The Alaska region is one of the most productive areas of the world's oceans, supporting large populations of salmon, groundfish, crabs, marine mammals, and seabirds. Alaska leads all other states in pounds of fish landed and their dockside value. Fishing occupies a traditional place in the state's economy, and is considered part of Alaska's heritage. Towns such as Dutch Harbor-Unalaska, Kodiak, Petersburg, Akutan, and Cordova depend to a large extent or almost exclusively on fishing to support their economies. Fishing is the largest nongovernment employer in the state, and the export of fish products from Alaska plays a major role in reducing the nation's trade deficit.
Recreational fishing is also an important part of Alaska's economy.
Approximately one-third of the recreational fishing occurred in coastal waters. Towns such as Sitka, Juneau, and Homer rely on fishing for salmon, flounder, and lingcod as a mainstay of their economies. Pacific salmon fisheries deserve a specific mention because Pacific salmon are an integral part of the culture, heritage and economy of Alaska. It is estimated that the salmon industry in Alaska employs 22,000 people. Because salmon move between fresh water and saltwater, they are dependent on both coastal and riverine wetlands for the successful completion of their life cycle.