Number of Shellfish Fishing Businesses in the US (2000–2023)
As of 2023
1,344
shellfish fishing businesses in the United States
Number of Firms Over Time
Total Employment Over Time
Key Insights
- •The shellfish fishing industry has declined 2.8% since 2000 (from 1,383 to 1,344 firms).
- •The peak year was 2021 with 1,407 firms.
- •Recent trend (last 5 years): the industry is shrinking (-1.0%).
- •Employment: 4,549 workers in 2023 (-41.4% change since 2000).
- •Estimated 5-year survival rate: 33%.
Year-by-Year Data
| Year | Firms | Establishments | Employment | Entry Rate | Exit Rate | Net Growth |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | 1,344 | 1,349 | 4,549 | 16.2% | 19.7% | -11.3% |
| 2022 | 1,394 | 1,404 | 5,316 | 18.2% | 18.2% | +5.7% |
| 2021 | 1,407 | 1,416 | 5,064 | 22.3% | 14.9% | -5.1% |
| 2020 | 1,293 | 1,306 | 5,281 | 14.4% | 18.3% | -4.6% |
| 2019 | 1,358 | 1,375 | 5,591 | 18.2% | 15.9% | +1.7% |
| 2018 | 1,304 | 1,318 | 5,419 | 15.8% | 17.2% | -1.8% |
| 2017 | 1,321 | 1,338 | 5,529 | 17.8% | 15.8% | +7.9% |
| 2016 | 1,294 | 1,313 | 5,466 | 19.2% | 14.4% | -8.8% |
| 2015 | 1,244 | 1,256 | 5,999 | 18.6% | 15.1% | +1.2% |
| 2014 | 1,210 | 1,221 | 5,973 | 17.3% | 16.5% | +0.4% |
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, Business Dynamics Statistics (BDS). Entry/exit rates refer to establishment openings and closings.