Seafood independence is within reach: a multi-scale assessment of seafood self-reliance in the United States

Seafood is a vital source of nutrition, cultural identity, and economic activity and is among the most globally traded commodities. Growing concerns about food security and the disruptive effects of climate change, disease, and geopolitical conflict highlight the need for food system transformation at multiple scales. This study investigates the United States’ potential to achieve seafood “independence” and maximize public health benefits by integrating production, utilization, yield, and consumption data across seven U.S. regions and nationally over 50 years (1970–2021). Although the U.S. is the second largest seafood importer, results show that national self-reliance is achievable, though subregional capacity to meet demand varies. Achieving greater seafood independence would require shifts in consumer behavior, investments in infrastructure, and continual adaptation to climate change.