In 2023, 19.1 pounds of seafood were consumed per capita in the USA, with Salmon and Alaska Pollock showing an uptick. While that growth stands out in a list that illustrates a 1.7-pound decline from the previous year, experts say the drop is due, in large part, to the National Marine Fisheries Service’s use of more complete data to adjust the previously reported 2022 per capita consumption from 19.7 to 20.8 pounds.
“It’s important to note, we can see the volume of seafood in the market in ’24 and ’25 continue to increase steadily, in line with historical trends,” said Richard Barry, the National Fisheries Institute’s (NFI) senior market analyst and director of programs. “Knowing that, we expect the next sets of consumption numbers to hold steady or grow.”
Notable movements on the list (seen below) include Alaska Pollock, from the 6th spot to the 5th. Catfish jumped from 8th to 6th and Clams re-entered the top 10.
“Another important takeaway is the percentage of the Top 10 that makes up total consumption,” said Barry. “This list makes up 77% of all consumption. The list before, from 2022, made up 79%. In the mid-teens that number was up well over 90%. The data illustrates a continued diversification of America’s seafood palate.”
Headquartered in Reston, Virginia, the National Fisheries Institute is the leading trade association for the seafood industry in the United States. Its international membership spans the entire seafood value chain, from the water to the table.
