A NEW report by America’s National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) has highlighted the significant economic benefits of recreational fishing in California’s national marine sanctuaries.
According to the report, anglers spent approximately $156 million on saltwater recreational fishing in California’s four national marine sanctuaries on average, which generated more than $200 million in annual economic output and supported nearly 1,400 jobs.
The peer-reviewed report cited data ranging from 2010-2012, the most recent years for which this data is available, from the California Department of Fish and Wildlife.
The findings highlight the positive effects and economic value of recreational fishing in the four California sanctuaries – Channel Islands, Greater Farallones, Cordell Bank and Monterey Bay.
Approximately 13.4 percent of all saltwater recreational fishing in California from 2010 to 2012 took place in national marine sanctuaries, the report states. During the study period, the Greater Farallones sanctuary was called the Gulf of the Farallones; it was renamed earlier this month.
“This report underscores the value of national marine sanctuaries as focal points for recreation and local economic development,” said Bob Leeworthy, chief economist for NOAA’s Office of National Marine Sanctuaries.
“It also highlights the important role sanctuaries play in protecting the health and integrity of critical marine ecosystems, including places cherished by recreational saltwater anglers.”
Read more at: http://sanctuaries.noaa.gov/news/press/2015/rec-fishing-california.html