The researchers used catch, economic and nutrient data on 2,348 fish species to identify the most affordable and nutritious fish in 39 low and middle income countries. They found that pelagic fish were the cheapest nutritious fish in 72% percent of the countries.

Pelagic fish live in the pelagic zone of ocean or lake waters, being neither close to bottom nor near the shore. They range in small coastal forage fish such as herrings and sardines to large apex predator oceanic fishes such as bluefin tuna and ocean sharks.

According to research, inexpensive, small fish species captured in lakes and seas in underdeveloped nations may help fill nutritional gaps for undernourished individuals, especially young children. The study, “Small Pelagic Fish Supply Abundant and Affordable Micronutrients to Low and Middle Income Countries,” was published in Nature Food.

They also found targeting small pelagic fish could help close nutrient gaps in sub-Saharan Africa, where nutrient deficiencies are rising and children under 5 years consume just 38% of recommended seafood intake. While cheap and nutritious, these small fish are also already caught in sufficient numbers. Just 20% of the current small pelagic fish catch could meet the recommended dietary fish intakes for all children under 5 who live near coastlines.

“This study shows that small pelagic fish are relatively affordable, high-quality sources of nutrients,” said Kathryn Fiorella, assistant professor in the Department of Public and Ecosystem Health in the College of Veterinary Medicine and a co-author of the study. “This is particularly true within nations where access to small pelagic fish can be a key tool in addressing malnutrition.”

Small pelagic fish are rich in selenium, omega-3 fatty acids, zinc, iron and calcium and are up to twice as affordable as other fish groups. The researchers also found cold water species that live near the sea floor, such as cod and flounders, were the least affordable.