Objective The volatile phenol residue in aquatic products in Ningbo was analyzed. Methods The contents of volatile phenol in aquatic products were detected by using 4-amino antipyrine extraction method. Results The average contents of volatile phenol in marine products such as maricultured fish, wild marine fish and shellfish were 0.129, 0.169and 0.144 mg/kg, respectively. While the average content of volatile phenol in freshwater fish was 0.040 mg/kg. The content of volatile phenol in marine products was significantly higher than that in freshwater products (P<0.05). Conclusion The content of volatile phenol in freshwater fish was lower, that is to say, chemical pollution was lighter. The content of volatile phenol in marine products was higher. It indicated that volatile phenol pollution was heavy. Consequently, it’s necessary to carry out further research on the environment of mariculture and fishing area, and strengthen phenol pollution monitoring.