ABSTRACT


This study provides further analysis of the data collected for the FAMRC Industry Report 94-2, "Per Capita Fish and
Shellfish Consumption in Florida." For this study, the seafood species were divided into nine groups: 1) freshwater
bottom feeders, 2) freshwater crustaceans, 3) freshwater predators, 4) marine crustaceans, 5) marine finfish, 6) marine
mollusks, 7) freshwater panfish, 8) processed finfish and 9) shark. For each class of seafood, consumption values at
the mean, median and selected percentiles were calculated. These consumption statistics were also calculated for
selected socio-demographic categories provided there were sufficient observations for statistical validity. Percentiles
were calculated using appropriate statistical methods which smoothed the empirical distribution functions to allow for
greater accuracy by ameliorating skewness or extreme variability in the range of the 90th and greater percentiles.
Counties were also ranked by average consumption of each general class of seafood items. The rankings were examined
for geographical patterns in the consumption of each general class of seafood. An electronic data set containing
consumption expressed as a raw weight equivalent along with demographic variables for each survey respondent was
also prepared.