A RECENT independent survey has confirmed that fishing is big business for coastal and inland communities in NSW, contributing significantly to the State’s economy, and providing thousands of jobs.
The survey, which was funded by the NSW Recreational Fishing Trust and led by Professor Alistair McIlgorm from the University of Wollongong, confirmed a well-known fact: we fishos spend a lot of money on our favourite pastime!
An estimated 773,000 adult fishers in 2012 were reported to have spent a staggering $1.625 billion on tackle, boating equipment and travel expenses whilst fishing in NSW.
Interstate travellers were also found to be significant contributors, spending approximately $186.1 million when they travelled over the border for a flick in NSW waters.
The study also found that the majority of the expenditure (86 per cent) took place by anglers fishing in saltwater, with only 14 per cent coming from fishers targeting freshwater species.
Read the report at: http://recfishingresearch.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/40_FishingforNSW.pdf
