Survey says: Sportfishing has US$125 billion economic impact on US economy
By IBI Magazine
Sportfishing in the US has an annual economic impact of US$125 billion, according to a recent report released by the American Sportfishing Association (ASA). The report, entitled "Sportfishing in America: An Economic Engine and Conservation Powerhouse," is a fairly detailed financial study using 2006 research, with data for all 50 US states. The study noted that about 40 million anglers spend over US$45 billon per year on fishing equipment, transportation, lodging and other expenses. Besides money generated from fishing, the study also included revenues ranging from fishing tackle and accessory manufacturing to boat manufacturing to reach the total of US$125 billion. The study says that sportfishing supports nearly one million jobs—nearly three times the number of people who work for a company like United Parcel Service—and generates $38.4 billion in wages. It also notes that the amount of federal tax money generated by angler spending is US$8.9 billion, roughly equal to the budget of the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Special taxes on fishing gear and boat fuel steers "hundreds of millions of anglers' dollars" to state fish and wildlife conservation and recreation programs each year. "America's anglers are in many ways, the most powerful force for the environment," said ASA President and CEO Mike Nussman in a recent newsletter. A copy of the report is available at www.asafishing.org.
(12 March 2008)
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