SIC 0919 Miscellaneous Marine Products

SIC 0919

This industry classification covers establishments primarily engaged in miscellaneous fishing activities, such as catching or taking of miscellaneous marine plants and animals. Plants and animals covered under this code include seaweed, sponges, sea urchins, terrapins, turtles, and frogs. Cultured pearl production also falls under this classification.

NAICS CODE(S)

114119

Other Marine Fishing

111998

All Other Miscellaneous Crop Farming

The primary marine animal featured under this heading is the turtle. Turtles became popular for meat and soup shortly after Columbus arrived in the New World. By 1878 an estimated 15,000 green turtles were shipped annually from the Caribbean to European markets. The market for the turtle began to wane in the 1990s amid mounting environmental concerns that the species was nearing extinction.

The turtle's popularity as a meal item had created a serious threat to its ability to sustain its population by the turn of the twenty-first century. In addition to risks associated with over-harvesting and habitat loss, thousands of turtles have been injured or drowned in other commercial fishing operations.

All six species of...