Broadly stable
North America Fish & Seafood Production per Capita moved from 18.23 Kilogram in 2015 to 18.37 Kilogram in 2023 (+0.7%), an average of +0.1% a year. The series high was 19.10 Kilogram in 2018 and the low 18.23 Kilogram in 2015.
What North America Fish & Seafood Production per Capita shows
North America Fish & Seafood Production per Capita was 18.37 Kilogram in 2023, down 0.8% on 2022. North America fish and seafood production per Capita from 2015 to 2023 highlights the region’s seafood availability trends, fisheries capacity, and contribution to the global food and beverages sector. The region benefits from extensive coastlines, diverse marine ecosystems, and well-developed fishing and aquaculture industries across countries such as the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
A 4.6% peak-to-trough swing
The gap between the series high (2018) and low (2015) is 0.873 Kilogram. The sharpest single-year move was −3.2% in 2019.
U.S. leads the region
Within North America, U.S. has the highest value in 2023 at 21.94 Kilogram.
Country ranking
Fish & Seafood Production per Capita by country, 2023
Kilogram. Sort by any column, or search for a country.
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By region
Fish & Seafood Production per Capita by region
Kilogram, 2023. Each bar is that region's total.
Full series
North America Fish & Seafood Production per Capita by year
Complete annual series with year-on-year change. Values are reported in Kilogram.
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| Year | Kilogram | Change vs prior year |
|---|---|---|
| 2023 | 18.37 | −0.8% |
| 2022 | 18.51 | −0.6% |
| 2021 | 18.62 | +0.2% |
| 2020 | 18.58 | +0.5% |
| 2019 | 18.48 | −3.2% |
| 2018Peak | 19.10 | +2.2% |
| 2017 | 18.68 | +1.4% |
| 2016 | 18.42 | +1% |
| 2015 Trough | 18.23 | — |
Data definition
Inclusions and exclusions
Fish & Seafood Production per Capita — Fish and seafood availability per capita refers to the estimated amount of fish and seafood available for consumption by an average person in a country during a year, measured in kilograms per person per year. The indicator represents food availability based on national food supply calculations, including domestic production, imports, exports, and changes in stocks. In Our World in Data, this metric is presented as a country-level time series, allowing comparison of fish and seafood availability trends across different years. The data is measured in kilograms per person per year and reflects the quantity of fish and seafood available within the food system rather than actual individual consumption.
The data includes fish and seafood products available for human consumption, covering a broad range of aquatic food categories such as marine fish, freshwater fish, crustaceans, mollusks, and other seafood products. The indicator incorporates supply-side factors including domestic fisheries production, aquaculture output, imports, exports, and stock adjustments to estimate annual food availability. The dataset is compiled from international food balance statistics and provides country-wise estimates for the selected time period. Values are calculated on a per capita basis by dividing total available fish and seafood supply by the population of each country.
The data does not represent actual individual consumption, dietary intake, or household-level seafood purchasing behavior. It does not measure nutritional quality, protein content, food waste, or differences in consumption patterns among population groups. The indicator excludes non-food uses of fish and seafood products, such as industrial applications, animal feed, and other commercial uses. It also does not directly measure fisheries sustainability, environmental impacts, or the economic value of the seafood industry. Differences may occur due to variations in statistical reporting methods, population estimates, trade data accuracy, and food supply accounting systems used across countries.
About this indicator
Fish & Seafood Production per Capita — Fish and seafood availability per capita refers to the estimated amount of fish and seafood available for consumption by an average person in a country during a year, measured in kilograms per person per year. The indicator represents food availability based on national food supply calculations, including domestic production, imports, exports, and changes in stocks. In Our World in Data, this metric is presented as a country-level time series, allowing comparison of fish and seafood availability trends across different years. The data is measured in kilograms per person per year and reflects the quantity of fish and seafood available within the food system rather than actual individual consumption.
Fish and seafood availability remained relatively stable during the period, increasing slightly from 18.23 kilograms per person in 2015 to 18.37 kilograms in 2023, despite fluctuations across individual countries.
Between 2015 and 2018, North America experienced gradual growth in fish and seafood availability, rising from 18.23 kilograms to 19.10 kilograms per capita. This improvement was supported by strong seafood supply networks, commercial fishing activities, aquaculture development, and international seafood trade. The United States maintained a high availability level, increasing from 21.62 kilograms in 2015 to 22.09 kilograms in 2018, while Canada recorded higher availability levels due to its strong fisheries sector and marine resources.
From 2019 to 2023, regional fish and seafood availability showed moderate fluctuations. The level decreased slightly to 18.48 kilograms in 2019 before recovering to 18.58 kilograms in 2020 and reaching 18.62 kilograms in 2021. However, availability declined marginally in 2022 and 2023, reaching 18.51 kilograms and 18.37 kilograms respectively. These changes reflect variations in fisheries production, seafood imports, market demand, and supply chain conditions.
North America’s fish and seafood industry includes marine capture fisheries, freshwater fisheries, aquaculture farming, seafood processing, and distribution networks. Key seafood products include salmon, shrimp, tuna, cod, lobster, and other marine species. The region plays an important role in seafood production, consumption, and international trade.
Overall, the 2015–2023 trend indicates stable fish and seafood availability in North America. Continued investment in sustainable fisheries management, aquaculture innovation, and responsible resource utilization will remain important for maintaining seafood supply and supporting long-term industry growth.
- Indicator
- Fish & Seafood Production per Capita
- Region
- North America
- Unit
- Kilogram
- Coverage
- 2015–2023, annual
- Category
- Retail & Consumer
- Last updated
- August 2026
- Source
- Our World in Data
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Frequently asked questions
What is North America Fish & Seafood Production per Capita?
Fish and seafood availability per capita refers to the estimated amount of fish and seafood available for consumption by an average person in a country during a year, measured in kilograms per person per year. The indicator represents food availability based on national food supply calculations, including domestic production, imports, exports, and changes in stocks. In Our World in Data, this metric is presented as a country-level time series, allowing comparison of fish and seafood availability trends across different years. The data is measured in kilograms per person per year and reflects the quantity of fish and seafood available within the food system rather than actual individual consumption.
What was North America Fish & Seafood Production per Capita in 2023?
North America Fish & Seafood Production per Capita was 18.37 Kilogram in 2023, down 0.8% on 2022.
How has North America Fish & Seafood Production per Capita changed between 2015 and 2023?
North America Fish & Seafood Production per Capita moved from 18.23 Kilogram in 2015 to 18.37 Kilogram in 2023 (+0.7%), an average of +0.1% a year. The series high was 19.10 Kilogram in 2018 and the low 18.23 Kilogram in 2015.
Which year had the highest and lowest North America Fish & Seafood Production per Capita?
The highest value was 19.10 Kilogram in 2018 and the lowest was 18.23 Kilogram in 2015.
What does the North America Fish & Seafood Production per Capita data include and exclude?
Included: The data includes fish and seafood products available for human consumption, covering a broad range of aquatic food categories such as marine fish, freshwater fish, crustaceans, mollusks, and other seafood products. The indicator incorporates supply-side factors including domestic fisheries production, aquaculture output, imports, exports, and stock adjustments to estimate annual food availability. The dataset is compiled from international food balance statistics and provides country-wise estimates for the selected time period. Values are calculated on a per capita basis by dividing total available fish and seafood supply by the population of each country. Excluded: The data does not represent actual individual consumption, dietary intake, or household-level seafood purchasing behavior. It does not measure nutritional quality, protein content, food waste, or differences in consumption patterns among population groups. The indicator excludes non-food uses of fish and seafood products, such as industrial applications, animal feed, and other commercial uses. It also does not directly measure fisheries sustainability, environmental impacts, or the economic value of the seafood industry. Differences may occur due to variations in statistical reporting methods, population estimates, trade data accuracy, and food supply accounting systems used across countries.
Where does the North America Fish & Seafood Production per Capita data come from?
The series is sourced from Our World in Data (https://ourworldindata.org/explorers/global-food?tab=table&time=2015..2023&country=USA~DEU~FRA~GBR~BRA~ZAF%3BhideControls&Food=Fish+and+seafood&Metric=Food+available+for+consumption&Per+capita=true&Unit=Kilograms+per+year). It covers 2015–2023 and is reported in Kilogram.
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