May 26, 2016 — The following was released by NOAA Fisheries:
Today, NOAA Fisheries released updated economic statistics on the nation’s commercial fishing and seafood industry, and recreational fisheries and marine-related businesses.
This annual report, Fisheries Economics of the U.S., 2014, shows that U.S. commercial fishing, seafood industry and recreational saltwater fishing generated a combined $214 billion in sales impacts, contributed $100 billion to gross domestic product, and supported nearly 1.83 million jobs in the U.S. across the broader economy in 2014.
These economic figures are updated annually. We’re pleased to announce that the 2014 report includes a number of improvements that provide a more accurate and detailed picture of the economic contributions fisheries make to the U.S. economy. Information includes jobs, sales, income and value added impacts for each of our eight coastal regions, as well as a national summary.
As we mark this 40th anniversary year of the Magnuson-Stevens Act, these economic data underscore the benefits being accrued from the U.S. science-based fisheries management framework established under the MSA.
Please visit the NOAA Fisheries website for more details.