WASHINGTON (National Fisheries Institute) — From Canned Tuna to Cod the top ten most consumed seafood items by Americans are a very familiar group that feeds a growing market.
The federal government recently reported that the overall seafood volume was 4,650,000,000 pounds. The data also showed American seafood companies exported a record 3.3 billion pounds valued at $5.4 billion.
“This data shows the importance of the U.S. seafood market, which is now the second largest in the world. Strong export numbers confirm that our customers in Europe and Asia value sustainable and healthy American seafood products,” said John Connelly, President of the National Fisheries Institute. “The seafood sector is growing in the volume and value of seafood we can provide to consumers here and abroad.”
While America’s palate may not be as adventurous as some when it comes to seafood, experts say that’s not necessarily a bad thing.
“The continued popularity of mild white fish, like Alaska Pollock, is actually good news. These are often considered starter-fish, which indicates Americans are finding ways to eat seafood in which they never did before,” said Jennifer McGuire MS, RD, NFI’s manager of nutrition communications. “Whether it’s in tacos or on the grill, swapping in seafood for the usual proteins will mean significant public health benefits.”
2010 2011
Shrimp | 4.0 | Shrimp | 4.2 |
Canned Tuna | 2.7 | Canned Tuna | 2.6 |
Salmon | 1.999 | Salmon | 1.952 |
Tilapia | 1.450 | Alaska Pollock | 1.312 |
Alaska Pollock | 1.192 | Tilapia | 1.287 |
Catfish | 0.800 | Pangasius | 0.628 |
Crab | 0.573 | Catfish | 0.559 |
Cod | 0.463 | Crab | 0.518 |
Pangasius | 0.405 | Cod | 0.501 |
Clams | 0.341 | Clams | 0.331 |
*Data in pounds per capita based on raw National Marine Fisheries Services data
