Increase Access to Recreational Fishing

Recreational fishing has become an impressive industry complete with advancements in boating and navigation technology. In 2011, the National Marine Fisheries Service estimates that Americans spent $27 million on fishing-related goods, including both goods and services. Similarly, in 2011 saltwater anglers generated over $70 billion in economic output. Fishing, including boating and tackle, has become an increasingly important industry and is continuing to expand.

In 2013, the Commission on Saltwater Recreational Fisheries Management, which was co-chaired by leaders of tackle and boating companies, met to strategize on ways to improve recreational fisheries management. The commission held a National Press Club event called “Saltwater Recreational Fishing’s Future,” which included speakers like John L. Morris, founder of Bass Pro Shops. The unification of fishing and boating companies is working to make changes to improve fishery management for sports enthusiasts.

Currently, management of saltwater recreation is motivated by protection for commercial fishing and fisheries. The National Marine Fisheries Service, which is an arm of the Commerce Department, has focused on commercial fishing and fisheries since the Magnuson-Stevens Legislation of 1976. The major goal of the bill was to reduce foreign-fishing-fleet catch in United States’ waters. However, as the recreational saltwater industry has continued to grown, the National Marine Fisheries Service has been motivated to accommodate the boating needs of Americans. The saltwater creational boating industry is an asset to the American government, due to its large economic output, and is asking for a review of federal allotments for commercial fishing and fisheries. The allocation of territory is often cited as outdated and based on formulas that no longer apply to current times. Reallocating territory is difficult and may be a lengthy process, which has stalled officials from making and progress on federal fishery management.

In order to make the best decision, officials should consider the gains from saltwater recreational fishing versus commercial fishing and fisheries. The economic output of the boating and fishing industry may support the expansion of fishing territories. This year, the Magnuson-Stevens Act of 1976, which outlines the nation’s marine fisheries, is up for reauthorization in 2014. Although there are many factors to consider when thinking about expanding saltwater commercial use, the changes should ultimately reflect the way in which people are using the ocean.

Ultimately, the management of United States Fisheries is up to Congress in 2014. You can read more about the report entitled A Vision for Managing America’s Saltwater Recreational Fisheries to find out more information about current saltwater management.

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