Since 1996, NOAA Fisheries has reported on the status of U.S. fisheries to Congress, as required by the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act. Reporting on the status of fish stocks provides fisheries managers and the public with an account of how well current fisheries management measures are working. The 2018 report to Congress was released in February and found steady, sustainable trends in fish landings and values.
The report is compiled using data and analysis not immediately available at the same end of a fishing year.
In a press release NOAA Fisheries announced that in 2018, U.S. fishermen landed 9.4 billion pounds of fish valued at $5.6 billion at ports around the nation. The highest value species groups included lobster, crabs, salmon, scallops and shrimp. Dominating the list of top ports are Dutch Harbor in Alaska (Pollock) and New Bedford, Massachusetts (sea scallops). Bringing economic benefits up and down the seafood supply chain.
The report also stated that seafood consumption was slightly higher in 2018 at 16.1 pounds increases in fresh and frozen seafood products. The USDA’s Guidelines for Americans recommend that people eat two 4-ounce servings of seafood each week, totaling 26 pounds per year per individual.
Photo courtesy of NOAA
