ARTICLES

A new study released by the American Sportfishing Association (ASA) proves. According to its newly published 2023 Economic Contributions of Recreational Fishing: U.S. Congressional Districts report, recreational anglers contribute a whopping $148 billion to the US economy every year and support 945,000 jobs across the country.

What's more, anglers contribute an astounding $1.8 billion each year in support of conservation efforts nationwide.

The new figures represent a 15% increase over pre-pandemic data published by the Recreational Boating and Fishing Foundation in 2020, which valued the economic impact of fishing at $129 billion per year. That earlier data pegged the number of jobs supported by fishing at 826,000, meaning the 945,000 jobs detailed in the new ASA study represent a 14% gain over just three years.

"As Congress debates future legislation that affects our industry, it is important that members of Congress have data to make the best available decision," said ASA vice president of government affairs, Mike Leonard. "This study will help show members of Congress that recreational fishing is an economic driver and job creator in their state or district. We hope that this information drives home the tremendous value sportfishing has to the nation and, therefore, the importance of supporting fisheries conservation and public access."

The new data shows Florida topped all states in economic output generated from fishing at $13.9 billion per year, followed by Texas ($7.7 billion), California ($6.2 billion), Minnesota ($4.2 billion) and Michigan ($3.9 billion).

The top five states in terms of angler numbers as a percentage of the total population were Alaska (64%), Wyoming (58%), South Dakota (48%), Rhode Island (39%) and Oklahoma (37%).

The study was conducted for ASA by Southwick Associates. "While sportfishing provides millions of days of escape and fun across the country, many people do not realize its significant economic contributions," said Southwick Associates president, Rob Southwick. Sportfishing is an economic engine that needs the same level of care and considerations as other critical industries."

Date behind the findings was collected from a variety of sources, he said, including the US Fish & Wildlife Service's National Survey of Fishing, Hunting and Wildlife-Associated Recreation.