What Are Blue Foods? Why They’re Vital for People and the Planet

When you hear the term blue foods, you might picture blueberries or a vibrant blue smoothie—but in the context of sustainability, blue foods refer to something much broader and more impactful. 

Blue foods are any food sourced from aquatic environments: oceans, rivers, and lakes. This includes fish, shellfish, seaweed, and other aquatic plants and animals. These foods are more than just delicious—they’re a critical part of our global food system and (surprisingly to many) a powerful tool in combating climate change, food insecurity, and overburdened land resources.

Why Blue Foods Matter

The oceans cover more than 70% of the Earth’s surface, yet blue foods provide only about 17% of the animal protein consumed globally. Despite their relatively small share, they pack a massive punch in terms of nutrition and sustainability. 

Many blue foods, such as small pelagic fish, mussels, and seaweed, are rich in essential nutrients like omega-3 fatty acids, protein, and micronutrients. Unlike land-based livestock, they require no fresh water, less feed, and often leave a much smaller environmental footprint.

But the real power of blue foods lies in their potential. If responsibly managed, water farming and wild fisheries could feed billions while reducing the strain on our overused agricultural systems. Seaweed farming, for instance, doesn’t just offer food—it also captures carbon, deacidifies seawater, and restores marine ecosystems.

A Solution Already in Motion

Across the globe, communities are already turning to blue foods as a means of economic resilience and ecological restoration. From Indigenous oyster farming in the Pacific Northwest to large-scale seaweed cultivation in Southeast Asia, these efforts are helping transform our food future.

However, challenges remain. Overfishing, pollution, and habitat destruction threaten the stability of aquatic ecosystems. That’s where education and awareness come in.

Photo Credit: Sam Johnson for Intuitive Content and Hope in the Water on PBS

Dive Deeper with The Fed by Blue Podcast 

If you're curious about how blue foods can reshape our future, look no further than Fed by Blue, a compelling podcast series available on the Heritage Radio Network. This podcast dives deep—pun intended—into the intersection of food, climate, and culture, telling the stories of the people, communities, and innovations behind the blue food movement—some of whom were featured in our PBS docuseries Hope in the Water. 

From conversations with water farmers, fishers, and activists to insights from Indigenous leaders who are farming the ocean, Fed by Blue offers a powerful look at the challenges and opportunities in building a more sustainable, ocean-friendly food system.

Whether you're a foodie, environmentalist, or just curious about where your dinner comes from, this podcast is a must-listen.

Available Wherever You Listen

You can tune into Fed by Blue on the Heritage Radio Network or wherever you listen to your favorite podcasts. Each episode is a step toward understanding how we can nourish ourselves and the planet, without sacrificing flavor or sustainability!