The U.S. commercial fishing industry experienced a dip in both catch volume and value in 2022, with federal data showing a 2.6% drop in landings to 8.4 billion pounds and an 11% decrease in dockside value to $5.9 billion.
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s annual report also revealed that per capita seafood consumption fell 3% to 19.8 pounds.
Industry leaders attributed the decline to a natural correction following a record supply surge in 2021. While staples like salmon, lobster, and shrimp remained the most consumed and imported species, there was a positive trend in diversifying consumer preferences.
Ports in Dutch Harbor, Alaska, and New Bedford, Massachusetts, continued to lead in catch volume and value, respectively, underscoring the economic importance of key species like sea scallops and Alaska pollock.
FingerLakes1.com is the region’s leading all-digital news publication. The company was founded in 1998 and has been keeping residents informed for more than two decades. Have a lead? Send it to [email protected].