USA SNP OUTCOMES

The Seafood Nutrition Partnership (SNP) hosted its 9th Annual State of the Science Symposium, "Powered by Seafood," in Washington, D.C., on September 23, 2025, bringing together leading experts in nutrition, brain health, public policy, culinary innovation, and seafood sustainability. The event’s TED Talk-style presentations and dynamic panel discussions offered a comprehensive dive into the cutting edge of seafood science, maternal wellness, and policy challenges, with a clear call to update outdated government guidelines and inspire a new generation of healthier Americans.

The United States (U.S.) is according to Ferreira J-P. et al (2024) “the world’s largest seafood importer and among the top five seafood producers and exporters; however, wild stocks are fully exploited and have little scope for further growth. The U.S. aquaculture industry is small and slow growing, largely due to an unaccommodating governance system. U.S. seafood imports have grown significantly in recent decades and have been essential to increasing seafood consumption as domestic production has been unable to sustainably meet increasing demand, and importers are continuously identifying and exploiting new niches. U.S. seafood imports increased from 1.6 million metric tons (mt) valued at $7.0 billion in 2000–2.9 million mt valued at $22.4 billion in 2019. Meanwhile, domestic production (capture fisheries and aquaculture) showed no increase during this period and fluctuated around 4.7 million mt. Biological productivity and a seasonal mismatch between landings and domestic demand in domestic capture fisheries as well as slow growth in the domestic aquaculture industry have resulted in U.S. seafood supply chains driven predominantly by imports. The National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) estimates that about 79 % of seafood consumed in the U.S. is imported.”

It is probably higher. It is too early to address the impact of the current regimes tariff imposts but clearly this will not assist import prices and thus make seafood consumption unaffordable to many.

Morning Session Highlights: Seafood, Omega-3s, and Smarter Children

Dr. Tom Brenna, renowned professor of pediatrics at the University of Texas, opened with a compelling talk on seafood’s role in IQ, brain development, and smarter babies. He traced the evolution of U.S. infant formula policy, emphasizing the critical need for omega-3 DHA and ARA in both formula and diets. Brenna’s presentation distilled decades of research into actionable insights: he cited studies showing that adequate DHA intake during pregnancy and infancy is linked to better visual acuity and up to 3.5 IQ points improvement by age five—a benefit already built into European policies but still lagging in the U.S.

Dr. Brennan highlighted that seafood isn’t just about omega-3s; it offers a spectrum of “brain-selective” nutrients—iron, iodine, zinc, selenium, copper—making seafood uniquely powerful in supporting child development. He called for urgent regulatory overhaul of standards to ensure U.S. policies reflect the latest science, noting that breastfeeding remains gold-standard, but formula should aim to be the very best possible for infants’ long-term outcomes.

Also refer Shrinking Brains – SCA

Maternal Fish Consumption and Outdated Mercury Messaging

Dr. Maya Maroto, VP at FoodMinds and public health strategist, delivered a landmark message: current U.S. advisories focused on mercury risk are costing children their full neurodevelopmental potential. Maroto debunked persistent fears stemming from historic mercury poisoning tragedies, showing new research from over 300,000 mother-child pairs: higher fish intake in pregnancy leads to consistent cognitive gains with negligible harm from mercury. She stated, “Every additional ounce of fish during pregnancy translates into real IQ gains—up to 7.7 points on average.” Maroto called for new messaging that emphasizes omega-3 benefits, the absence of harm, and the importance of 8–12 ounces of fish weekly for expectant mothers.

Also refer Debunking the Mercury Myth: Time for a Positive Global Shift on Seafood Consumption – SCA and Seafood and Pregnancy – SCA

Panel Dialogue: Science, Policy, and Practice

A dynamic panel brought together former FDA directors, leading DHA researchers like Dr. Susan Carlson, and consumer insight experts. Panelists agreed that regulatory inertia and lack of clear consumer communication are major barriers to maximizing public health outcomes. Dr. Carlson connected improved seafood intake with reductions in preterm birth alongside cognitive gains, while former FDA leaders called for the FDA to catch up with science and global best practices.

Culinary Innovation and Consumer Engagement

Chef Scott Drewno, a 2025 James Beard Foundation finalist, showcased how seafood can be a cornerstone of American nutrition and a culinary celebration. Interactive segments featured consumer campaigns such as “Fall in Love with Seafood,” with SNP VP Sarah Crowley and Marine Stewardship Council’s Jackie Marks revealing research showing that the right marketing makes 77% of consumers want to eat more seafood.

Closing Insights: A National Movement Powered by Seafood

Cargill’s Gustavo Lara wrapped up the symposium with a call to make America “Powered by Seafood”—by forging partnerships across policy, retail, health, and sustainability. He stressed the urgency of shaping national seafood promotion campaigns and uniting stakeholders through the new National Seafood Council Task Force.

Symposium Outcomes

Urgent updates are needed to federal seafood guidance, focusing on omega-3 and nutrient benefits, not outdated mercury fears.
Seafood proven to support brain health, child development, sports performance, and planetary sustainability.
National campaigns and culinary innovations inspire more Americans to eat seafood and bridge the gap in recommended intake.
Research-backed messaging and retail partnerships are catalyzing consumer enthusiasm and better health outcomes.

The SNP’s 2025 Symposium showcased not just why seafood matters—nutrition, policy, and culture—but how transformative change is possible when science is communicated boldly, and stakeholders work together.

SNP Recorded Sessions can be seen at : https://youtu.be/PTzjmhpidnE?si=rPq_G19vUT_GqkSn (Morning Session)https://youtu.be/ZX39sfiGkx0?si=TWPUEiA_Bb4yZBV2(Afternoon Session)

USA SNP OUTCOMES

USA SNP OUTCOMES

Morning Session Highlights: Seafood, Omega-3s, and Smarter Children

Maternal Fish Consumption and Outdated Mercury Messaging

Panel Dialogue: Science, Policy, and Practice

Culinary Innovation and Consumer Engagement

Closing Insights: A National Movement Powered by Seafood

Symposium Outcomes

References