fishery

noun

fish·​ery ˈfi-shə-rē 

plural fisheries

1

: the occupation, industry, or season of taking fish or other sea animals (such as sponges, shrimp, or seals) : fishing

2

: a place for catching fish or taking other sea animals

3

: a fishing establishment

also : its fishermen

4

: the legal right to take fish at a particular place or in particular waters

5

: the technology of fishery

—usually used in plural

Examples of fishery in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Last week, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration sent regulatory priorities to the nation’s regional fishery councils, which environmentalists say reveal a direct attack on fishery management and ocean conservation. — Susanne Rust, Los Angeles Times, 9 July 2026

Several microcruises also source food ingredients locally, building seasonal menus around regional produce, which supports farms and fisheries, while reducing food miles. — Indrabati Lahiri, Forbes.com, 8 July 2026

In the South China Sea, China has expanded maritime law enforcement under broad domestic categories, such as fisheries protection and anti-smuggling operations. — John Calabrese, The Conversation, 6 July 2026

But the combination of a lingering marine heat wave and a strengthening El Niño resembles the conditions that preceded widespread disruptions to fisheries, marine mammals and seabirds along California and the West Coast. — Brandi D. Addison, USA Today, 2 July 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1534, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Kids Definition

fishery

noun

fish·​ery ˈfish-(ə-)rē 

plural fisheries

1

: the activity or business of fishing

2

: a place or establishment for catching fish