Economic Impact Analysis of a Sport Fishery on Lake Ontario: An Appraisal of Method

Abstract

This paper summarizes the application of a Keynesian-type economic impact model to the Bay of Quinte sport fishery in eastern Lake Ontario for 1984–1985. After the study procedure and findings are outlined, the method is assessed in the context of information needs of resource planners and managers. The Bay of Quinte study is a vehicle for critically examining the concept of impact and the empirically derived measures of expenditures and income used to describe it. A substantial leakage of angler dollars from the region and the consequential low “normal” income multiplier is attributed to the tendency for local businesses and households to import goods and services. Analysts must choose between more information and increased cost in conducting economic impact analysis; the scope of an impact study must be determined by the questions that need answering. Economic impact analysis can indicate a role for sportfishing in economic development and tourism programs. It can identify the relative contributions of angler groups, identify businesses directly impacted, and suggest approaches to strengthening a regionˈs intersectoral linkages in order to maximize impact.