Outdoor recreation fuels the U.S. economy. The outdoor industry generates $788 billion in economic output, comprises 2.1% of the U.S. GDP and supports 5.2 million jobs. Fishing combined with boating is the largest conventional activity for the nation as a whole at $23.6 billion in value added.
These numbers for 2019 come from the Bureau of Economic Analysis (BEA) and illustrate how outdoor pursuits like fishing, boating, camping and biking ripple through the U.S. economy. Fishing, together with boating, represent the largest sector of the $788 billion U.S. outdoor industry, as reported by the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis.
In fact, fishing/boating was the largest conventional activity in 30 states and the District of Columbia and the second largest in 11 states. Florida ($3.3 billion), California ($2.0 billion), and Texas ($1.7 billion) were the largest contributors to U.S. value added.
This data adds to public understanding and informs decision-making by policymakers, business people and managers of public lands and waters.
