California Sea Grant College Program

Commercial fisheries are an important part of California's economy. In 2011, approximately $201 million dollars in ex-vessel revenue (the amount paid directly to fishermen) came from commercial fishery landings, and more than 120,000 jobs on and off the water were supported by the state's seafood industry (NOAA 2011). Fishing communities from Crescent City to San Diego are the centers of this activity, providing a diverse supply of seafood and a visual reminder of California's maritime heritage.