Socioeconomics

We conduct a wide range of commercial fisheries analyses to assess the economic performance of the U.S. seafood industry and ensure that it remains a source of jobs. Our work also ensures that the economic costs and benefits of fisheries management are accurately factored into management decisions.  This research supports the goal of maximizing benefits to the nation, while ensuring the long-term sustainability of all marine resources.

Our major areas of focus include:

• Costs and earnings of commercial fishing businesses
  • Cost data collections
  • Cost and earning reports
• Economic performance of fisheries
• Regional economic impacts
• Spatial choice behavior
• Market dynamics and consumer preferences
• Capacity and technical efficiency measurement
• Allocation of resources among user groups

Fisheries Economics of the United States

Fisheries Economics of the United States is an annual report that summarizes economic information on fishing and fishing-related industries. This includes information on commercial fisheries landings, revenue, economic impacts, and price trends. The value of U.S. commercial fisheries landings remains strong and has a broad positive impact on the U.S. economy.

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Seafood Processor Surveys

We conduct an annual survey of all seafood processors that operate in the United States. This is the only comprehensive survey of the U.S. seafood processing industry and is the source of all regional and national statistics describing this portion of the industry. The data from this survey is also used to calculate U.S. seafood consumption and the value of fish and fish products derived from commercial fishing. The survey also assesses the impacts of changes in fishery management plans and the impacts of natural disasters. Industry trade organizations and members of the industrial and financial communities use the data to make business decisions affecting the fishing and seafood industries.

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To interpret the economic impacts of recreational fisheries and estimate the benefits of those fisheries, we collect economic data, develop economic models, and conduct analyses. This research also helps us understand how and why anglers participate in recreational fisheries and the possible effects different management actions might have on recreational fisheries.

Fisheries Economics of the United States

Fisheries Economics of the United States is an annual report that summarizes economic information on fishing and fishing-related industries. This includes information on marine recreational fishing trips, participation rates, expenditures on marine recreational fishing activities, and economic impacts. In addition to being a source of fun and food for millions of American families, the economic value of marine recreational fishing is strong and has a broad positive impact on the U.S. economy.

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Marine Angler Surveys

We conduct periodic nationwide surveys of marine anglers. Survey results assess how marine recreational fishing contributes to the economies of coastal communities and the nation.

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Resource managers consider the entire ecosystem, including humans and natural elements, when making management decisions. By analyzing critical fishery management issues like the economic performance of catch share programs, marine spatial management options, and protected species bycatch reduction strategies, we are able to provide resource managers with additional information to make informed decisions when managing marine ecosystems, thus, helping to ensure the sustainability of marine resources.

Protected Species

Protected species are an important part of our nation’s natural heritage. Our protected species economic research includes valuation studies, cost benefit analyses, and cost effectiveness analyses to help managers and the public better understand decisions that support protected species recovery. 

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Habitat

Productive fisheries require healthy habitat. We assess the benefits of habitat to fisheries, characterize the tradeoffs involved in habitat restoration, and measure the effects of habitat loss and degradation. Habitat economics provides a framework for prioritizing habitat investments and the tools for evaluating the value of habitat in supporting vibrant local economies.

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Spatial Analysis

To make the best possible management decisions, we assess societal preferences for site locations and allowable uses and conduct integrated and predictive modeling of fishermen’s spatial choice behavior. Our economics program contributes to marine spatial decisions by predicting the values and trade-offs associated with fishery management options that restrict allowable uses in designated areas. Coastal and marine spatial planning addresses various ocean management challenges while supporting economic development and conservation.

These studies provide managers with:

• Information on the benefits derived from current use patterns
• A clear understanding of how users will respond to changes in use patterns
• The benefits and trade-offs from changing allowable uses within an area

Learn more about marine protected areas economics research

We conduct research to better understand the impacts of management decisions on the people who fish for a living or love to fish, and on our nation’s vital fishing communities as a whole. Human dimensions research and analysis ensures that the effects of management decisions on marine resources can be properly included and evaluated. 

Community Profiles

We are involved in a nationwide effort to describe individual fishing communities for the purpose of expanding our baseline knowledge of people who might be affected by changes in fishery regulations. Federal statutes require agencies to examine the social and economic impacts of policies and regulations at the community level.

The community profile series portrays past and current engagement in fisheries and also contains basic information on the social and economic characteristics of these communities. These reports allow us to provide assessments of communities engaged in or dependent upon fishing for management actions.

Voices Oral History Archives

Oral history interviews are a powerful way to document the human experience of our marine, coastal, and Great Lakes environments and our living marine resources. Visit our Voices from Fisheries database and listen to fascinating interviews from people who are part of the commercial, recreational, and subsistence fishing industries in the United States and its territories.

Learn more about Voices Oral History Archives