The Economics of Atlantic Highly Migratory Species For-Hire Fishing Trips
November 15, 2015
The for-hire sector plays a significant role in providing recreational fishing opportunities for Atlantic highly migratory species (HMS) such as tuna, billfish, swordfish, and sharks. Because of the high cost of equipment needed to pursue HMS, many
The for-hire sector plays a significant role in providing recreational fishing opportunities for Atlantic highly migratory species (HMS) such as tuna, billfish, swordfish, and sharks. Because of the high cost of equipment needed to pursue HMS, many saltwater anglers find chartering a for-hire vessel to be the only affordable alternative. In 2013, there were 3,968 licensed Atlantic HMS Charter/Headboat (CHB) permit holders from Maine to Texas that took an estimated 9,449for-hire vessel trips in the Atlantic and Gulf of Mexico (not including Texas) to pursue HMS from July to November of 2013. During this time period, NOAA Fisheries conducted a log-book study of randomly selected Atlantic HMS Charter/Headboat (CHB) permit holders to collect trip cost and earnings data.