The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) recently released its annual Fisheries of the United States report, which highlights the importance of fisheries to the U.S. economy and the progress that has been made in rebuilding fish stocks. Here are some of the key takeaways from the report:

* Strong economic gains: The U.S. fishing industry generated \$209 billion in sales in 2021, up from \$190 billion in 2020. This increase was driven by higher prices for seafood, as well as increased demand for seafood domestically and internationally.

* Continued improvement in fish stocks: There has been a 95% success rate in federally managed fish stocks that are subject to rebuilding plans. This success is due in large part to the science-based approach to fisheries management that NOAA Fisheries uses.

* Increasing participation in sustainable fishing: The number of fisheries that are certified as sustainable by the Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) has increased from 16 in 2011 to 55 in 2022. This growth is a testament to the commitment of the U.S. fishing industry to responsible fishing practices.

The NOAA Fisheries report is a positive indicator of the health of the U.S. fishing industry and the progress that has been made in rebuilding fish stocks. The report's findings also highlight the importance of science-based fisheries management and the commitment of the U.S. fishing industry to sustainable fishing practices.