A new survey method has been developed by the NSW Recreational Fishing Licence Trust, in conjunction with the University of Wollongong, to develop a cost effective method to measure the economic contribution of the recreational fishing sector in NSW. A survey was run using this method in 2012, and the results reveal that recreational fishing is not only a favourite pastime, but also contributes enormously to the NSW economy and provides thousands of jobs.
The survey estimated the expenditure of recreation fishers in NSW and its economic impact. It found that recreational fishers spent an enormous $1.625bn on travel for recreational fishing trips, fishing tackle and boat related items in 2012.
This expenditure translated to the following positive effects on the NSW economy:
- $3.42bn of economic output (the value of goods and services produced in NSW related to fishing)
- $1.625bn added value (economic profit)
- $877.3m household income in retail, finance and insurance, hospitality, professional and technical services and the wholesale trade sectors
- Provision of an estimated 14,254 full time jobs
The recreational fishing sector is highly valuable, and it is important that we consider how to better engage the recreational fishing community.
For more information on the survey method and the survey results, view the full report here.
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