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

Meat and fins of many shark species are highly valued, and they are targeted and taken as bycatch in commercial and recreational fisheries, according to the Florida Museum of Natural History. —Julia Jacobo, ABC News, 1 June 2026

The good ones buy from regional farms and local fisheries, update old recipes without losing their connection to the past, and put scraps, bones, and spent grain to work instead of tossing them. —Lauren Mowery, Forbes.com, 30 May 2026

Authorities warned that unauthorized introductions of non-native fish can have serious and irreversible ecological consequences, potentially affecting native fish populations, food webs, wildlife and existing fisheries. —Cbs News Atlanta Digital Team, CBS News, 28 May 2026

Coral reefs are home to one in four ocean species, support fisheries, and protect coastlines from storm surges and rising sea levels. —Simmone Shah, Time, 28 May 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