Marine Angler Recreational Fishery

A recreational fishery in the marine environment provides not only relaxation for stakeholders but also economic stimulation to the surrounding economy. In the GOM, for example, millions of residents participate in marine fisheries recreation, which contributes millions to tens of millions of dollars each year to the economy. A continued understanding of the impact of how marine angler expenditures influence local and regional economies in the GOM through sales, income, and employment, provides key economic information, which can be used in fisheries management decisions. The GSMFC and NOAA, therefore, will solicit saltwater anglers' expenditures on fishing trips throughout the States in order to assess the size and economic contribution of the marine recreational fishing industry to the GOM and the regional economy.

Assessment of the effects of spenditures from the recreational fishery on local economies.

The GOM fisheries economic data program is currently within its initial planning and development phase. As the surveys and studies described above are completed and data and model results become available, detailed reports will be presented through various distribution methods. If you need additional information concerning this program, please contact Alexander L. Miller at the Gulf States Marine Fisheries Commission office at (228) 875-5912