May 11, 2016 — Two reports released this week show the nation’s continued progress in managing marine resources.
NOAA’s Fisheries Economics of the United States report shows that commercial and recreational fishing generated $208 billion in sales in 2015 and supported 1.6 million full- and part-time jobs, along with contributing $97 billion to the gross domestic product. The figures were all above the country’s five-year average.
“These 2015 figures are very close to the record setting year the U.S. had in 2014 and reflect an overall positive trend in economic impacts between 2011 and 2015,” said Alan Risenhoover, NOAA’s deputy assistant administrator.
Including imports, commercial fishing in the U.S. and the seafood industry generated $144 billion in sales in 2015, which was a 6 percent decline from 2014. Commercial fishing supported 1.2 million jobs, a 15 percent decline from the previous year.
“It’s important to remember these figures are still above the five-year average,” Risenhoover said. “In fact, 2015 represents the second highest level during that period.”
Recreational fishing generated a 5 percent increase in sales to $63 billion. Jobs resulting from recreational fishing remained steady at 439,000 jobs.
“Saltwater recreational angling remains a substantial contributor to tourism and the economy,” Risenhoover said.
Risenhoover said there are some challenges in New England with stocks overfished or subject to overfishing.