Aquatic food loss and waste rate in the United States is half of earlier estimates

Food loss and waste (FLW) is a significant challenge to food system sustainability, including aquatic foods. This study investigated aquatic FLW in the US food supply using primary and secondary data and life cycle methodology. Significant differences in FLW were found among species, production technology, origin, and supply chain stage. Total aquatic FLW was estimated at 22.7%, considerably lower than previous estimates (43–55% lower). Production losses from imported food contribute over a quarter of total FLW, highlighting the need for multinational efforts to implement interventions. These findings inform the prioritization of solutions, including innovations, government incentives, policy changes, infrastructure improvements, and equity considerations.

David C. Love, Frank Asche, Jillian Fry, Ly Nguyen, Jessica Gephart, Taryn M. Garlock, Lekelia D. Jenkins, James L. Anderson, Mark Brown, Silvio Viglia, Elizabeth M. Nussbaumer, Roni Neff