Explanation of Indicator
Florida’s expansive coastline provides a multitude of diverse and rewarding saltwater fishing experiences for recreational anglers. The popularity of recreational fishing has grown steadily over the past several decades. Pursuit of the social, psycholog
ical, and physical benefits of recreational fishing has created an industry focused on supplying the goods
and services necessary to meet angler demand as well as ensuring
satisfying recreational experiences.1
The expenditures of anglers have a significant economic impact, affecting local, state, and national economies. They sustain old jobs and create new ones. They support manufacturers, suppliers, and service industries. The total economic output of the r ecreational saltwater fishing industry is substantial and supports an extensive number of full and part-time jobs.2
This indicator measures recreational saltwater fishing value for both residents and tourists. Recreational value by residents is measured by the total annual expenditures by Florida resident saltwater anglers, estimated economic output, and estimated num ber of full-time jobs created. Total annual expenditures is the amount of money spent on a typical saltwater fishing trip and the cost of replacing equipment. Estimated economic output is the total value of goods and services produced in an economy in o rder to satisfy a specified amount of final demand in a specified sector. The estimated number of jobs is the number of individuals employed in an economy per million dollars in final demand for a given sector.3
Recreational value by tourists is measured by the estimated tourist expenditures on saltwater recreational fishing, estimated employment and wages in Florida supported by spending by tourist saltwater anglers, and the estimated state tax revenue from tour ist saltwater recreational fishing.
Data Characteristics
SOURCE
The information can be obtained from the Florida Sea Grant College Program, University of Florida, Building 803, P.O. Box 110409, Gainesville, Florida 32611-0409, or at (904) 392-2801. The information on resident participation is found in the report, A R
egional Analysis of Current and Future Florida Resident Participation in Marine Recreational Fishing, Report #SGR-112. Information on tourist participation can be found in the report, Current and Projected Tourist Demand for Saltwater Recreational Fisher
ies in Florida.
ACQUISITION
The reports are available in hard copy format at a cost of $3 each.
COLLECTION
The information on resident participation was collected for 1991-92 only. There are no plans to continue this data collection. The data were collected by use of a statewide telephone survey of 76,549 Florida resident households concerning participation
in marine recreational fishing. Data from the survey were used to develop a forecasting model to project marine recreational fishing in different regions in Florida. Information on tourist participation was collected for 1991 only. The data were collec
ted by use of a face-to-face sample survey of 3,900 tourists.
Data Limitations
Although precautions were taken to interpret the data carefully and fairly, there are inherent limitations in all statistical models. Furthermore, the data for residents and for tourists were collected during two different research efforts and by differe
nt research groups. The study periods (1991-92 for residents and 1991 for tourists) were not defined and may be slightly different. Also, the categories of expenditures were different for residents and tourists and are not comparable. However, these da
ta are the most comprehensive and useful information currently available on marine recreational fishing in Florida.
Data Analysis
The information for recreational saltwater fishing value was collected for one year only. The total annual expenditure by Florida resident saltwater anglers for 1991-92 was $1,327,405,000. These expenditures include boat fuel, charter fees, tackle, bait
, ramp fees, equipment, and lodging. The total estimated economic output associated with Florida resident saltwater fishing for 1991-92 was $949,070,000. This figure includes recreation-related wholesale trade, other wholesale trade, recreation-related
retail trade, other retail trade, hotels and lodging places, and amusement and recreation services. The estimated number of full-time equivalent employees associated with Florida resident saltwater fishing for 1991-92 was 22,887. This estimated state em
ployment was distributed as follows: two-thirds of all employment was associated with the amusement and recreation services (7,855) and the lodging (7,259) sectors. These sectors were followed by other retail trade (3,108), recreation-related retail tra
de (2,009), other wholesale trade (1,617), and recreation wholesale trade
(1,040).4
The total estimated full-time jobs figure (22,887) represents less than
one percent of Florida’s 5.7 million person labor force.5
The estimated tourist expenditure on saltwater recreational fishing in Florida for 1991 was $1,305,593,900. This figure includes expenditures on food and drink, lodging, charter and party boats, boat fuel, boat and motor maintenance, and all other expend itures including gasoline for automobiles. The estimated amount of employment supported by tourist saltwater angler spending for 1991 was 23,518 jobs. The estimated wages supported were $235,007,360. These figures were based on the same categories as e xpenditures. The total estimated state tax revenue from tourist saltwater recreational fishing for 1991 was $3,169,943.
Recommendations
It is recommended that the Florida Sea Grant College Program be funded to annually assess resident and tourist participation in marine recreational fishing. The methodology and statistical models that are explained in the report A Regional Analysis of Cu
rrent and Future Florida Resident Participation in Marine Recreational Fishing should be used to collect this information.
Data on total annual expenditures, estimated economic output, and estimated full-time employment associated with recreational saltwater fishing should be collected for Florida residents annually. Data on total annual expenditures, estimated employment an d wages in Florida supported by spending by tourist saltwater anglers, and the estimated state tax revenue from tourist saltwater recreational fishing should be collected for tourists annually. The categories for data collection (e.g., expenditures) for tourists and residents should be made consistent where possible.