September 28, 2004

Shrimp Consumption Rises In The US

The consumption of seafood reached a record high in the US in 2003, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.

The increases are mainly attributed to imports, which presently account for 78 percent of US consumption, according to NOAA. The National Fisheries Institute stated that the imports reflected increased consumer demand because of seafood's heart-healthy reputation, the popularity of high-protein diets, as well as the abundant supply and attractive pricing of many farmed species.

Shrimp once again led the list of most popular seafood, climbing from a previous record 3.7 pounds per person in 2002 to 4.0 pounds in 2003. The U.S. imports almost 90 percent of its shrimp, just over two-thirds of which is farmed.