Economic Impact of Fishing

[TyFly]

I am doing a paper on the economic impact of sportfishing here in the Western United States for my Microeconomic Theory Class. I found a very nice report by TU for Wyoming found at http://www.tu.org/pdf/conservation/WWPreport05.pdf Does anyone know where I can find a similar report for Utah or any other Western states? Hopefully this thread will also start some discussion on the Economics of Fishing here in the beehive state. Even if Fly-fishing is just a hobby, it produces a lot of jobs here in Utah.

TyFly
tbarry@cc.usu.edu

[Juke]

for Colorado alone: http://wildlife.state.co.us/news/press.asp?pressid=2734

[powerbait]

I have a (somewhat dated) figure for Utah here somewhere, but can't seem to put my finger on it. I do not believe TU has issued any similar report for Utah. If what you need is just a number, you might try Dana Dolson over at DWR: danadolson@utah.gov; (801) 538-4790. Of course, estimates vary widely depending on what the person reporting decides to include. One thing for sure: the economic impact is huge.

Also, here are some footnote cites to various resources on the economic value of sportfishing (particularly stream fishing) in the West. Not sure whether any of these will be valuable, but I thought I'd pass them along just in case:

*See e.g., National Research Council, Committee on U.S. Geological Survey Water Resources Research, “Watershed Research in the U.S. Geological Survey,” Washington: National Academy Press (1997); National Research Council, Committee on the Future of Irrigation in the Face of Competing Demands, “A New Era for Irrigation,” Washington: National Academy Press (1996); 60 Fed. Reg. 39804-39834 (1995).

*Jeff Barnard, “Economists Argue What’s Good for Environment is Good for Economy,” Associated Press, Dec. 4, 2003.

*Hansen, L. and Arne Hallam, “Water Allocation Tradeoffs: Irrigation and Recreation,” Resources and Technology Division, Economic Research Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Economic Report Number 634 (June 1990).

*Sherk, G.W., White Paper entitled “Protecting Instream Flows: An Economic Benefits Summary” (2002).

[fishin' idaho]

IDAHO- $438 Million in 2003

http://fishandgame.idaho.gov/news/releases/view.cfm?NewsID=2181

"survey: fishing has major impact on idaho economy


Sport fishing in Idaho generates hundreds of millions of dollars in spending every year, bringing much needed dollars to rural areas while adding millions in tax revenue to state coffers.

An Idaho Fish and Game survey shows that in 2003, anglers spent $438 million in direct expenses while fishing in Idaho. It means the state's 400,800 anglers each spent an average of $150 per trip in 2003, or $112 per day while averaging nearly 10 days of fishing.

"Sport fishing in the state is a tremendous economic engine," Fish and Game fisheries chief Virgil Moore said. "Most of us fish because it's just fun, but in the process of having fun, we spend money and that is important to our local economies and perhaps more important than anything, the rural economies of this state."

The comprehensive mail-in survey was answered by 25,000 anglers where they fished, how much they spent and how often they fished.

The $438 million breaks down as follows:
- $148 million spent at restaurants and on groceries
- $91 million for transportation
- $60 million for equipment (boats, camping, etc.)
- $62 million for fishing tackle
- $45 million on hotels and campgrounds
- $32 million on outfitters and guides

A regional breakdown shows that areas known for salmon and steelhead attracted more attention and dollars from anglers while in drought plagued areas in Southeastern Idaho, the local fishing economy suffered."

[gware]

U.S. Fish And Wildlife does a report every five years that is a very extensive and interesting report. It is on their Web site. They also have it broken down into states. I think it would have everything you are looking for and more. I think it would suprise most Utahns to know just what is spent for fishing or hunting in Utah. We fisherman also spend quite a bit more than hunters do. Its an interesting report. Hope it helps.

gware

[raposaNegra]

I posted a link on fishing in yellowstone park a while back.... I can't remeber the exact number but each fish in the yellowstone between the falls and fishing bridge is worth $70.00 a year in revenue....and the total impact on that river alone was like 35 million a year. The south fork and the henry's fork contribute something like 80 million each to the local economy..... I'll do a search and see if I can find the thread.

[raposaNegra]

http://www.nps.gov/yell/publications/pdfs/laketrout2.pdf

While not specifically economic it does has some figures for revenues from fishing in the park through the early 90s. It estimates from the falls to the lake generates $34 million a year (reported in 94).

Look in the report intro and in the section on socio-economic impact for some figures.

And correcting one oops the Henry's and the south Fork contribute about 80 million combined...... not each.

[Ed Kent]

Power Bait gave you the right contact for Utah. I can tell you that wildlife related recreational activities in Utah generate over 1.3 billion for our economy. But I don't have a specific break down of the economic impact specifically related to fishing.

[TyFly]

I definitely got a good start. Thanks everyone!