Seafood Imports Research Articles

Sensory Evaluation of Local Versus Imported Shrimp to Develop Marketing Strategies for United States Shrimp Producers

Shrimp is considered a high-value seafood product and the most consumed seafood in the Unites States. However, it is characterized by a short shelf-life. United States is heavily dependent on seafood imports, including shrimp, with more than 80 % of seafood being imported. The imported shrimp products are usually treated with preservatives such as phosphate to maintain quality, and possibly multiple rounds of freezing and thawing that can affect quality as well. Therefore, this study aimed to understand and compare the sensory/organoleptic characteristics of imported to US-based shrimp products. Additionally, nutritional values of the shrimp products were evaluated by analyzing their proximate composition. These results of the sensory panel showed a discrepancy between consumer stated preferences and actual behavior regarding shrimp products. While participants expressed a preference for preservative-free shrimp, as demonstrated acceptability was higher for imported shrimp containing preservatives. Proximate analysis showed farmed-raised shrimp to have significantly higher (p<0.05) protein content in comparison to wild–caught and imported shrimp. This can be a leverage to develop marketing strategies for locally produced shrimps that are not treated with preservatives.

Fukushima nuclear wastewater discharge: An analysis of the international regulatory framework

This study examined the international legal framework that applies to Japan’s resolution to release nuclear wastewater from the Fukushima Nuclear Facility into the Pacific Ocean during the Summer of 2023. While the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) published a report on July 4, 2023, asserting that Japan’s plans align with safety standards and would result in a minimal radiological impact on people and the environment, concerns over potential pollution of the global marine environment and opposition from neighboring countries persist. Notably, China disputed the IAEA’s findings and imposed a de facto ban on Japanese seafood imports. This incident has raised significant global environmental concerns and legal disputes. This analysis focused on the international norms and regulations governing marine environmental protection and nuclear safety relating to Japan’s decision. Various existing marine ecological protections, nuclear safety conventions, and specific articles were deemed pertinent to the situation. However, the application of these measures remains characterized by ambiguity and uncertainty. Consequently, the study argues for establishing a more effective and authoritative nuclear wastewater governance framework to address the distinct challenges associated with nuclear wastewater management.

Seafood traceability program design: Examination of the United States' Seafood Import Monitoring Program.

The United States' current Seafood Import Monitoring Program (SIMP) and a potential extension are undergoing review, yet quantitative evaluation of the current program is lacking. The SIMP is a traceability program aimed at reducing imports of seafood products that are of illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) origin or associated with seafood fraud. We conducted a quantitative examination of the SIMP's current scope and design by synthesizing publicly available trade data along with measures of IUU fishing and seafood mislabeling. We found prioritized shipments amounted to 33% of 2016 imported tonnage. The SIMP species groups had higher IUU scores and mislabeling rates relative to non-SIMP groups, but the difference was consistent with random prioritization suggesting potential benefits from program expansion. Furthermore, two-thirds of imported volume lacked a mislabeling rate and 5% lacked species information, underlining the urgent need for improved open-access data on globalized seafood supply chains.

Low public awareness opens up new opportunities for highlighting milk as an iodine dietary source

This international survey provides insights into public awareness of the importance of iodine as an essential trace mineral in human health along with knowledge of iodine dietary sources. The online questionnaire included sociodemographic aspects and dietary iodine consumer awareness on 7-point Likert-type questions. A total of 4,704 questionnaires from 16 countries were considered. Answers were analyzed through a multiple regression linear model including country, gender, age, education level, and employment status as fixed effects. Respondents were moderately aware of the importance of fish (4.86) and seafood (4.90) as dietary iodine sources, but less aware of milk as a primary iodine source (3.32). Respondent awareness varied considerably across countries. Age, education level, and employment status only modified their perception when asked about fish and seafood as a source of iodine, with elderly respondents, those highly educated and of working age being more aware of their relevance as dietary iodine sources. Respondent knowledge did not vary by age, education level, employment status, or gender when asked about cereals, vegetables and fruits, meat and milk as iodine-rich food sources. Consequently, labeling milk and dairy products as an iodine-rich food source should be considered. Public authorities can consider the results from this survey in promotional campaigns to improve the awareness of different iodine sources and their beneficial effect on health.

The economic contribution of U.S. seafood imports throughout the value chain: A sectorial and species-specific analysis

Imports can contribute to economic activity and have positive backward and forward linkages in national and regional economies, particularly in the presence of limited domestic supply. Seafood in the United States (U.S.) is a remarkable example of import dependence since most consumption by both processing industries and households relies on imports. To assess the economic contributions of seafood imports, this study starts by applying a Ghoshian matrix to estimate the forward linked economic activity associated with seafood imports. It concludes that the $22.4 billion of seafood imported by the U.S. in 2019 supported a significant amount of economic activity across different industries. The economic contributions associated with this activity are estimated at more than $70 billion in sales revenues, $37 billion in value-added, and 512 thousand full-time and part-time jobs throughout the U.S. economy. In terms of industries, the largest shares of the total economic contributions are attributed to retail and restaurant activity, while, in terms of species, shrimp and salmon support the most significant shares of economic activity attributed to seafood imports. The results suggest that policies that target the limitation of seafood imports or international trade will have adverse effects even in sectors that, in many cases, are not directly involved with the commodity supply chain but depend on the economic activity generated through the supply chain.

HIARA study protocol: impacts of artificial coral reef development on fisheries, human livelihoods and health in southwestern Madagascar.

The Health Impacts of Artificial Reef Advancement (HIARA; in the Malagasy language, "together") study cohort was set up in December 2022 to assess the economic and nutritional importance of seafood for the coastal Malagasy population living along the Bay of Ranobe in southwestern Madagascar. Over the course of the research, which will continue until at least 2026, the primary question we seek to answer is whether the creation of artificial coral reefs can rehabilitate fish biomass, increase fish catch, and positively influence fisher livelihoods, community nutrition, and mental health. Through prospective, longitudinal monitoring of the ecological and social systems of Bay of Ranobe, we aim to understand the influence of seasonal and long-term shifts in marine ecological resources and their benefits to human livelihoods and health. Fourteen communities (12 coastal and two inland) were enrolled into the study including 450 households across both the coastal (n = 360 households) and inland (n = 90 households) ecosystems. In the ecological component, we quantify the extent and health of coral reef ecosystems and collect data on the diversity and abundance of fisheries resources. In the social component, we collect data on the diets, resource acquisition strategies, fisheries and agricultural practices, and other social, demographic and economic indicators, repeated every 3 months. At these visits, clinical measures are collected including anthropometric measures, blood pressure, and mental health diagnostic screening. By analyzing changes in fish catch and consumption arising from varying distances to artificial reef construction and associated impacts on fish biomass, our cohort study could provide valuable insights into the public health impacts of artificial coral reef construction on local populations. Specifically, we aim to assess the impact of changes in fish catch (caused by artificial reefs) on various health outcomes, such as stunting, underweight, wasting, nutrient intake, hypertension, anxiety, and depression.

A threatened heritage: Sustainable alternatives for Mediterranean small-scale fisheries

This study underscores the crucial role of small-scale fisheries (SSF) in promoting sustainable fishing practices within the Mediterranean context, emphasizing the necessity to align fisheries commerce with local seafood consumption. SSF in the Mediterranean, particularly in the Balearic Islands, are vital for local communities, contributing significantly to fish catches, while being deeply intertwined with cultural heritage and traditional values. However, these fisheries face several threats, including resource depletion, management strategies favouring fleet reduction, and increase of seafood imports. Our research investigates the relationships between the local fishing sector and resident population, exploring perspectives on sustainability. We examine SSF activities and perceptions through face-to-face questionnaires in nine fishing ports and assess seafood consumption habits through phone questionnaires. The study reveals an aging fishing sector rooted in family traditions that face administrative hurdles in implementing strategies such as fish tourism and direct sales, but seeks to enhance local product consumption. Despite the traditional relevance of fish in the Mediterranean diet, our findings also show low consumption of fresh and local seafood due to consumer’s limited knowledge on local species and related cooking methods and perceived high costs. However, the cultural importance of these products remains undiminished. To reinforce the cultural heritage of SSF and improve the future perspectives of the sector, we advocated for a multi-pronged approach, including raising consumers’ awareness about local species, controlling local prices, and promoting certified products through a reduction in the administrative burden and by promoting the active involvement of SSF.

Pathogens associated with seafood exports from Southeast Asia to the European Union: Analysis of the Rapid Alert System for Food and Feed (1997–2020)

Over the years, the need for healthy food has increased the demand for seafood in the international market. However, despite the high global demand, seafood is highly perishable and may harbour pathogenic microorganisms that could be transferred to humans during handling, processing, and consumption. Therefore, establishing strict food safety standards and risk communication tools is critical to prevent the infiltration of unsafe seafood into global markets. In the global food supply chain, the European Union (EU) is the largest importer of seafood, while more than 80% of global seafood production is from Asia. Additionally, Southeast Asian countries account for 32% of global seafood production. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the microbiological safety of seafood imported from Southeast Asia to the EU by analysing alert notifications in the Rapid Alert System for Food and Feed (RASFF) database. The RASFF is a tool used for reporting and communicating food safety-related risks among the EU Member States and other members of the RASFF network. A total of 301 notifications of pathogens in seafood originating from four Southeast Asian countries (Malaysia, Thailand, Vietnam, and Indonesia) were reported by 19 EU countries, including the United Kingdom (1997-2020). More than 56% of the pathogen notifications involved crustaceans and related products. Fifty-two percent of the notifications involved seafood from Vietnam, while 30% of the notifications from EU member countries were from Italy. Vibrio spp. was the most predominant bacterial pathogen responsible for 50% of the notifications, followed by Salmonella spp. and Clostridium accounting for 38% and 2% of the notifications, respectively. Norovirus was implicated in 10% of the notifications, and this was only in clams from Vietnam. These pathogens pose a risk to consumers’ health, indicating the need to enforce stringent food safety standards in producing countries to ensure the safety of seafood exported to other parts of the world. These actions will ultimately prevent economic loss associated with the rejection, destruction or import restrictions of contaminated seafood originating from Southeast Asia to the EU.

Analyzing Meat and Seafood Import Demand in Trinidad and Tobago Using the Linear Approximate Almost Ideal Demand System Model

A linear approximated almost ideal demand system model is specified to estimate imported meat and seafood demand in Trinidad and Tobago for the period 1976 to 2019 using annual data. Model parameters were estimated using seemingly unrelated regression with theoretical restrictions imposed. The results found that own-price of imported poultry and seafood negatively affected import expenditure share while own-price positively affected import expenditure share for imported beef, pork, and mutton. In addition, income negatively affected the import expenditure share of imported beef but positively affected the import expenditure share of imported pork, poultry, seafood, and mutton over the study period. Expenditure elasticity for imported meats and seafood reveals that they are all normal goods. Imported beef, pork, poultry, seafood, and mutton had expenditure elasticities of 0.57, 1.13, 1.94, 1.12, and 1.05, respectively. Imported pork, poultry, seafood, and mutton were found to be luxuries with income-elastic import demand. Own-price elasticities reveal that imported poultry was the most import elastic with an own-price elasticity of 1.40, followed by imported seafood (1.22), beef (0.65), mutton (0.54), and pork (0.48). Cross-price elasticities revealed that various complementary and substitution relationships existed among imported meats and seafood over the study period. Hicksian cross-price elasticities showed that mostly substitution relationships existed between various pairs of imported meats and seafood. The study also highlighted some policy recommendations that can be derived from the results.

China and seafood trade after coronavirus: the role of state actors

As the world’s largest seafood trading country, China has a significant influence on the global seafood system. This study explores the growing role of China as a state actor in the seafood trade since the onset of the COVID-19 outbreak. While China has been interested in ensuring its food security, China’s trade policy also illustrates strategic and political motivations combined with ongoing modernization efforts in food safety. Using the recent case of China’s ban on seafood imports, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic, our study adds empirical evidence to support a nuanced understanding of China’s food trade measures. This implies that China as a state actor is playing a more active role even with the growing power of non-state actors in shaping the seafood trade. Our finding can be applicable to other recent cases that highlight the growing role of state actors in seafood trade.

Assessing the Seafood Trade Diversion Arising from Economic Sanctions: Evidence from Russia and Western Countries.

Since 2014, economic sanctions between Russia and Western nations have significantly altered the global seafood trade. The consequent decline in bilateral trade also had spillover effects on the rest of the world (ROW). According to earlier studies, economic sanctions appear to negatively impact bilateral trade and income. However, few studies examine how Russian sanctions affect the world as a whole and estimate their effects on the fisheries industry. This study seeks to close this gap by quantifying the extent to which Russian sanctions have impacted trade in terms of trade deflection, trade destruction, trade depression, and trade creation. To this end, panel data from 185 countries were created for the years from 2005 to 2020. With trade policy variables that account for changes in trade channels, a structural gravity trade model was specified. Based on calculations using the Poisson pseudo-maximum likelihood (PPML) fixed effect model, economic sanctions led to a 119.28% surge in Russia's seafood imports from the rest of the world (ROW), alongside a 39% decline in imports from Western countries. The extent of trade deflection, which includes the exports of Western nations diverted from Russia to the ROW markets, increased by 5.49%. The results demonstrate that trade between sanctioned states, as well as global trade, is significantly impacted by economic sanctions.

Has the Regulatory Compliance Burden Reduced Competitiveness of the U.S. Tilapia Industry?

Emerging research on aquaculture governance has pointed to the conundrum of negative global environmental effects from economic incentives for aquaculture production to shift from more highly regulated to less regulated countries. This study has focused on examining whether regulatory costs on U.S. tilapia farms may have contributed to their contraction in contrast to the growth of global tilapia production that contributes to the volume of seafood imports into the U.S. A national survey (coverage rate = 75% of tilapia sold; response rate = 18%) found that on-farm regulatory costs accounted for 15% of total production costs on U.S. tilapia farms, the fifth-highest cost of production. The total direct regulatory costs nationally were $4.4 million, averaging $137,611/farm. Most problematic were regulations of effluent discharge, predatory bird control, international export, and water and energy policies. Manpower costs for monitoring and reporting were the greatest cost of regulatory compliance. The lost sales revenue resulting from regulations was $32 million a year, or 82% of total annual sales, indicating that the regulatory framework has constrained the growth of U.S. tilapia farming. The smallest tilapia farms had the greatest regulatory cost per kg. This study provides evidence that regulatory costs, along with other challenges related to live fish markets, have contributed to the decline in U.S. tilapia production. Increased competitiveness of the U.S. tilapia industry will require a combination of: (1) improved regulatory efficiency that reduces on-farm cost burdens without reducing societal benefits; (2) research and on-farm extension assistance to evaluate new tilapia fillet equipment; and (3) research on changing consumer preferences to provide guidance on effective strategies to penetrate the large U.S. fillet market.

The Potential Impact of the Vietnam - EFTA FTA on Vietnam Imports of Seafood

This paper assesses the potential impacts of the Vietnam - EFTA Free Trade Agreement (Vietnam – EFTA FTA) on Vietnam's seafood imports from the EFTA by adopting the SMART model based on two scenarios. The simulation results reveal that the Vietnam – EFTA FTA would result in a significant increase in Vietnam's seafood imports from the EFTA, implying that the EFTA would be still one of the most important seafood sources for Vietnam in the upcoming time. When Vietnam also extends its coverage of tariff elimination to ASEAN+5 including China Japan, South Korea, India, Australia – New Zealand having signed an FTA with ASEAN to which Vietnam is a country member and to the European Union (EU), which is Vietnam’s partner in the Vietnam – EU FTA (EVFTA), the reduction in Vietnam’s seafood imports from the EFTA would occur but it would be inconsiderable. Besides, in both scenarios, trade creation effects would be higher than trade diversion effects meaning that the Vietnam – EFTA FTA would raise the welfare of Vietnam. Based on these results, the paper ends by drawing out some implications for the Vietnamese government and domestic seafood enterprises to be better preparing for the upcoming Vietnam – EFTA FTA.

Impacts of COVID-19 on U.S. Seafood Availability

Abstract Seafood is the food group with the highest share traded, and the U.S. is the world’s largest seafood importer, importing 79% of the seafood consumed. Hence, a study examining the impacts of the measures to contain COVID-19 on U.S. seafood imports will not only show how U.S. seafood availability has been affected, but will also give strong indications of how resiliently the global seafood markets have worked through the pandemic. We find that U.S. imports of seafood actually increased in 2020 and 2021, suggesting supply chains were able to adapt to potential disruptions. Moreover, for the 14 largest product forms imported to the U.S., there are no strong price movements. Given that there is a global market for most species groups, this adaption also suggests that the markets have worked quite well beyond the U.S. Hence, while there have undoubtedly been market shocks associated with the COVID-19 measures such as the reduction in demand from the restaurant sector and the increased sales in the retail sector, opportunities seem to balance out challenges, and the supply chains for seafood to the U.S. have been highly resilient.

Reassessing Neolithic Diets in Western Scotland

Although marine resources are known to have been exploited by both foragers and early farmers in Scotland, the importance of seafood to the diets of Neolithic groups has been widely debated. Here we present paired stable isotope (δ13C and δ15N) and radiocarbon measurements on Early Neolithic human remains from Raschoille Cave in Oban. These are compared with published data for other sites in western Scotland and used to re-evaluate the use of marine resources by the first farmers. The diets of Late Mesolithic foragers and Early Neolithic farmers were modelled from stable isotope data using both Linear and Bayesian (FRUITS) mixing models. Our FRUITS dietary models indicate that Mesolithic foragers obtained much of their dietary protein and calories from marine resources, consistent with the predominance of shellfish, fish and sea mammal remains in their shell middens. Of note is the large proportion of dietary calories obtained from plant foods, which is like that of the early farming groups. The diets of Early Neolithic farmers appear relatively homogeneous across Scotland. Plant foods were the primary source of calories. Meat and/or dairy from terrestrial mammals were the most important source of dietary protein. Marine resources were, at most, a minor component of the ‘lifetime’ diet.

Fish for the Elite: Seafood Restaurants and North Korean Watery Environmental Histories

Fish have long been of importance to North Korea, vital to its developmental ambitions, and through structures of division such as the Northern Limit Line, also to its politics. Fish and seafood in general have been key elements in the cuisine and dietary practices of the Korean peninsula since the beginning of its recorded history. Korean food frequently has fish, molluscs and cephalopods at its heart, from more common forms such as jjigae stews 찌개, to the challenging san-nakji 산낙지 (live octopus). Fish is eaten everywhere on the Korean peninsula, though of course it is less frequently eaten in the interior and in mountainous areas. Fish and seafood products are also eaten across all social classes on the Korean peninsula and in Korean history. In particular miyeok 미역 or wind/beach dried kelp has long been a vital element in Korean cooking, and the drying of miyoek by coastal communities was a key element to many of those communities social and economic practices in previous sentences. Of course there were varieties of seafood and maritime products that only the rich and elite could afford, and places where such food could be bought and consumed naturally became rarefied and expensive places, and seafood became an important element in the rediscovered “Korean Royal Court Cuisine” 조선왕조 궁중요리 Joseon wangjo gungjung yori, which harked back to the food practices of the Joseon dynasty. North Korea itself claims or aspires to be a classless society and a political space where there are no elites, and where the memory of the Joseon dynasty is dismissed as a feudal aberration. This paper explores an element of the reality of North Korea dining and food consumption and practices, particularly around seafood. Considering the vital importance of fishing and seafood to North Korea, particularly as a source of revenue and goods for export, and the role of fish and maritime products as a vital source of protein in Pyongyang’s conceptions of socialist developmental practice, the paper in particular considers the environmental and ecological histories of the seas around the north of the Korean peninsula in mind, as well as North Korea’s history of aquaculture, and efforts to farm particular species like Sturgeon and Atlantic Cod. Having done this the paper seeks to understand what the presence of elite fish restaurants and dining places in Pyongyang, and the research and logistics required to support them mean within the nation’s environmental and developmental history.

سمندری حیوانات کے متعلق معاصر فقہاء اور مراکز فتاوی کی آراء۔ تحقیقی و تجزیاتی مطالعہ Opinion of Contemporary Jurists and Fiqh Academies on Aquatic Animals (An Analytical Study)

The Quran is the fundamental document of the religion of Islam. Among the blessings that Allah Almighty has bestowed is that He has allowed us to do many things that were forbidden according to the previously revealed law. “Allah intends for you ease and He does not want to make things difficult for you.” (Al-Baqarāh: 2/185). Seafood is any form of sea life regarded as food by humans. Seafood prominently includes fish and other sea creatures like shellfish, prawns, crabs, eel, shrimps, oysters, octopuses, snails, frogs, crocodiles, snakes etc. As observed during the last few years, the demand for seafood has become manifold. The trends for seafood are widely in fashion as eating habits, generally around the world, and especially in Asia. The basic objective of this article examines the views of contemporary scholars of modern jurisprudential institutions and various Iftaa councils, keeping in view the above-mentioned research. Questionnaires were written by the researcher to different madaris which included 17 questions. Various topics related to the condition and sanctity of marine animals, their regular use of food, medicine and trade were discussed. In this perspective, it is stated that there are many deviated exegeses for permissible and forbidden seafood in all schools of thought. By using the descriptive and analytical method of research, these efforts are made to throw light on the importance of seafood, especially for various Fiqh Academies in Pakistan.

The spatial evolution and optimization of supply channels for marine products consumed in China

ABSTRACT We introduce quaternary and ternary diagrams to analyze temporal-spatial changes in the supply and demand shares of marine products, respectively. Subsequently, we build a marine product supply selection model to calculate the quantities of marine products furnished by supply channels and estimate the demand for marine products in China’s three coastal areas. These are used to demonstrate the supply gap of marine products in China before we optimize and adjust the supply scheme of marine products for China. The results show that China’s coastal areas import large volumes of fish, crustaceans and molluscs. In the Bohai Bay Rim, the domestic supply of marine products (except for fish and crustaceans) is greater than imports, while in the Yangtze River Delta and Southern China coastal areas, the domestic supply of all marine products is greater than imports. Domestic channels thus cannot fully satisfy coastal demand for marine products. In order to meet the demand, China should enlarge its imports from Europe and Asia, encourage ocean-going fishing vessels to directly transport all harvests back to China, and strengthen fishing port construction so as to promote the development of China’s seafood imports and pelagic fisheries.

The impact of economic deregulation for health disparities among Gulf of Mexico commercial fishermen

Commercial fishing is one of the most dangerous occupations in the US and includes some of the most vulnerable populations, including low-wage, older, and (im)migrant workers. We conducted a secondary data analysis of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s (NOAA) Voices Oral History Archives to better understand how structural and social determinants of health (SDoH) are related to individual injury and illness among fishermen. Interviews from Gulf of Mexico (GOM) English- and non-English speaking commercial fishermen, family members of fishermen, and policymakers were analyzed following an interpretive analytical approach. Our results show that key policy changes associated with deregulation have led to a decline in economic opportunities for fishermen in the GOM region and have long-term implications for their health and well-being. Specifically, we demonstrate how the deregulation of waterfront development, offshore oil development and pricing, and seafood imports has shaped precarious employment for fishermen, such as lower wages, job insecurity, loss of benefits, and decreased social protections. The economic precarity of fishermen is directly and indirectly related to injury, including not having the finances to maintain their boats, machines, or safety equipment as well as an inability to afford healthcare services. The linkage between poverty and structural conditions shows how neoliberalism has produced health disparities and inequities among fishing communities. We argue that governance theory can help build future research-to-policy and research-to-practice projects that are community-based, participatory, and built on long-term trust and communication.

Chinese public opinion on Japan's nuclear wastewater discharge: A case study of Weibo comments based on a thematic model

Japan's plan to dump nuclear wastewater into the sea has generated a tremendous amount of discussion on social media due to the potential wide-ranging impact. To our knowledge, few studies have mined social media platforms to assess similar pollution concerns. We use the Octopus Collector to collect online textual data regarding “Japan's plan to dump nuclear wastewater into the sea” from Sina Weibo since April 13, 2021. After the posts from Sina Weibo were preprocessed, user opinions were analyzed using natural language processing. We used a naive Bayes classifier for sentiment analysis and latent dirichlet allocation (LDA) to extract and cluster topics from the posts, allowing for users' related opinions to be mined and analyzed. The study found that there were three major themes in terms of public concern: nuclear pollution and marine ecology, seafood imports and food safety, and international responsibility and public ethics. In our emotional analysis, we found that most people expressed negative emotions about the plan. However, there was also a positive emotional aspect because, with the release of relevant information and the popularization of knowledge, the public has been able to have a rational discussion about the consequences of this event, and the topic includes a focus on positive factors such as environmental protection and sustainable development. For this reason, the government and relevant agencies should keep up-to-date with the latest news of the incident to further raise public awareness and lead the public to a rational discussion to avoid excessive negative emotions.