American Catch

American Catch examines three seafood species that were once abundant in U.S. waters but now face serious threats: eastern oysters, Louisiana brown shrimp, and Bristol Bay sockeye salmon. Author Paul Greenberg travels across the country to investigate why 91% of seafood consumed in America is now imported, while a third of the catch from U.S. waters gets exported. Through on-the-ground reporting and historical research, Greenberg documents the complex factors undermining America's seafood sovereignty. He spends time with fishermen, processors, environmentalists, and others connected to these once-thriving fisheries to understand their decline and potential recovery. The narrative moves from New York Harbor's decimated oyster beds to post-BP oil spill Louisiana to pristine Alaskan salmon runs. Each location reveals how development, pollution, industry practices, and policy decisions have reshaped America's relationship with seafood. At its core, this work raises fundamental questions about Americans' connection to coastal waters and what it means to eat from and protect local marine resources. The book suggests that the path to restoring domestic fisheries requires reimagining both seafood industry practices and cultural attitudes toward ocean harvests.

Readers commend Greenberg's research and investigation into three key seafood species: oysters, sockeye salmon, and shrimp. Many note the book reveals surprising facts about seafood imports/exports and highlights environmental concerns. Readers appreciated: - Clear explanation of complex fishing industry issues - Personal stories and interviews with fishermen - Information about seafood fraud and mislabeling - Focus on both environmental and economic impacts Common criticisms: - Narrative sometimes wanders off-topic - Some sections more engaging than others - Limited scope with only three species covered - Solutions proposed seem incomplete Ratings: Goodreads: 3.9/5 (1,200+ ratings) Amazon: 4.4/5 (140+ ratings) Representative review: "Eye-opening investigation of America's seafood paradox - we export our best fish while importing lower quality products. Made me rethink my seafood choices." - Goodreads reviewer Several readers mentioned the book changed their seafood purchasing habits and increased their awareness of domestic fishing issues.

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🐟 Prior to the 1920s, New York Harbor produced nearly 50% of America's oysters, with Ellis Island once known as "Little Oyster Island" 🦐 Author Paul Greenberg spent three years researching and traveling across America to investigate the seafood industry, including living on a salmon tender in Alaska 🌊 90% of the shrimp consumed in the United States is imported, despite the abundance of shrimp in American waters, particularly the Gulf of Mexico 🦪 The loss of New York's oyster beds didn't just impact food supply—oysters naturally filtered the harbor's water, with a single oyster capable of filtering up to 50 gallons of water per day 🐠 Despite being one of the world's largest seafood exporters, the United States imports approximately 91% of its seafood consumption, creating a significant "seafood deficit"