- Division of Marine Fisheries
Preliminary data shows that the ex-vessel value of seafood landed in Massachusetts reached an all-time high of over $800 million in 2021. This is a remarkable turnaround from 2020 when many segments of the seafood industry suffered revenue losses due to the impact on traditional markets caused by the COVID-19 public health emergency. For comparison to the $800 million, the 2020 ex-vessel value was $558 million and the five-year average (2015-2019) ex-vessel value was approximately $600 million.
In recent years, sea scallops and lobsters accounted for approximately 70% of the ex-vessel value of seafood landed in Massachusetts. While quantities landed followed similar trends to previous years in 2021, these two species had consistently higher than average per unit prices through the year, resulting in them accounting for 79% of the total value of all species landed. The ex-vessel value of sea scallops and lobster reached all time highs of approximately $500 million and $120 million, respectively. These drove the dramatic increase in total ex-vessel value.
Although scallops and lobster drove the increase in total ex-vessel value, other species did rebound to near pre-pandemic levels. These included finfish and shellfish species. The oyster fishery was hit particularly hard due to restaurant closures in 2020 with a nearly 35% drop in total ex-vessel value as compared to the previous five-year average. In 2020, ex-vessel value dropped to approximately $17 million from nearly $30 million in 2019. The preliminary total value for 2021 rebounded to over $28 million with the reopening of restaurants and other traditional markets.
During the COVID-19 public health emergency, many wholesalers, retailers, and fishermen pivoted their operations to provide more local seafood options for Massachusetts consumers. The pivots included curbside pickup, home delivery, and increased retail boat sales. Many of these models were very successful and continued throughout 2021. DMF’s Seafood Marketing Program will continue to work with the industry to promote sustainable Massachusetts seafood.
By Story Reed, Permitting & Statistics Program Manager
