If the United States were to achieve seafood independence, meaning it could fulfill all its seafood requirements through domestic production, it could enhance dietary health and bolster food security on both individual and national levels, especially amidst global supply chain disruptions. An analysis of 50 years of data on seafood consumption and production from 1970 to 2021 has led researchers to conclude that the U.S. has the potential for seafood self-sufficiency, although this would necessitate changes in consumer habits, infrastructure investments, and ongoing adaptation to climate change.
Seafood is a vital part of the U.S. economy, culture, and diet, encompassing everything from lobster and haddock to seaweed. The U.S. ranks among the leading global producers of marine and aquatic foods, yet it is also the second-largest seafood importer.
Researchers at the University of Maine determined through detailed data analysis that the U.S. could achieve seafood independence by producing all of its seafood. However, according to their recent study published in the journal Ocean Sustainability, “achieving greater seafood independence would require shifts in consumer behavior, infrastructure investments, and continual adjustments to climate change.”
Achieving seafood self-sufficiency presents an opportunity for the U.S. to enhance dietary options and improve personal and national food security, particularly in response to potential global supply chain interruptions. Despite its ability to produce enough seafood, the country exports a significant portion of its catch and imports 80-90% of the seafood consumed by Americans.
“Many people overlook the importance of seafood in the nation’s food system. Enhancing seafood independence can lead to improved health, equity, and resilience against climate change,” remarked Joshua Stoll, an associate professor of marine policy at UMaine, who co-authored the study alongside postdoctoral fellow Sahir Advani and Ph.D. student Tolulope Oyikeke.
The researchers utilized 50 years of data on seafood consumption and production for the entire nation and its seven regions, as defined by the U.S. Regional Fishery Management Council. These regions include New England, the Gulf of Mexico, the mid-Atlantic, the south Atlantic, Alaska, the West Coast, Hawaii, and several other states. The researchers calculated how much of the seafood demand could be satisfied through domestic production, with 100% representing complete independence.
Over the last century, national seafood consumption, especially fish and non-shellfish varieties, has risen along with the population and changing culinary trends, but not enough to surpass the increase in production. Per capita seafood consumption rose from 11.7 to 20.3 pounds. Nonetheless, production has maintained a mean annual volume of 7.5 billion pounds, translating to 21.4 pounds per person.
Despite this high production rate, from 2012 to 2021, the U.S. was only able to meet 76% of its seafood needs with domestic supply. This “self-reliance” has varied over 50 years between a low of 59% and a high of 110%. The gap between actual self-reliance and its potential arises from the significant exportation of captured seafood or its use as bait fish for more lucrative varieties.
“In our push for greater seafood self-reliance, we should reconsider the species we consume. By prioritizing species like herring and anchovies—less commonly eaten but highly nutritious—over those we typically export or use as bait, we can access their substantial health benefits, including omega-3 fatty acids. This switch would not only enhance domestic seafood production but also help create a more sustainable and health-focused food system,” stated Oyikeke.
Alaska plays a crucial role in the U.S. achieving seafood independence, contributing two-thirds of the national seafood harvest for three decades. It can satisfy 27,000% of its seafood demand with an annual production that peaked at around 6 billion pounds in 2015, making it the most self-sufficient region. In contrast, the Mid-Atlantic region displays the least self-sufficiency, only able to meet 7% of its seafood needs over the past fifty years.
Between 1971 and 2021, New England was the third most self-sufficient region, with its capability fluctuating. It peaked in 1979, meeting 179% of its demand but fell significantly to only 36% by 2021 due to historical overfishing, regulatory challenges, and rising per capita consumption levels, as noted in the study.
While it’s uncertain what the future holds, ongoing restoration efforts in the Gulf of Maine and the budding aquaculture sector may enhance future self-reliance, according to Oyikeke.
Although the U.S. has the potential for seafood independence, the current per capita consumption of 20.3 pounds is below the U.S. Department of Health’s recommendation of 26.07 pounds.
To boost self-reliance and improve dietary health, the industry needs to encourage shifts in consumer preferences, especially by incorporating fish typically designated as bait into diets, while also increasing shellfish production through investments in small-scale community aquaculture to meet current demands.
Moreover, it’s essential to eliminate barriers that historically marginalized communities face and to reshape infrastructure by investing in more cold storage, waterfront access, and distribution systems to better serve local and regional markets. Any measures taken should also consider the potential impacts of climate change.
“With growing awareness of the links between socioeconomic status, public health, and food security, now is the perfect time to invest in boosting seafood self-reliance. With current production levels, this goal is entirely feasible,” said Stoll.
