This report investigates the status and economic output of the United States commercial and recreational fishing industries during the 1987 calendar year. Barbara K. O'Bannon, acting on behalf of the National Marine Fisheries Service, compiles comprehensive statistical data to provide a baseline for resource management. The report synthesizes catch volumes, economic valuations, and industry trends to inform policy decisions and scientific research regarding marine resource sustainability.

Experts and researchers utilize this document as a foundational historical record for tracking long-term trends in American maritime resource management. Readers frequently note the technical density of the statistical tables, which serve as a primary reference for historical environmental policy analysis.