Commercial vessel characteristics by year, state, Alaskan census area and city, 1978-2017

The Commercial Fisheries Entry Commision (CFEC) is an independent, autonomous agency of the State of Alaska which regulates entry into Alaska's commercial fisheries. The CFEC is committed to promoting conservation and sustained-yield management of Alaska's unique fishery resources and boosting economic stability among fishermen and their dependents. To ensure effective management of commercial fisheries, all vessels used for commercial fishing or related activities must be licensed by the CFEC. This includes fishing vessels, tenders, packers, processors, transporter vessels, and seine skiffs. The CFEC is responsible for leasing all commercial fishing permits including permits for limited-entry fisheries. Limited-entry fisheries include all state salmon fisheries, most herring fisheries, and various other fisheries. This data is based on commercial vessel licenses which are required for any vessel, boat, ship or other craft which is used for commercial fishing or for aiding or assisting in the performance of any activity related to commercial fishing (including refrigeration, transportation and processing). Data for characteristics of all commercial vessels registered with the CFEC are included in this dataset.