"The commercial and recreational fisheries of Virginia are relatively important to the economies of Virginia and various coastal communities, as well as to the well being of society. In addition, anglers receive substantial value in the form of non-monetary benefits from the experience of angling, and watermen typically receive non-monetary benefits from being able to maintain a particular lifestyle. Both of these activities offer potentially substantial contributions to the economies of Virginia and coastal communities. This report updates economic assessments completed in 1994 and also provides a user's manual on how to generate estimates of the economic impacts of the seafood industry and recreational angling. The goal is to provide a tool to help state managers assess potential economic impacts of various regulatory options and to allow the general public to estimate the economic importance of the commercial seafood industry and recreational angling in Virginia. The two sectors generated a total of $1.23 billion in output or sales, $717.4 million in value-added or income, and 13,015 full and part-time jobs for the economy of Virginia (2005 constant dollars). These data are detailed by sector and compared with 1994 figures"--National Sea Grant Library publication website

The story of Reedville, Virginia, is linked to the commercial fishing industry that developed in the late 19th century. In 1874, Elijah Reed transferred his menhaden fishing operation from Brooklin, Maine, to the Chesapeake Bay. He purchased the land on Cockrell's Creek that is now Reedville. The industry flourished, especially in the early part of the 20th century. Today, Reedville is one of the major ports for the landing of commercial fish in the United States, second only to Kodiak, Alaska. This Northern Neck area of Virginia has a deep history dating back to Jamestown, and this book adds another chapter in retelling its past by providing unique photographs that have never been previously published.