In 2023, the seafood industry in Virginia significantly contributed to the state's economy, as quantified through an economic analysis utilizing input-output models. Total economic output for the industry, which includes watermen, aquaculture farms, processors, and distributors, was $1.27 billion and supported over 6,500 jobs. The industry also contributed $976.7 million to the state's GDP and generated over $390.4 million in tax revenues. An additional analysis focused on the economic role of Virginia seafood sold in retail stores and restaurants. These sectors generated $458 million in economic output, supported over 3,600 jobs, and produced $136.7 million in labor income. The combined tax contributions from these sectors exceeded $74 million. These findings highlight the seafood industry's significant impact on the state's economy and provide valuable data for policymakers and stakeholders. Due to the nature of the seafood supply chain, the economic contributions of the retail and restaurant sectors are presented separately and should not be added to the industry totals to avoid double-counting.

This document provides an updated and comprehensive assessment of the economic contributions of Virginia’s seafood industry and its retail and restaurant sales of Virginia seafood products, using 2023 data. This report is derived from the peer-reviewed publication: Gonçalves, F. H., van Senten, J., & Schwarz, M. H. (2025). The Economic Contributions of the Virginia Seafood Industry and the Effects of Virginia Seafood Products in Retail Stores and Restaurants in 2023. Fishes, 10(8), 373. https://doi.org/10.3390/fishes10080373

This document provides an updated and comprehensive assessment of the economic contributions of Virginia’s seafood industry and its retail and restaurant sales of Virginia seafood products, using 2023 data. This report is derived from the peer-reviewed publication: Gonçalves, F. H., van Senten, J., & Schwarz, M. H. (2025). The Economic Contributions of the Virginia Seafood Industry and the Effects of Virginia Seafood Products in Retail Stores and Restaurants in 2023. Fishes, 10(8), 373. https://doi.org/10.3390/fishes10080373