The Diversity of Science Behind U.S. Seafood

Abstract

Since 2014, people have been eating more and more seafood like fish, shrimp, and plant-based seafood like seaweed. In the United States, seafood even features in some popular television shows such as Wicked Tuna and Deadliest Catch. But did you know that before you sit down to enjoy a seafood dinner, many types of scientists have been working together to answer questions like: “How many fish can we catch without taking too many?” and “How will catching one species affect other species in the ecosystem?”. Scientists even study questions like: “How does catching fish and other types of seafood affect a community?”. In this article, we will explore how fish, shrimp, clams, and other seafood resources are managed in the U.S., and why many different types of scientists are needed to make sure that these resources can sustainably provide food, jobs, recreation, and cultural benefits to people who use them.