Take Care of the Oceans – the Economy Will Appreciate It!

Some new research out of NOAA show that the sea is providing a much needed boost to the economy… perhaps such news will provide some added incentive for people to take care of the oceans and show them the respect they deserve!

NOAA reports show strong economic gains from fishing, continued improvement in fish stocks

This from NOAA… U.S. commercial and recreational saltwater fishing generated more than $199 billion in sales in 2012, a gain of seven percent over the previous year, with the economic impact of fishing jobs increasing three percent from 2011 to 2012, according to a new NOAA Fisheries economics report.

Further, two more fish stocks were rebuilt to target levels in 2013, bringing the number of rebuilt U.S. marine fish stocks to 34 since 2000, according to another NOAA Fisheries report also released today.

Taken together, the two reports, Fisheries Economics of the United States 2012 and the Status of U.S. Fisheries 2013, show positive trends in the steady rebuilding of the country’s federally managed fisheries off our coasts, and the important role fisheries contribute to the United States economy.

As an example of the benefits from sustainable management, Southern Atlantic Coast black sea bass is a popular fish prized by recreational anglers, charter boat captains, and commercial fishermen alike. The stock ranges from Cape Hatteras to the Florida Keys and is managed by the South Atlantic Fishery Management Council. It was declared overfished in 2005 and NOAA Fisheries instituted a rebuilding plan in 2006. Management measures for both the commercial and recreational fisheries led to an early recovery of the stock. As a result of rebuilding, annual catch limits have more than doubled.

See more from NOAA

See also Fisheries Economics of The U.S. 2012

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Glenn is a geographer and a GIS professional with over 20 years experience in the industry. He's the co-founder of GISuser and several other technology web publications.