When thinking of squid, what comes to mind? For the Norse, giant squid spawned the mythological kraken. Now, following a Science Center for Marine Fisheries (SCEMFIS) study, squid could be seen as dollar signs. The study revealed the enormous economic impact longfin squid fisheries have along the U.S. East Coast.
What is the Science Center for Marine Fisheries?
An industry-institution cooperative research apparatus, the Science Center for Marine Fisheries works toward sustainable fisheries and seafood through scientific means. The center partners with two universities, the University of Southern Mississippi and Virginia Institute of Marine Science, to this end.
What did the study find?
The study published by the Science Center for Marine Fisheries comes on the heels of the COVID-19 pandemic and its economic toll. Groundbreaking in the field, the study marked one of the few forays into quantifiably measuring longfin squid fisheries’ vital economic role.
As per the study’s findings, squid fisheries drum up booming business and quite the financial footprint. Fisheries rake in $30 million in direct earnings, while netting over $99 million in total income. All in all, fisheries contribute approximately $243 million economically along the nation’s East Coast. They produce more than 2,500 full-time jobs in the process.
What does this mean anyway?
Besides dollars and cents figures, the Science Center for Marine Fisheries study also suggests the value fisheries have for fishing communities that dot America’s coasts. Already reeling from offshore wind energy efforts, fisheries have been dealt a second blow by COVID-19. Furthermore, the study pinpoints the states most reliant on longfin squid fishing: New York, New Jersey, and Rhode Island. Industries, from harvesting to preparation, are already feeling the fallout.
Summary
The Science Center for Marine Fisheries has an influence that may not make waves in some circles, but its work can turn tides. It’s a resource for sustainable seafood that many communities rely on.
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