Shrimp, most of it frozen, was the most popular seafood in the United States last year, at 4.2 pounds per capita -- up from four pounds even the year before, according to the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS).
The NMFS recently reported that the overall seafood consumption for 2011 was 4.650 billion pounds. A lot of that, especially shrimp, tilapia (1.95 pounds per capita) and pangasius (half a pound) was imported. But American seafood companies exported a record 3.3 billion pounds valued at $5.4 billion.
"This data shows the importance of the US seafood market, which is now the second largest in the world," commented John Connelly, president of the National Fisheries Institute. "Strong export numbers confirm that our customers in Europe and Asia value sustainable and healthy American seafood products. 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, that's not necessarily a bad thing, added Jennifer McGuire, NFIs manager of nutrition communications. 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," she said. "Whether it's in tacos or
on the grill, swapping in seafood for the usual proteins will mean significant public health benefits."
