Syllabus Edition
First teaching 2024
First exams 2026
Human Consumption & Increasing Demand (DP IB Environmental Systems & Societies (ESS))
Revision Note
Written by: Alistair Marjot
Reviewed by: Bridgette Barrett
Human Consumption & Increasing Demand
Humans consume a variety of organisms (flora and fauna) from both freshwater and marine environments
These organisms provide essential nutrients and form a significant part of many cultures' diets
Consumption patterns vary locally and globally
This reflects availability, tradition and sustainability concerns
Examples of aquatic food resources
Local and Global Examples of Aquatic Flora and Fauna Consumed by Humans
Organism | Type of organism | Type of aquatic environment | How widely consumed | Description |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Watercress | Flora | Freshwater | Local | Leafy green plant Popular in the UK Grown in shallow, flowing water beds fed by natural springs or streams Used in salads and soups |
Spirulina | Flora | Freshwater | Global | Blue-green algae (cyanobacteria) Consumed worldwide Grown in freshwater ponds and lakes Harvested by filtering the water and then drying the algae Used as a dietary supplement |
Dulse | Flora | Marine | Local | Type of red seaweed Traditionally eaten in Ireland Hand-harvested from rocks during low tide along the coastline Dried in the sun or indoors Consumed dried or cooked |
Nori | Flora | Marine | Global | Type of red seaweed Popular globally, especially in Japan Farmed in coastal waters on nets suspended from bamboo poles or floating rafts Harvested, then dried and processed into sheets Used in sushi and snacks |
Trout | Fauna | Freshwater | Local | Freshwater fish Commonly consumed in the UK Raised in freshwater ponds or tanks with controlled water quality Harvested by netting when they reach market size |
Tilapia | Fauna | Freshwater | Global | Freshwater fish Consumed worldwide Raised in freshwater ponds or recirculating aquaculture systems Harvested by draining the ponds or using nets |
Orkney Scallops | Fauna | Marine | Local | Type of shellfish A delicacy in Scotland, UK Collected by divers from the seabed around the Orkney Islands (ensures minimal environmental impact) |
Shrimp | Fauna | Marine | Global | Small crustacean Found in oceans worldwide and consumed globally Raised in coastal ponds or tanks Harvested by draining the ponds and collecting the shrimp with nets |
Demand for aquatic food resources
The demand for aquatic food resources has significantly increased in over the last 50–100 years
This is due to the combined effects of a growing human population and dietary changes
As populations expand and economies develop, there is a higher demand for seafood products to meet nutritional needs and culinary preferences
The main factors behind the increase in demand for aquatic food resources are:
Growing human population
The global population has rapidly increased, resulting in a larger consumer base for aquatic food resources
Changing dietary patterns
As countries undergo economic growth, there is often a shift in dietary patterns towards increased consumption of protein-rich foods, including seafood
Nutritional benefits of seafood
Seafood is recognised as a valuable source of essential nutrients, such as omega-3 fatty acids, vitamins and minerals
These all contribute to human health and well-being
Urbanisation and the rising middle class
Urbanisation and the emergence of a middle class in many regions have led to changes in dietary preferences
This has increased demand for diverse and higher-value food options, including seafood
Global trade and supply chains
Advances in transportation and the expansion of global trade networks have made it easier to import and export seafood products
This has increased their availability to communities
Aquaculture production
Aquaculture, the farming of aquatic organisms, has experienced significant growth to meet the rising demand for seafood
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