A leading source of oysters, clams, and crabs, Maryland had a total commercial catch in 1998 of 61,468,000 lb, valued at $67,190,000 (2.1% of US total). Ocean City is the state's leading fishing port. Shellfish landings in 1998 included blue crab, 30.5 million lb; surf clams, 3.8 million lb; and soft clams, 219,000 lb. Bigeye and yellowfin tuna together are the most important finfish, followed by menhaden, dogfish shark, swordfish, and sea bass. The state's 126 seafood-processing and wholesale plants employed 2,012 persons during 1997.
The Fisheries Administration of the Department of Natural Resources monitors fish populations and breeds and implants oysters; it also stocks inland waterways with finfish. Maryland had 374,548 licensed sport anglers in 1998.