Updating the NOAA Fisheries Per Capita Consumption Model

As part of the annual process of reporting fisheries data for Fisheries of the United States, the NOAA Fisheries Office of Science and Technology calculates Per Capita Consumption (PCC) of seafood products. The PCC model, and assumptions therein, have remained relatively unchanged for the last 30 years, thus historical values are comparable over time. However, a recent review of the PCC model determined that revisions were necessary to better estimate current seafood consumption. The PCC model was revised to account for improved processing efficiency of edible seafood produced domestically in the Alaska pollock (Gadus chalcogrammus) fishery, update conversions of edible seafood products into round weight (i.e. live weight) equivalents, and correct small errors discovered during the review process. The changes to the historic PCC model result in higher estimates of edible domestic seafood available for consumption and a resulting increase in the estimate of overall seafood consumption per person. The model changes also result in a reduction in the calculated percent of consumption attributable to imported seafood. The updates to the PCC model allow for a more accurate assessment of the seafood industry and the United States dependence on imports. 2020 NMFS (National Marine Fisheries Service) OST (Office of Science and Technology) Submitted Public Domain 1861