Despite a limited season, anglers were enthusiastic participants
The American Sportfishing Association’s (ASA) newest report, Economic Contribution of the 2018 Recreational Red Snapper Season in the South Atlantic, shows South Atlantic anglers were enthusiastic participants in the region’s 2018 recreational red snapper season, spending $23.6 million during the limited opening.
The report, conducted by Southwick Associates, examined the season’s financial contributions in North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia and Florida, and measured five types of economic activity including jobs, salaries and wages, GDP, total output and tax revenue.
The report showed the success of the six-day August 2018 red snapper season for the South Atlantic coast in generating:
• 185 jobs
• $9.1 million in salaries and wages
• $13.6 million in GDP
• $18.9 million in economic output
• $4.1 million in federal, state and local tax revenue
The study used participation and spending data provided by both the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and the states. Economic contribution estimates used NOAA-based economic models.
“This economic study of the 2018 South Atlantic recreational red snapper season proves what anglers already know; the South Atlantic angling and boating industry is a huge economic driver for the region,” said Kellie Ralston, ASA’s Southeast Fisheries Policy director. “In only six days last August, this season added $9.1 million in salaries and wages, $13.6 million in GDP, $4.1 million in tax revenue, and most importantly, provided 185 jobs to the region.”
“ASA and the sportfishing industry have appreciated the recent, limited seasons for red snapper but recognize that much remains to be done to improve management of this stock,” Ralston continued. “It is critical that we pursue opportunities to extend the recreational South Atlantic red snapper season that expand access to this species for anglers without sacrificing conservation gains.”
Ralston further said, “We will continue to work closely with the South Atlantic Fishery Management Council to accomplish that goal through collaborative efforts like our recent recreational workshops on innovative management options for the snapper grouper fishery.”
Earlier this month, NOAA Fisheries announced the limited opening of commercial and recreational red snapper seasons for 2019 in South Atlantic federal waters. The 2019 recreational season will be open for five days, beginning Friday, July 12, and closing Sunday, July 14, 2019. Waters will again open on Friday, July 19, and Saturday, July 20, 2019.
For a copy of the full report click here, or for more information on the 2019 red snapper seasons click here.
About Keep Florida Fishing
Keep Florida Fishing is an advocacy arm of the American Sportfishing Association with the goal of ensuring Florida anglers have clean waters, abundant fisheries and access to both. Florida is considered the ‘Fishing Capital of the World’ and home to more than four million licensed anglers, supporting 173,000 jobs, providing $12.2 billion in economic activity and contributing more than $53.3 million for fisheries conservation. Learn more at Keep Florida Fishing. Find Keep Florida Fishing on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Pinterest.
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