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.