NOAA today announced the availability of the 2019 Status of U.S. Fisheries Report and 2017 Fisheries Economics of the United States.
The 2019 Status report outlines the status of 461 managed U.S. stocks or stock complexes, with the overfishing list reaching a record low in 2019, with 93% of stocks for which a determination can be made found to be not subject to overfishing. The list of overfished stocks experienced a net gain of 3, and 2 species previously overfished were rebuilt.
The 2017 Fisheries Economics data found that commercial and recreational fishing produced $244 billion in sales in 2017 and $111 billion in GDP, while supporting 1.74 million jobs. A full report will be available later this year.
Commerce Sec. Wilbur Ross said that “[i]t’s important we acknowledge the achievements in sustainable fisheries made in recent years by fishermen, industries, scientists, managers, and conservationists across our Nation,” adding that “[t]hese updates are a testament to their outstanding work.” Ross also referenced $300 million in COVID-related assistance being made available to fishing communities, stating that the Department “stands with U.S. fishermen and coastal industries as we work to increase America’s competitiveness in the seafood industry and protect our seafood supply chain.”
