Seafood Consumption Reached Record Levels in 2004; Americans Eating More Shrimp, Fresh and Frozen Seafood

November 14, 2005

Release from:
NOAA

Seafood consumption rose for the third straight year in 2004, as Americans ate a record 16.6 pounds of fish and shellfish per person. This is the third year in a row that U.S. per capita seafood consumption has increased. The 2004 figure is up from 16.3 pounds per person in 2003, an increase of two percent. A total of 4.8 billion pounds of seafood was consumed in the United States during 2004.

Of total seafood consumed per person, a record 11.8 pounds were fresh and frozen finfish and shellfish, up 0.4 pounds from last year. Canned seafood consumption dropped 0.1 pounds to 4.5 pounds per capita. These rates reflect a continuing trend toward fresh and frozen seafood consumption. Shrimp continues to be a favorite among American seafood eaters. A record 4.2 pounds of shrimp were consumed per person last year, up 0.2 pounds from 2003. Another record figure was consumption of fish fillets and steaks, up 0.3 pounds to 4.6 pounds per person.

More information on 2004 U.S. Seafood Consumption Statistics is provided in a new fact sheet, or contact Alicia.Pimental@noaa.gov.