NOAA: Americans Ate A Pound More Seafood Last Year

Americans ate nearly a pound more seafood in 2015 than in the previous year, according to data from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. Executive Director of the Louisiana Seafood Promotion and Marketing Board, Karen Profita, believes this follows a national trend towards healthier eating.

“We’re just hoping that as they’re consuming more seafood, they’re also looking to make sure they’re eating domestic because that is the healthier choice for them,” Profita said.

Profita says now we need to educate people about the quality difference between domestic and imported seafood. She says Louisiana seafood is in high demand around the country, and people don’t mind paying more for it.

“When you’re lucky enough to have the kind of estuaries we do you get terrific flavor, and then you also have the safety of that wild product that’s just a lot better for you than what’s being farm-raised overseas,” Profita said.

Profita says there are fewer shrimp this year, and no one really knows why. She says this could lead to some frustration if the supply can’t keep up with the demand, as seafood is becoming more of an everyday meal choice for people.

“There was a time years ago where it was considered a luxury item. You were only going to have shrimp on special occasions, and now it’s working its way into a more everyday diet,” Profita said.