SEAFOOD CONSUMPTION IS ON THE RISE

JENNIFER QUAIL

ARLINGTON, Va. -- Tuna again topped the list as the nation's most-consumed seafood item in the annual poll of the "Top 10" species eaten by Americans.

Statistics released by the National Fisheries Institute placed domestic tuna consumption during 1998 at 3.4 pounds per capita, followed by shrimp at 2.8 pounds, Alaska pollock, salmon, catfish, cod, crabs, flounder and sole, clams and, finally, oysters at .227 pounds.

NFI officials said total consumption of these species increased 2% over the year, from 84% in 1997 to 86% last year. The uptick is attributed to increased consumption of the top two species, tuna and shrimp. For example, the amount of tuna eaten increased from 3.1% in 1997 to 3.4% in 1998.

According to Andrea Root, associate director of public affairs for NFI, the statistics did not further examine whether consumers were getting this seafood at a supermarket, restaurant or elsewhere.

"The government bases the statistics on shore landings and how many edible pounds are caught," she said. "Factors such as fish oils and waste are taken into consideration to determine actual consumption."

The 1998 survey did reveal changes in the annual lineup, however. The most notable difference from the 1997 poll is the growth in popularity of catfish, which replaced cod as the fifth most-popular item consumed. The change reflects catfish's increasing importance over the past decade," as well as the decreased availability of cod, which is the focus of conservation efforts, said Root.

According to NFI, nations worldwide are cutting back on harvest quotas to help fish stocks, such as cod, recover. While quantities in major cod fishing areas in the North Atlantic are on the road to recovery, this will still mean lowered supply for the short term.

"The decrease in cod consumption reflects the recovery efforts underway," said Richard Gutting, Jr., executive vice president of NFI. "If we persist with strict conservation measures, stocks should continue to increase, and consumption will likely follow."

SN recently reported on Boulder, Colo.-based Wild Oats Markets' efforts to remove four species of severely depleted fish from its shelves until similar actions are taken to replenish them as well. The questionable species -- swordfish, orange roughy, marlin and Chilean sea bass -- suffer from overfishing and indiscriminate fishing tactics, according to the organizations that are spearheading the campaign. Officials at Wild Oats are hoping similar conservation measures will be taken to preserve the fished species [see Wild Oats Stops Selling Species Found to be Overfished, SN, August 23, 1999].

"Swordfish is already increasing in size, which means efforts are taking effect," said Root. "If strict regulations are followed, these species should be able to recover as [well]."