NAICS 1141

Fishing

NAICS 1141 commercial fishing industry overview. U.S. fish harvesting, regulations, sustainability, market trends and economic impact on coastal communities.

Published by VantaInsights Research·Methodology·Data Sources· AI-drafted
Built on data from Census Bureau CBP Bureau of Labor Statistics Federal Reserve FRED SEC EDGAR

Industry at a Glance

Sector-wide aggregates across all businesses classified under NAICS 1141 (2017 classification frame). For specific sub-industries within this sector, see the individual reports below.

Employment
4,581
US Census CBP · 2023 · NAICS 2017
Establishments
2,503
US Census CBP · 2023 · NAICS 2017
Annual Payroll
$404.1M
US Census CBP · 2023 · NAICS 2017
Avg Annual Wage
$88,205
Derived from US Census CBP · 2023 · NAICS 2017

Industry Overview

NAICS 1141 comprises commercial fishing operations that harvest fish and other aquatic organisms from natural water environments for human consumption, animal feed, and industrial uses. This industry includes both saltwater and freshwater fishing activities, encompassing everything from small-scale independent fishing operations to larger commercial fleets that may span multiple vessels and geographic regions. The U.S. fishing industry plays a critical role in food security and rural coastal economies, with significant operations in Alaska, the Northeast, Gulf of Mexico, and Pacific regions. The sector is highly dependent on natural resource availability, environmental regulations, and international trade dynamics, making it subject to considerable year-to-year variability in catch volumes and profitability.

Who Uses These Reports

Trusted by professionals who need verified federal data to make decisions

Investors & PE Firms

Size markets, validate deal theses, and benchmark targets with verified federal data before committing capital

Consultants & Advisors

Deliver data-backed recommendations to clients with sourced and cited industry metrics — Census, BLS, and FRED

Founders & Operators

Validate market entry, benchmark against industry averages, and present credible data to investors and boards

Corporate Strategy Teams

Support expansion planning, M&A due diligence, and executive reporting with NAICS-classified industry data

See what's inside a report

Market sizing, workforce analysis, competitive landscape, regulatory environment — all sourced from Census, BLS, FRED, and SEC EDGAR.

Download a free sample report

Industry Trends

01

Increasing regulatory oversight and sustainability requirements are reshaping fishing operations, with stricter quotas, marine protected areas, and ecosystem-based management approaches affecting where and how fishing occurs.

02

Climate change and shifting fish populations are forcing fishing operations to adapt their geographic focus and target species, with some traditional fishing grounds experiencing reduced productivity while new areas become viable.

GPS

Technology adoption in fishing vessels, including GPS systems, electronic fish finders, and automated monitoring equipment, is improving efficiency and supporting compliance with catch documentation and traceability regulations.

04

Growing demand for sustainable and traceable seafood is creating market opportunities for fishing operations that can demonstrate responsible practices and maintain detailed supply chain documentation.

05

Labor challenges, including crew recruitment and retention in remote fishing areas, are becoming more acute as younger workers pursue alternative careers and immigration policies affect seasonal labor availability.

Specialty Reports Available on Request

3 specialty industriesavailable on request
▾
Finfish Fishing
114111View →
Shellfish Fishing
114112View →
Other Marine Fishing
114119View →

Industries

Browse deeper into the NAICS hierarchy.

114110 reports

Fishing

Frequently Asked Questions

What is NAICS 1141? ▾
NAICS 1141 is the industry classification for commercial fishing operations that harvest fish and other aquatic life from U.S. waters. This includes both ocean-based saltwater fishing and inland freshwater fishing activities conducted for commercial purposes. The classification encompasses the catching, harvesting, and initial processing activities performed by fishing vessels and operations.
What types of fish and seafood do commercial fishing operations target? ▾
U.S. commercial fishing operations target diverse species including salmon, groundfish (cod, pollock, haddock), shellfish (crab, shrimp, lobster), tuna, and other finfish depending on geographic location and season. The specific species targeted varies significantly by region, with Alaska predominantly harvesting salmon and pollock, while the Gulf of Mexico focuses on shrimp and red snapper. Regulatory quotas and fishing seasons determine which species can be harvested and in what quantities throughout the year.
How are fishing operations regulated in the United States? ▾
Commercial fishing is heavily regulated by federal agencies including NOAA Fisheries and state agencies that manage quotas, fishing seasons, gear restrictions, and vessel requirements. Regulations are designed to ensure sustainability and prevent overfishing, with different rules applying to various geographic regions and fish stocks. Fishing operations must maintain detailed catch documentation, licenses, and often participate in observer programs or electronic monitoring systems to ensure compliance.
What are the primary challenges facing the commercial fishing industry? ▾
The industry faces multiple challenges including volatile fish populations affected by climate change, increasingly stringent environmental regulations, labor shortages for crew positions, fluctuating seafood prices, and competition from imported seafood and farmed alternatives. Additionally, fishing operations must manage high operational costs, vessel maintenance expenses, fuel price volatility, and the financial risks associated with uncertain catch volumes and market conditions.
How does the fishing industry contribute to the U.S. economy? ▾
Commercial fishing generates significant economic value through seafood production, employment in coastal communities, and support for related industries including processing, distribution, and retail. The industry supports thousands of direct jobs plus many more in supporting industries, contributes to food security, and maintains cultural and economic vitality in fishing-dependent regions. U.S. seafood production also reduces reliance on imports and provides domestically-sourced protein for American consumers.

Related Industries

Hunting & Trapping 1142Seafood Product Preparation & Packaging 3117Grocery & Related Product Merchant Wholesalers 4244Farm Product Raw Material Merchant Wholesalers 4245Automotive Repair & Maintenance 8111

Questions about how we source industry data? See our data sources FAQ.

Don't see your industry?

We can generate a report for any NAICS-classified industry in the US. Professional PDF delivered in 48 hours.

Request Custom ReportBrowse Marketplace