US seafood consumption rose in 2006

Overall seafood consumption in America was 16.5 pounds per person last year, up from 16.2 pounds in 2005, according to data compiled by NOAA Fisheries. Compared to six years ago, overall consumption has risen 11 per cent from 14.8 pounds in 2001.

“Landmark studies from the Institute of Medicine and Harvard Medical School in 2006 found that eating fish twice a week can reduce the risk of dying from a heart attack by 36 per cent,” said NFI President John Connelly. “The growth in seafood consumption last year shows that families seek its tremendous health benefits, yet only 20 per cent of Americans are following advice from the federal government, American Heart Association and American Dietetic Association to eat fish at least twice a week.”

Shrimp continued to lead seafood consumption, up 0.3 pounds per person to 4.4 pounds for the year. Tilapia, a mild-tasting white fish, moved up to the number five position in overall seafood consumption replacing catfish, which fell to the sixth position. Increases in shrimp, pollock and tilapia consumption helped drive the overall increase. Fresh and frozen seafood consumption was a record 12.3 pounds per capita for 2006, and the total seafood consumed – 4.92 billion pounds edible weight – also set a record.

Connelly continued, “With increased seafood consumption, our nation is moving in the right direction to combat heart disease and obesity-related illnesses. But we must enhance awareness of the importance of eating a variety of seafood – such as canned tuna, salmon, mussels and many others – throughout the lifecycle.”

Top 10 Seafoods 2006 (Pounds Per Capita Edible Weight)

Shrimp

Canned tuna

Salmon

Pollock

Tilapia

Catfish

Crab

Cod

Clams

Scallops

The Top Ten list was compiled for the National Fisheries Institute by H.M. Johnson & Associates, publishers of the Annual Report on the United States Seafood Industry. Data for this list came from the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS).