APPENDIX III APPENDIX III 
about 59 groundfish processing plants in New England--down 
from about 71 plants in 1965. These plants produced about 
$84 million worth of groundfish products in 1974, a large 
increase in value since 1965 when about $42 million worth of 
groundfish was produced. Most plants process more than one 
groundfish species and much of their production is made 
from imported groundfish. 
Markets 
U.S. per capita consumption of major groundfish products 
has“ increased rom 233) pounds in. 960 Nton™S 68), pounds si nw1975:. 
Total consumption increased 95 percent from 418.2 million 
pounds in 1960 to 813.5 million pounds in 1975. Most of the 
growth occurred in the frozen fish stick and portion market 
which increased from 112.5 million pounds in 1960 to 383.1 
MTOM POUNG Snes 975). 
Fillet and steak supplies also increased, but at a 
slower rate, reflecting a consumer shift to the more con- 
venient, less expensive stick and portion products. Imports 
have become a major factor in the frozen fillet market, in- 
creasing from 109.5 million pounds in 1960 to 304.6 million 
pounds in 1975. U.S. fillet and steak production is directed 
primarily to fresh markets. Most imported fillets and 
steaks are frozen because foreign fishing vessels are pro- 
halpitted trom landing tvsh wdirechily vate Ubon POEs. 
Groundfish prices vary depending on factors including: 
species, size, supply, season, and condition of the fish. 
Groundfish prices are affected by imports, which have in- 
creased dramatically in recent years. Studies of the effect 
of imports on the U.S. groundfish industry conclude that 
imports have dampened ex-vessel groundfish prices from 4 to 
28 percent. Groundfish also compete in the market with meat, 
poultry, and other fish products. As prices for substitute 
meat products increase, demand for fish products, primarily 
frozen, increases. 
non the basis of total apparent use of fish sticks and por- 
tions; the estimated edible weight of U.S. landings of cod, 
haddock, ocean perch, halibut, and flatfish, and imports of 
those species; less U.S. production of frozen fish blocks. 
85 
