Increased Fish Consumption Research Articles

Impacts of deforestation‐induced warming on the metabolism, growth and trophic interactions of an afrotropical stream fish

Abstract In ectotherms, anthropogenic warming often increases energy requirements for metabolism, which can either impair growth (when resources are limiting) or lead to higher predator feeding rates and possibly stronger top–down trophic interactions. However, the relative importance of these effects in nature remains unclear because: (1) thermal adaptation or acclimation could lower metabolic costs; (2) greater prey production at warmer temperatures could compensate for higher predator feeding rates; and/or (3) temperature effects on trophic interactions via altered biological rates could be small relative to other, temperature‐unrelated human impacts on food webs. Here, we examined effects of deforestation‐associated warming on the minnow Enteromius neumayeri, occurring in both forested (cool) and deforested (warm) streams located inside or nearby an afrotropical rainforest. Combining approaches from physiological and community ecology, we quantified impacts of anthropogenic warming on the metabolism, growth and trophic interactions of this tropical ectotherm. We then compared these effects with impacts of land use unrelated to temperature. In a long‐term laboratory acclimation experiment quantifying the temperature dependence of growth and metabolism in E. neumayeri, warming increased metabolic rates and decreased growth (at a limited ration). We found no evidence of local (thermal) adaptation, with warming affecting farm and forest populations similarly. Then, using mark–recapture methods to quantify impacts of warming on performance in situ, we found similar growth rates in fish from deforested and forested streams despite their distinct thermal environments. This suggests higher prey consumption at deforested sites to compensate for greater metabolic costs, which could strengthen fish–invertebrate interactions. Finally, we developed a bioenergetics model to estimate fish–invertebrate interaction strength and quantify temperature‐related and unrelated impacts of land use on this interaction. We found that although warming increased fish consumption, it apparently increased invertebrate production even more and thus had a net‐weakening effect on estimated interaction strength. Most importantly, variation in both fish and invertebrate density not directly related to temperature had a much stronger influence on estimated interaction strength than temperature effects on predator consumption and prey growth. We conclude that ectotherms can sometimes offset the metabolic costs of warming with a small increase in consumption that hardly effects food web interactions compared to non‐metabolic impacts of anthropogenic disturbances. Future research should assess whether this is a common feature of heavily impacted ecosystems facing multiple stressors. A plain language summary is available for this article.

Relationship Between Fish Consumption and Disease Activity in Rheumatoid Arthritis.

To assess whether more frequent fish consumption is associated with lower rheumatoid arthritis (RA) disease activity scores among participants in an RA cohort. We conducted a cross-sectional analysis using baseline data from participants in the Evaluation of Subclinical Cardiovascular Disease and Predictors of Events in Rheumatoid Arthritis cohort study. Frequency of fish consumption was assessed by a baseline food frequency questionnaire assessing usual diet in the past year. Multivariable, total energy-adjusted linear regression models provided effect estimates and 95% confidence intervals (95% CIs) for frequency of fish consumption (i.e., never to <1 time/month, 1 time/month to <1 time/week, 1 time/week, and ≥2 times/week) on baseline Disease Activity Score in 28 joints (DAS28) using the C-reactive protein (CRP) level. We also estimated the difference in DAS28-CRP associated with increasing fish consumption by 1 serving per week. Among 176 participants, the median DAS28-CRP score was 3.5 (interquartile range 2.9-4.3). In an adjusted linear regression model, subjects consuming fish ≥2 times/week had a significantly lower DAS28-CRP compared with subjects who ate fish never to <1 time/month (difference -0.49 [95% CI -0.97, -0.02]). For each additional serving of fish per week, DAS28-CRP was significantly reduced by 0.18 (95% CI -0.35, -0.004). Our findings suggest that higher intake of fish may be associated with lower disease activity in RA patients.

Effects of Cooking Methods on the Concentrations of Lead, Chromium, and Cadmium in Whitefish (Rutilus frissi kutum) from the Caspian Sea, Iran

Today seafood plays a significant role in feeding people worldwide. Identification nutritional value of these products over other protein intake is increasing day by day. In parallel wif the increase in fish consumption, assessment of hygiene and health of these products is important. In this study, Heavy metals (Pb, Cr, and Cd) were investigated in white fish (Rutilus frissi kutum) from the Caspian Sea in Mazandaran province. Different food treatments were used (frying, salting, grilling, microwaving, boiling and steaming). The results obtained were statistically compared wif those of raw fish. An ANOVA test was used to compare the mean metal concentrations between and wifin groups. The results indicated dat the heavy metal content in white fish decreased on various cooking methods. Concentrations of grilled, microwaved and boiled fish were considerably decreased.

Hygienic-sanitary Conditions of Fish Markets Commercialized in the Municipality of Maceió – Alagoas

Introduction: The search for a healthier diet has led to a worldwide increase in fish consumption in recent years. This also brought a growth of diseases transmitted by this type of food, when outside the quality standards and poor hygienic-sanitary conditions of the establishments in which they are sold. This study aims to evaluate the hygienic-sanitary conditions of fish commercialized in the city of Maceio – Alagoas, contributing to define a microbiological profile of this product. Methodology: Fish samples from six commercial points were collected from commercial establishments, with two replicates at different periods, totaling 12 samples. Microbiological analyzes were performed for total and thermotolerant coliforms, Salmonella spp and Staphylococcus aureus (coagulase-positive), following methodology according to the legislation. . Results and Discussion: Turbidity and gas production were observed in 75% of the total coliform samples and 66.66% of positivity for the samples in the EC tubes, indicating the presence of thermotolerant coliforms. Salmonella spp was absent in all samples. In the Staphylococcus aureus analyzes, only one sample (8.33%) was uncontaminated by this microorganism, however, 91.67% of the samples were contaminated. Conclusion: The sum of these results suggests possible fecal contamination, evidencing unsatisfactory hygienic-sanitary conditions of manipulation of the fish commercialized in the evaluated establishments of the city of Maceio-AL.

Risk assessment of mercury and lead in fish species from Iranian international wetlands

The aim of this study is determination of mercury concentration in the muscle, intestine, gonad and kidney of Rutilus rutilus, Hemiculter Leucisculus (Anzali wetland), and Alosa Caspia Caspia (Caspian Sea), and mercury and lead concentrations in the muscle of Ctenopharyngodon idella, Cyprinus carpio, Hypophthalmichthys molitrix, Hypophthalmichthys nobilis, Schizocypris altidorsalis, and Schizothorax zardunyi (Hamun wetlands). The results of this study were compared with global standards. As well as in this multispecies monitoring, health risk assessment of consumers by EPA/WHO instructions has been done. The concentrations of mercury were below the limits for fish proposed by United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), World Health Organization (WHO), US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), and European Union (EU). Lead concentrations in Ctenopharyngodon idella, Cyprinus carpio, Hypophthalmichthys molitrix was under the scope proposed by FAO, WHO, FDA, Turkish Acceptable Limits (TAL), United Kingdom Ministry of Agriculture Fisheries and Food (UK MAFF) and National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRS), but lead concentration in Schizocypris altidorsalis, and Schizothorax zardunyi were higher than WHO and TAL. Health risk assessment of consumers from the intake of metal contaminated (mercury and lead) was evaluated by using Hazard Quotient (HQ) calculations. The human health hazard Quotient (index) showed that the cumulative risk greatly increases with increasing fish consumption rate, thus yielding an alarming concern for the consumer’s health.•The results of the present study aimed to provide data from Caspian Sea, Anzali wetland, and Hamoon wetland as indicators of natural and anthropogenic impacts on aquatic ecosystem as well as to evaluate the human hazard index associated with fish consumption.•The results show that for mercury, the Maximum Allowable Fish Consumption Rate (Meals/Month) is related to Hemiculter Leucisculus.•The results for lead concentration indicate that there is no HQ value?>?1, indicating that humans would not experience any significant health risk if they only consume metals from these species of fish from the hamun wetland.

Health-Orientation and Socio-Demographic Characteristics as Determinants of Fish Consumption

ABSTRACTThere are many research on consumer perception of fish product attributes. To increase fish consumption, as recommended by international health organizations and dietary guidelines, there is a need to better understand what drives consumers to fish consumption behaviour. The objective of the research is to explore determinants of fish frequency consumption, with focus on healthy attitude and socio-demographic or family structure characteristics. The research interviewed 740 consumers face-to-face. Data elaboration includes a factor analysis, with PCA and Varimax rotation, and multiple multivariate linear regressions. Results show that consumer health-orientation and social influences are better drivers to increase fish consumption frequency, compared to socio-economic characteristics, including households with children. Easing consumer time constraints and fish purchasing favor convenience and at home fish consumption frequency. Given the health advantages of higher fish consumption, government initiatives should support fish food industry marketing strategies.

Paradigm changes in freshwater aquaculture practices in China: Moving towards achieving environmental integrity and sustainability.

Contribution of fisheries and aquaculture to global food security is linked to increased fish consumption. Projections indicate that an additional 30-40 million tonnes of fish will be required by 2030. China leads global aquaculture production accounting for 60% in volume and 45% in value. Many changes in the Chinese aquaculture sector are occurring to strive towards attaining environmental integrity and prudent use of resources. We focus on changes introduced in freshwater aquaculture developments in China, the main source of food fish supplies. We bring forth evidence in support of the contention that Chinese freshwater aquaculture sector has introduced major paradigm changes such as prohibition of fertilisation in large water bodies, introduction of stringent standards on nutrients in effluent and encouragement of practices that strip nutrients among others, which will facilitate long-term sustainability of the sector.

Non-farmed fish contribute to greater micronutrient intakes than farmed fish: results from an intra-household survey in rural Bangladesh.

Fish is the most important animal-source food (ASF) in Bangladesh, produced from capture fisheries (non-farmed) and aquaculture (farmed) sub-sectors. Large differences in micronutrient content of fish species from these sub-sectors exist. The importance of fish in diets of vulnerable groups compared with other ASF; contribution from non-farmed and farmed species to nutrient intakes; and differences in fish consumption among age, gender, wealth groups and geographic regions were analysed, using quantitative intra-household fish consumption data, focusing on the first 1000 d of life. Two-stage stratified sample. Nationally representative of rural Bangladesh. Households (n 5503) and individuals (n 24 198). Fish consumption in poor households was almost half that in wealthiest households; and lower in females than males in all groups, except the wealthiest, and for those aged ≥15 years (P<0·01). In infants of complementary feeding age, 56 % did not consume ASF on the survey day, despite 78 % of mothers knowing this was recommended. Non-farmed fish made a larger contribution to Fe, Zn, Ca, vitamin A and vitamin B12 intakes than farmed fish (P<0·0001). Policies and programmes aimed to increase fish consumption as a means to improve nutrition in rural Bangladesh should focus on women and young children, and on the poorest households. Aquaculture plays an important role in increasing availability and affordability of fish; however, non-farmed fish species are better placed to contribute to greater micronutrient intakes. This presents an opportunity for aquaculture to contribute to improved nutrition, utilising diverse production technologies and fish species, including small fish.

Poly- and perfluoroalkylated substances (PFASs) in water, sediment and fish muscle tissue from Lake Tana, Ethiopia and implications for human exposure

Lake Tana is Ethiopia's largest lake and there are plans to increase the harvest of fish from the lake. The objective of this study was to assess the levels of poly- and perfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) in different compartments of the lake (water, sediment, and fish muscle tissue), and its implications for human exposure. The results showed higher PFAS concentrations in piscivorous fish species (Labeobarbus megastoma and Labeobarbus gorguari) than non-piscivorous species (Labeobarbus intermedius, Oreochromis niloticus and Clarias gariepinus) and also spatial distribution similarities. The ∑PFAS concentrations ranged from 0.073 to 5.6 ng L−1 (on average, 2.9 ng L−1) in surface water, 0.22–0.55 ng g−1 dry weight (dw) (on average, 0.30 ng g−1 dw) in surface sediment, and non-detected to 5.8 ng g−1 wet weight (ww) (on average, 1.2 ng g−1 ww) in all fish species. The relative risk (RR) indicates that the consumption of fish contaminated with perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS) will likely not cause any harmful effects for the Ethiopian fish eating population. However, mixture toxicity of the sum of PFASs, individual fish consumption patterns and increasing fish consumption are important factors to consider in future risk assessments.

Trends in import and export of fishery products in the Czech Republic during 2010–2015

There has been a worldwide increase in consumption of fish from open waters and aquaculture during the last decades. In 2013, the Czech Republic was the sixth largest producer of fish within the EU, with annual production of 20,135 tonnes. However, during the period 2010–2015 import of fishery products to the Czech Republic increased from 39,098 to 43,399 tonnes. The monetary value of import increased by 81 % from 90.2 million EUR in 2010 to 169.9 million EUR in 2015. In 2010, the major imported fishery product was frozen fillets of sutchi catfish (Pangasianodon hypophthalmus) from Vietnam (8872 tonnes). In 2015, the most imported fishery product was whole chilled salmon (Salmo salar) from Norway (6897 tonnes). During 2010–2015, the export of fishery products increased from 18,167 to 22,134 tonnes, which is an increase by 21.8 %. The value of export has increased by 80 % from 54.5 million EUR in 2010 to 98.1 million EUR in 2015. The major exported fish was live common carp (Cyprinus carpio) at volume of 7545–9075 tonnes. This study looks at changes in market, volume and value of fish imported and exported during the last 6 years.

Comparing the effects of glazing and chitosan-based coating applied on frozen salmon on its organoleptic and physicochemical characteristics over six-months storage

The perishable nature of fish, with an increase in fish consumption in recent years, led to the improvement of fish preservation techniques. Chitosan coatings adds to the traditional water glazing.The effect of a chitosan solution of 1.5% on the sensory properties of Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar) was studied over six months of storage. The sensory properties of the salmon were assessed through the use of a texturometer and a trained panel of judges. Microbiological parameters were studied in the form of Total Volatile Base Nitrogen (TVB-N) and Total Viable Count (TVC) tests.Microbiological analysis showed that chitosan had an anti-microbiological effect on the salmon samples, reducing the number of microorganisms present, while TVB-N values were maintained stable during experiment.Textural Profile Analysis (TPA) was performed and the results showed no significant differences between different coatings regarding texture. Sensory analysis by a trained panel showed that chitosan was a better choice in frozen samples, while in thawed and cooked samples no significant differences existed between chitosan-coated and glazed samples. Flavor diffusion from the chitosan coating was assessed, and analysis of the results showed no correlation between coating type and sample flavor, indicating that no flavor diffusion had occurred.

A Mediterranean-style diet, its components and the risk of heart failure: a prospective population-based study in a non-Mediterranean country.

Growing evidence emerged about the role of diet in heart failure (HF) development, but data are sparse and inconclusive. We examined the association between a Mediterranean-style diet, its components and HF risk. Analyses were carried out in 24 008 middle-aged participants of the European Prospective Investigation into Cancer and Nutrition (EPIC)-Potsdam (Germany), including 209 incident HF cases within 8.2 years. The traditional Greek Mediterranean diet score (tMED) was used to assess dietary adherence. Cox's proportional hazards regression was applied to estimate the relationship between the adherence to the Mediterranean-style diet, its components and HF risk. After adjustment for age, sex and energy intake, a 2-unit increment in the tMED was associated with 26% lower risk of HF (HR (95% confidence interval (CI)): 0.76 (0.60-0.97)). After multivariable adjustment, this association was slightly attenuated and lost significance [HR (95%CI): 0.82 (0.64-1.05)]. Interestingly, we observed a significant association in multivariable adjusted models when milk products were excluded from the score (HR (95% CI): 0.75 (0.59-0.96)). Three score components were significantly associated with HF risk: alcohol (HR (95%CI): 0.73 (0.55-0.97) for moderate versus low/high intakes), meat: 2.04 (1.17-3.55) and fish: 0.59 (0.36-0.95), both for the highest versus the lowest quintile. The tMED was not significantly associated with HF risk, but low meat, high fish and moderate alcohol intake were inversely associated with HF risk in our non-Mediterranean population. Minor dietary changes could be valuable primary prevention measures, particularly the increase of fish consumption while reducing the intake of meat.

Perceptions about mercury and lead in fish consumed in Lake Albert fishing communities Uganda.

Fish consumption is a lifestyle in fishing communities influenced by individual and communal perceptions. However, information about individual perceptions about fish consumption in the vulnerable fishing community in a developing country is lacking. Without this study, the benefits of fish consumption in a vulnerable community may not be realized. Data collection was executed using key informant interviews and survey structured questionnaires. The key informants include fisheries, community development, veterinary, community and environmental officers. The household heads were the respondents. The Qualitative data was organized and queried using QSR Nvivo 10 and quantitative data analyzed with SPSS version 22. The perceived benefits of eating fish are health, income, nutrition and manhood. The perceived risks are Stigma and ill health. The factors increasing fish consumption are heedless of fish consumption benefits (p = 0.041) and household size i.e. number of adults more than seven (p = 0.020). Those decreasing are methods of preparation of fish i.e. boiling and frying (p = 0.019 and p = 0.010) and oblivious about organizations dealing with fishing activities (p = 0.029). An awareness campaign is needed to demystify the health benefits and fallacies of fish consumption. The knowledge on individual perceptions associated with fish consumption will increase fish consumption but with fewer risks.

Perfil do Consumo de Peixes pela População Brasileira

The dynamics of fish supply for the world population is passing through a moment of decreasing fisheries and increasing aquaculture production, which in Brazil is favored by wide availability of water resources, great variety of species, favorable climate and by increased demand for this protein source. Nevertheless, fish consumption by Brazilian population is still modest, averaging about 9 kg/habitant/year, below the recommended by FAO (12 kg/habitant/year). The objective of the present study was to evaluate the current situation of fish consumption by the population, highlighting the reasons behind such consumption, such as feeding preferences and socio-economic issues. The results indicate a preference for bovine meat (48,5%) and birds (25,2%) before fish (19,2%), as the population consumes fish at a low frequency, regardless of the origin of fish and their acquisitive power. The results also shows that economic and marketing sectors of fisheries and aquaculture should disclose informations about these markets in a more efficient way and stimulate the formulation of new marketing products, aiming at increasing fish consumption by the population. Keywords: fishing; aquaculture; feeding preference.

Quality changes of salmon by-products during storage: Assessment and quantification by NMR

Safe utilization of fish by-products is an important task due to increasing fish consumption. It can provide new valuable food/feed and will increase the economical profit and sustainability of the fishery industry. NMR spectroscopy is a reliable tool able to monitor qualitative and quantitative changes in by-products. In this work the trichloroacetic acid extracts of salmon backbones, heads and viscera stored at industrially relevant temperatures (4 and 10°C) were studied using NMR. Twenty-five metabolites were detected and the possibility of salmon by-products utilization as a source of anserine, phosphocreatine and taurine was discussed. Statistical data elaboration allowed determining the main processes occurring during by-products storage: formation of trimethylamine and biogenic amines, proteolysis and different types of fermentations. By-products freshness was evaluated using a multi-parameter approach: the trimethylamine and biogenic amines concentration changes were compared with Ki and H-values and safe temperatures and times for storage of salmon by-products were proposed.

Abstract B45: A pilot trial of dietary fish and ω-3 fatty acid supplements in women at high risk for breast cancer

Abstract Background: The type of fat consumed in the diet may influence mammary tissue biology and breast cancer risk, with preclinical evidence for inhibitory effects of n-3 versus n-6 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) on mammary carcinogenesis. Fish consumption and fish oil supplements are two strategies to increase dietary n-3 fatty acids. Objective: To determine the effects of increased fish consumption on breast adipose tissue fatty acids, we conducted a study of dietary fish versus an n-3 fatty acid supplement in women at increased risk for developing breast cancer. Design: In this three month randomized study, women at high risk for breast cancer received either (a) dietary fish in the form of canned salmon and albacore tuna at a dose of four 6 ounce servings/week or (b) two n-3 fatty acid capsules (1.68 g EPA+DHA)/day for three months. Subjects underwent fasting blood draws monthly and breast adipose tissue samples at baseline and three months for fatty acid profiling by gas chromatography. Results: Both study interventions of dietary fish and n-3 PUFA capsule yielded increased EPA and DHA content in plasma (p&amp;lt;0.0001), erythrocyte membranes (p&amp;lt;0.0001), and breast adipose tissue samples (p &amp;lt;0.01) at 3 months, with also significantly increased total ω-3 PUFAs and decreased n-3/n-6 ratios (p&amp;lt;0.0001). Women taking n-3 PUFA capsules had a greater rise in plasma and erythrocyte membrane EPA relative to those consuming fish (p=0.002), without significant differences in DHA. BMI attenuated the incremental increase in EPA and DHA. Adherence was excellent in both groups at 93.9%, and higher in the dietary fish arm (p=0.01). Conclusions: Dietary fish and n-3 PUFA capsules significantly increase breast adipose tissue EPA and DHA content and represent two well tolerated strategies for future clinical trials of dietary n-3 PUFAs for breast cancer prevention. Citation Format: Shana Straka, Joanne L. Lester, Sarah Puchala, Angela Rose, Rachel Cole, Rebecca R. Andridge, Steven K. Clinton, Martha A. Belury, Lisa D. Yee. A pilot trial of dietary fish and ω-3 fatty acid supplements in women at high risk for breast cancer. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the Thirteenth Annual AACR International Conference on Frontiers in Cancer Prevention Research; 2014 Sep 27-Oct 1; New Orleans, LA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Can Prev Res 2015;8(10 Suppl): Abstract nr B45.

Prenatal Exposure To Mercury And Neuropsychological Development In Preschoolers Children

Introduction The purpose of this study is to evaluate the association between prenatal exposure to mercury (Hg) and children´s neurodevelopment. Methods Study subjects were children participating in a Spanish birth cohort study (n=1362, 2003-2012). Cord blood total Hg was measured by atomic absorption spectrometry. Information on covariates and confounders was obtained through questionnaires. Neuropsychological development was assessed at age 4-6 years by using the McCarthy Scales of Children's Abilities (MSCA). The MSCA includes six scales (verbal, perceptive performance, numeric, memory, motor) and a general cognitive index. Multivariate linear regression models were conducted to evaluate the association between Hg exposure and neurodevelopment test scores in all children and stratifying the study population by quartiles of maternal fish consumption. The interaction p-values between Hg and maternal fish consumption were obtained. Results Hg concentrations were relatively elevated (GM: 8.8µg/dL). A doubling in Hg levels was positively and significantly associated with all the test domains, even after maternal fish consumption adjustment. When the study population was stratified by quartiles of maternal fish intake the association between Hg and neurodevelopment test scores was inverse among women in the first quartile but not significant. This association became positive and stronger with increasing fish consumption. The interaction p-value was significant (p

Are provisioning ecosystem services from rural aquaculture contributing to reduce hunger in Africa?

Despite the recognised advantages of rural aquaculture, little research has been done to assess its direct and indirect impacts on food security and poverty mitigation, especially in Africa. The aim of this study is to provide a better understanding of the role of fish-farming systems and their scale, market structure and institutional mechanisms in improving rural aquaculture in Mozambique and Namibia and, consequently, livelihoods and human development in rural communities.This study shows that rural households are strongly dependent on agriculture/aquaculture as their main source of food and income. In general, families making a living from fish farming as their main activity have improved their access to food and basic services. There has been a significant increase in fish consumption in households since they have been engaged in rural fish farming, and there has also been an increase in the frequency of fish consumption per week. This progress in food and nutrition security needs to be consolidated through fish-farming development policies. However, rural aquaculture is still a sector in the early stages of development and has to overcome limiting factors such as a lack of specialised technical knowledge, logistical infrastructure and difficulties in access to credit and markets.

The seafood market in Portugal: Driving forces and consequences

Portugal has the third highest seafood consumption per capita in the world and current patterns of seafood consumption are linked to how seafood products were embodied in the Portuguese society. The objective of this research is to understand Portuguese seafood consumption's main drivers and its consequences. For that official statistics were analyzed and a literature review on seafood consumption was undertaken. Portuguese seafood consumption is characterized by a wide diversity of species and preparing modes, when compared to other countries in Europe. Cod (salted and dried), does not exist in Portuguese waters but due to several factors, such as politics, religion and tradition, became the main species in Portuguese seafood consumption, representing around 38% of the national seafood demand. Five drivers are suggested to explain why Portuguese eat so much seafood: geography, marine resources, fisheries, social forces and politics; and consequences for the environment, economy and health are discussed. Hence while most dietary recommendations advise an increase in fish consumption is not applicable to Portugal and a more sustainable seafood consumption for the future is advocated.

English

In recent years, Laguna Lake has deteriorated significantly due to agricultural, domestic and industrial waste. This paper examines local residents’ fish consumption behavior in the Laguna Lake watershed area in the Philippines. The data utilized in this study was collected through the “LakeHEAD” household survey (n=389), conducted by the Research Institute for Humanity and Nature and University of the Philippines at Los Banos in 2012. How socio-demographic (location and education) and cognitive factors (for example, the perceptions of Laguna Lake pollution caused by domestic waste and/or heavy metals) affect consumers’ behavior regarding fish consumption was examined by distributing questionnaires to the local households. According to the descriptive statistics, most of the local residents (over 80%) considered Laguna Lake as polluted by domestic waste and/or heavy metals. However, the majority of residents (over 70%) still consumed fish; bangus (Chanos chanos), tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) and kanduli (Arius dispar) from the Laguna Lake. In addition, there is a strong relationship between the geographical distribution of the residents and their respective fish consumption behavior (p <0.001), as residents living the nearest to the lake were more likely to demonstrate a significant increase in fish consumption which is mostly due to easier access to the fish resources. It is therefore, necessary to promote public education programs focusing on food safety and illness mitigation. Key words: Education, fish consumption behavior, food safety, Laguna Lake, perception, water pollution.