10 Most Popular Make up More than 90% of the Fish Eaten

See the latest NFI Top Ten List

Washington, DC September 24, 2012

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 Americas 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 its in tacos or on the grill, swapping in seafood for the usual proteins will mean significant public health benefits.

2010                                                                                     2011

*Data in pounds per capita based on raw National Marine Fisheries Services data

For more than 60 years, the National Fisheries Institute (NFI) and its members have provided American families with the variety of sustainable seafood essential to a healthy diet. For more information visit: www.AboutSeafood.com.

Contact Information

Gavin Gibbons (703) 752-8891ggibbons@NFI.org