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 plural

Examples of fishery in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

After three years in which California’s salmon fishery was shut down almost entirely, the commercial fleet returned to the Pacific this year. — Sean MacAday, Sacbee.com, 20 Sep. 2026

Last week, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen offered $232 million in EU support over the next two years to help Greenland tackle climate change, boost internet connections and improve hydropower plants, fisheries and education. — Los Angeles Times, 14 Sep. 2026

Shot earlier this year over 32 days on location on Vancouver Island, the story follows a PI (Reid) who partners with a local detective (Backo) to investigate the disappearance of the heir to a major fishery (Williams). — Jennie Punter, Variety, 14 Sep. 2026

Federal, state and tribal fishery programs have since undertaken major hatchery restocking and predator control efforts and even helped wild fish navigate waterfalls to reach spawning grounds in some cases. — Brandon Loomis, AZCentral.com, 8 Sep. 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