North Carolina's fishing industry ranks 2nd only to Virginia's among the South Atlantic states, but its overall economic importance has declined. The record landing for the state was in 1981, a total of 432 million lb; the 1998 catch was only 182.2 million lb, valued at $104.8 million. North Carolina had 835 commercial fishing boats and vessels in 1997. Flounder, menhaden, and sea trout are the most valuable finfish; shrimp, crabs, and clams are the most sought-after shellfish. The state's 152 fish processors and wholesalers employed 2,344 persons in 1997.