock and D. Love (2019) U.S. Seafood Consumption. Paper presented at Aquaculture 2019. New Orleans, LA.
- Type:
Conference Papers and Presentations
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2019
Citation:
Viglia, S., Brown, M., Fry, J., Love, D., Neff, R.A. (2019). Energy and water use in the U.S. catfish industry. 8th International Workshop on Advances in Cleaner Production, Sanya, China. Will be drafted into a manuscript for publication in Year 3.
- Type:
Conference Papers and Presentations
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2019
Citation:
Yang, B. and F. Asche (2019) Trade, processing, and food safety: An overview of the Chinese seafood industry. FAO Fish Price Workshop. Siracusa, Italy. September 26-27, 2019.
- Type:
Journal Articles
Status:
Under Review
Year Published:
2019
Citation:
Dreyer, S., Kurz, T., Prosser, A., Dennings, K., McNeill, I., Saber, D., Swim, J. & Walton, A. (2019). Towards a Psychology of the Food-Energy-Water Nexus: Costs and Opportunities. Journal of Social Issues, Special Issue on Sustainability.
- Type:
Other
Status:
Other
Year Published:
2019
Citation:
Guest lecture: Asche, F. (2019) Globalization and product differentiation in commodity markets with a focus on seafood. Course: AEB 4673 International Agricultural Trade. 04.16.19.
- Type:
Other
Status:
Other
Year Published:
2019
Citation:
Invited seminar: Asche, F. and J. L. Anderson (2019) Aquaculture: Dominating global seafood supply by 2040. University of Delaware, 10.31.19
- Type:
Other
Status:
Other
Year Published:
2019
Citation:
Invited presentation: Asche, F. (2019) Marine Inputs in Agriculture and Aquaculture. Invited presentation at Oceans Role in Sustainable Food Production, UC Davis, 9/16/19.
- Type:
Other
Status:
Other
Year Published:
2019
Citation:
Invited guest lecture: Neff R. Food systems and public health. Guest lecture in: Environment and Your Health (JHU undergraduate survey course, 2x/year).
- Type:
Other
Status:
Other
Year Published:
2019
Citation:
Invited guest lecture: Neff R. (2019). Food systems. Guest lecture in: Environmental Health Summer Institute (Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health.
- Type:
Websites
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2018
Citation:
Seafood waste and resource use. https://clf.jhsph.edu/projects/seafood-waste-resource-use
- Type:
Other
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2019
Citation:
Grillo C. "Atlantic Salmon in the Norwegian Fjords." Article about research site visit for this project. https://clf.jhsph.edu/impact-stories/atlantic-salmon-norwegian-fjords
- Type:
Other
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2019
Citation:
Grillo C. "Pangasius Farming on the Mekong River. "Article about research site visit for this project. https://clf.jhsph.edu/impact-stories/pangasius-farming-mekong-river
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Progress 01/15/18 to 01/14/19
Outputs
Target Audience:The target audience for the overall project includes the seafood production and aquaculture industries, seafood processing industry, retailers, restaurants, seafood consumers, researchers focused on the food, energy and water nexus, lifecycle analysis practitioners, students at K12, college and post-graduate levels, high school teachers, and students of a Coursera (massive online open courseware) course. All of these audiences will be targeted when we are ready to disseminate the findings from Y1 work. During Y1 we reached diverse audiences with presentations, including many students, leading practitioners working in the food waste space across the U.S., deans of most of the schools of public health in China, and academics in the U.S. and China focused on INFEWS work as well as public health, psychology and wasted food. An additional audience for one of our publications is seafood consumers and retail food industry professionals focused on seafood or sustainability. Changes/Problems:We have made the following changes to our approach during the initial year. 1) Larger sample and more rigorous sampling approach for consumer diary/survey: We initially planned to perform this research with a sample of 300 individuals recruited through the Amazon MTurk platform. This plan was based on observation of numerous food waste diary studies using relatively small samples. However, after several larger diary studies were published and we further assessed the research needs, we determined that a more robust and larger sample would greatly benefit the research objectives. We therefore opted to transfer funds from student research assistants in order to perform the survey and diary using the more rigorously sampled Qualtrics survey panel. We will screen 2,000 participants with the aim of obtaining 1,000 completions. Quotas for household income, age and sex will be applied. 2) Refinement and addition to list of seafood supply chains to be examined: After closely reviewing the selection of seafood supply chains for focus, we selected more specific locations for data collection and made one addition, in light of our goals, the opportunities and challenges in obtaining data, and the networks of our team and colleagues. The project now focuses on the following eight supply chains: Atlantic salmon (Norway, fillets), Channel and hybrid catfish (Mississippi and Alabama, fillets), Pangasius (Vietnam, fillets), Farmed shrimp (Thailand, head-off/on), Alaskan Pollock (Alaska, fillets, surimi), Sockeye salmon (Alaska, fillets), Tuna (Pacific, can or pouch), Pink salmon (Alaska, can or pouch). Alaskan pink salmon was newly added. We also determined that data would not be collected from freight services. 3) Edits to timeline: As we reviewed the sequence of tasks, we determined a need to reorder the timeline so that the necessary data would be available for planned analyses. In addition, initiation of the case studies was postponed until next year due to a team member's sabbatical and the departure of postdoctoral fellow Jesse Senko. A PhD student, Gabby Lout, is currently being trained for this work. What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided?This project provides training to multiple PhD students, postdoctoral fellows, and masters students. Dr. Jenkins is providing mentoring for a PhD student in case study methods development. PhD student Gabby Lout is taking a seafood sustainability course and has mentoring meetings with her advisor, Dr. Jenkins, every few weeks. Three graduate student research assistants have had the experience to learn about seafood supply chains and waste while contributing to the project, as well as learning from the multiple disciplines of this project's investigators. Graduate research assistants working on the project are building research skills in literature review, secondary data collection and database management, survey design, qualitative interview design, and data analysis. Dr. Dreyer's attendance and presentation at the International Conference of the Sustainable Consumption Research and Action Initiative in Copenhagen, Denmark was also a professional development opportunity. How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest?We announced the research with a press release, developed a project website, and created a communications document to share about the project activities. Additionally, we performed nine presentations concerning the work, to audiences including the practitioners at the U.S. Food Waste Summit; individuals concerned about waste of food at the National Academy of Sciences workshop on food loss and waste impacts; and participants in two INFEWS events. We shared about the project in two graduate courses and two undergraduate courses. We have also been sharing about the project through our own networks. What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals?In Y2 we plan to collect the majority of the primary data to be used in the project's analyses, and to begin analyzing the lifecycle inventory, survey and qualitative data that are collected. We will submit at least four manuscripts for publication in Y2, likely more. We will also continue presenting about our work in diverse and prominent venues, and in classroom presentations. We will continue providing mentoring, training and professional development to our team's students and postdoctoral fellows. Objective 1: Measure energy and water use in seafood production and identify optimal reduction strategies Complete data gathering trips to: Mississippi + Alabama (catfish), Alaska (separate locations for pollock and sockeye), Norway (salmon), Vietnam (pangasius). The remaining trips are under consideration, but we are not certain if they will be completed this year or next. Synthesize lifecycle analysis data gathered on research trips Analyze qualitative data gathered on research trips Objective 2: Measure energy and water use in seafood waste and identify optimal reduction strategies Complete data gathering trips as described in Objective 1 Synthesize waste and loss data gathered on research trips Analyze qualitative data about waste and loss from research trips Complete sampling strategy for retail and restaurant waste and loss and begin data collection Complete consumer survey and survey data analysis Complete data collection for Smartfish and Norway case studies and begin analysis Objective 3: Integrate findings, develop recommendations, communicate, evaluate. Continue data collection for project evaluation Attend North American Seafood Expo for networking We are working on outreach activities to assure that others in the field are aware of our work, including performing communications and media work where appropriate. We are in conversation about the possibility of convening a meeting of stakeholders at an event they regularly attend, to provide details about our work and obtain their input and ideas.
Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals?
MAJOR ACTIVITIES COMPLETED In this first reporting period, we refined our research approach, performed background research, reviewed secondary data, developed and piloted data collection methods and instruments, obtained IRB approval, and prepared to collect data. Objective 1. Measure energy and water use in seafood production and identify optimal reduction strategies. Objective 1A: Develop refined water and energy use estimates and trends for aquaculture feeds and compare feed formulations and sourcing scenarios. The major task for this objective is gathering primary data from industry within major seafood supply chains serving the U.S. population. We began by refining the list of seafood items and site locations. Then, we reviewed existing data and evidence related to water and energy use in target seafood types, to enable building on existing research and tailoring primary data collection tools to most efficiently collect critical data from industry in Year 2. We then developed, refined and piloted data collection tools as described in "other products." Lastly, we developed outreach materials explaining the project and performed outreach for our initial data collection trips (which have since been completed in the beginning of Year 2.) Objective 1B: Perform LCA of seafood production and consumption for each of the selected seafood products and market forms, and model impacts of selected interventions. Will follow completion of 1A. Objective 1C: Seek expert input on implications of findings regarding seafood resource efficiency for industry practice. We developed qualitative research instruments focused on understanding existing and potential strategies for reducing energy and water use. These request detailed descriptions and discussion of motivations, benefits, challenges, and costs or cost savings. These instruments will be used with individuals working in the supply chain for specific seafood products, and with downstream industries working across multiple seafood products, including wholesalers, retailers, food service and institutional food providers. Objective 2. Measure energy and water use in seafood waste and identify optimal reduction strategies. Objective 2A. Determine the extent, composition, and drivers of seafood waste across the supply chain. We created a new concept model to organize our research approach which will include data collection from 1) supply chain; 2) consumer-facing businesses; 3) consumers. 1) Supply chain: In preparation for gathering data on seafood waste across the supply chain from production through processing (during the same visits and interviews as in Objective 1), we developed detailed questionnaires to quantify and describe seafood and input loss and waste, as well as reuse and recycling activities. We also developed qualitative tools to gain in-depth understanding of existing and potential strategies for reducing losses of inputs and outputs. 2) Consumer-facing businesses: While the number of seafood businesses in each supply chain is relatively small, the number of food retailers and food service (restaurant and institutional food provider) businesses across the U.S. is large. In order to complete the lifecycle inventory, we developed a new sampling approach based on data from a purchased national data set. Objective 2B. Determine the extent, composition, and influencing factors for seafood waste at the consumer level. 3) Consumers: Previous data suggest that the largest portion of seafood is wasted at the consumer level. In order to quantify and gain insight into this consumer waste of seafood, we developed, programmed, and piloted pre-survey, two-week diary survey, and post-diary survey instruments. These tools provide insight about consumer behaviors and perceptions related to seafood preparation, purchasing, and waste, and collect detailed data on daily discard behavior for two weeks. At the end of Y1 we were nearly ready to field these survey tools. We also completed and reported on a related, smaller survey and diary project focused specifically on waste of fresh and frozen seafood, which substantially informs the present study. A related manuscript was prepared during Y1. Objective 2C. Integrate seafood waste data with LCA to estimate energy and water lost via food waste, and to test waste reduction scenarios. Also quantify monetary cost and nutrient loss. Will follow completion of 2A. Objective 2D: Use a multiple case study approach to describe implementation of existing strategies to address seafood waste. We developed a detailed case study protocol to enable consistent methodologies across the three project case studies. Due to a team member's sabbatical, these case studies will begin in year 2. In this year we hired a PhD student to implement Case Study 1 (replacing Jesse Senko, who has left the project). Dr. Jenkins is mentoring the new PhD student, Gabby Lout. Objective 3: Integrate findings, develop recommendations, communicate, evaluate. , The primary activities from this objective will take place when research results are complete. Initial communications activities are described below.
Publications
- Type:
Journal Articles
Status:
Awaiting Publication
Year Published:
2019
Citation:
Dreyer, S., Kurz, T., Prosser, A., Dennings, K., McNeill, I., Saber, D., Swim, J. & Walton, A. (2019). Towards a Psychology of the Food-Energy-Water Nexus: Costs and Opportunities. Journal of Social Issues, Special Issue on Sustainability.
- Type:
Conference Papers and Presentations
Status:
Other
Year Published:
2018
Citation:
Neff, R. (2018). Resource use at the seafood-energy-water nexus. China-US Joint Symposium in Yixing, China: Advances in Critical Needs for the Nexus of Food, Energy and Water Systems. Sponsored by the National Natural Science Foundation of China and the US National Science Foundation. Also: Session chair: FEWS Research Perspectives on Resources Sustainability
- Type:
Conference Papers and Presentations
Status:
Other
Year Published:
2018
Citation:
Neff, R. (2018). Wasted food: Public health costs and benefits. Reducing food loss and waste: A workshop on impacts. National Academy of Sciences, Washington, DC.
- Type:
Conference Papers and Presentations
Status:
Other
Year Published:
2018
Citation:
Neff, R. (2018). Panelist for session: Research on Food Waste. U.S. Food Waste Summit, Boston, MA
- Type:
Conference Papers and Presentations
Status:
Other
Year Published:
2018
Citation:
Neff, R. (2018). Shifting Food System Resource Use & Distribution to Support Planetary & Human Health. Presentation to visiting Deans of Chinese schools of public health at the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health. Baltimore, MD.
- Type:
Conference Papers and Presentations
Status:
Other
Year Published:
2018
Citation:
Neff, R. (2018). Wasted Food, Climate Change and the Publics Health. Columbia Mailman School of Public Health. Invited speaker for Climate and Health Seminar. New York, NY.
- Type:
Conference Papers and Presentations
Status:
Other
Year Published:
2018
Citation:
Dreyer, S. and Kurz, T. (2018). The Food-Energy-Water Nexus: What can psychology contribute? The Psychology of Sustainable Consumption Small Group Meeting, hosted by Society for the Psychological Study of Social Issues and the Society of Australasian Social Psychologists. Philadelphia, PA. (Workshop).
- Type:
Conference Papers and Presentations
Status:
Other
Year Published:
2018
Citation:
Dreyer, S., Neff, R., Jenkins, L.D. (June 2018). Frozen: A consumer seafood intervention to reduce waste. International Conference of the Sustainable Consumption Research and Action Initiative. Copenhagen, Denmark.
- Type:
Conference Papers and Presentations
Status:
Other
Year Published:
2018
Citation:
Asche, F. and J. L. Anderson (2018) Global Production Perspective. NFI�s Shrimp School, Roanoke, NC. October 23.
- Type:
Conference Papers and Presentations
Status:
Other
Year Published:
2018
Citation:
Neff, R. (2018). Reducing Resource Use at the Seafood-Energy-Water Nexus. INFEWS Principal Investigators Annual Meeting, Alexandria, VA.
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