An input-output analysis of recreational fishing expenditures (2006 & 2011) across the southern United States

Abstract

This paper examines the economic contribution of recreational fishing expenditures across the southern United States (US). Input-output models were constructed for each southern state using US Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) fishing expenditures data, both saltwater and freshwater, to determine the direct, indirect, and induced effects of these expenditures. Comparisons were made between pre- and post-recession (2006 and 2011), freshwater and saltwater fishing, and between states. Expenditures were essentially unchanged from 2006 to 2011; but numbers of participating anglers increased by ten percent and the economic contribution generated by the expenditures increased by 10–30%, depending on the economic indicator. The variations across states were substantial, with Florida dominating the others, especially in saltwater fishing. This study documents the important economic contributions of recreational fishing.