NFI top 10 list reveals white fish gains

Other impressive gains in the National Fisheries Institute’s list saw pangasius jump 14% to claim the number eight slot, up one from last year. And while cod remained at number seven, it gained 11% over 2009.

“If you look at the numbers from 2008, 2009 and now 2010, keeping in mind population growth, we’re hopeful that we’re beginning to see seafood consumption steadying, a trend that makes it poised for gains,” said NFI president John Connelly.

This year’s list contains some anomalies, including a National Marine Fisheries Services (NMFS) recalculation of 2009’s total pounds per capita that changed to 16lbs from 15.8lbs. There was also a slight reduction in clam consumption on the 2009 list.

The 2010 Alaska Pollock numbers appear to show a drop of 18% when compared to the 2009 list, but about half of that decline is actually due to a new export category that identified previously uncounted exports. The balance was due to a reduction in imports and a sharp increase in surimi exports. Also, pollock fillet exports increased, reflecting the continued strong demand for pollock fillets in Europe as it remains the most popular seafood item in Germany.

*Data in pounds per capita