Report Shows Fishing’s Mainstream Appeal and Broad Economic Impacts
by Janet Tennyson
It may come as a surprise to find that one of the most solid industries in the United States is probably one you’d never think of–the sportfishing industry. According to a new report on fishing statistics published by the American Sportfishing Association, angling has anchored a solid position among Americans’ favorite forms of recreation.
Sportfishing in America: Values of Our Traditional Pastime shows how fishing endures as a strong and mainstream activity that not only permeates social and economic aspects of Americans’ lives, but also plays a huge role in the country’s successful conservation movement. The full report is available online.
"Fishing brings so many benefits to our way of life," said Mike Nussman, president and CEO of the American Sportfishing Association, "but not until a report like this is produced do we realize how all-encompassing fishing’s reach is, both in its effect on our social lives and its impact on the economy."
America’s 44 million anglers spend nearly $42 billion per year on fishing equipment, transportation and lodging, and other expenses associated with their sport. Their expenditures increased 33 percent over the past 10 years. With a total annual economic impact of $116 billion on the economy, fishing supports 1.1 million jobs and generates $30 billion in wages and $7.3 billion in tax revenues each year.
A number of reports strongly indicate that fishing is identified by American families as one of the best ways to spend quality time together. A recent nationwide Harris Poll found that fishing was ranked the most popular outdoor activity in America and was the 4th favorite leisure pastime, behind reading, watching TV, and spending time with family.
Fishing also greatly supports our nation’s conservation efforts through the Sport Fish Restoration Program. Special taxes on fishing gear and motorboat fuel channel hundreds of millions of anglers’ dollars toward state fish and wildlife conservation and recreation programs each year.
The American Sportfishing Association’s analysis was based on data from the National Survey of Fishing, Hunting and Wildlife-Associated Recreation, conducted every five years on behalf of the International Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies by the Census Bureau and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.
The American Sportfishing Association is the leading recreational fishing trade association, uniting 500 members of the sportfishing and boating industries, state fish and wildlife agencies, federal land and water management agencies, conservation organizations, angler advocacy groups, and outdoor journalists. The American Sportfishing Association initiates and supports efforts to advance healthy fisheries, fishing opportunities, and a profitable sportfishing industry.
