Social and Economic Data Collection Program

As part of an effort to improve economic data collection and management of the recreational and commercial fisheries throughout the Southeast Region, an Economics Program was formed in July of 2008. The economics program is a cooperative partnership among Texas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, Florida, the Gulf States Marine Fisheries Commission (GSMFC), and NOAA's National Marine Fisheries Service (NOAA fisheries). The program monitors the economic performance of the fisheries of the Gulf of Mexico (GOM) and assesses the economic impacts of these fisheries on the local and regional economy. In general, the activities of the economics program are divided into three main components. These components include economic data collection, economic research and analysis, and economic outreach and dissemination. These initiatives were further developed throughout late 2011 and early 2012.

In conjunction with the Fisheries Information Networks (FIN), Social/economic Workgroup, the GSMFC coordinates, plans, and conducts specific economic data collection projects throughout its five member states. Economic data collection projects in progress or completed during late 2011 and early 2012 included an economic survey of the inshore shrimp fleet, an economic survey of fishing related businesses, a marine angler expenditure survey, and a marine recreational use economic survey. Results from these studies will aid in describing the economic performance as well as the economic impacts of these industries. More specifically, economic data and analysis will contribute to a better understanding of the economic contributions that these industries have on the local and regional economies. It is the intent that the collection of dependable economic data will further maximize the economic and ecological benefits of fisheries resources while reducing negative costs to coastal communities throughout the Gulf.

For Information about Gulf States Marine Fisheries Commission Economic Programs Contact:

Alex Miller amiller@gsmfc.org

P. O. Box 726

Ocean Springs, MS 39566-0726

Phone 228-875-5912 , Fax 228-875-6604

All social and economic data will be confidential, with access granted only to authorized users as identified in the FIN confidentiality protocols.