Abstract
Economic impact assessments (EIAs) have long been used to estimate the economic benefits of human activities. More recently, environmental economists have applied EIAs to demonstrate the benefits of conservation, including assessments of recreational fisheries. Here, we summarize findings of EIAs of the recreational catch-and-release flats fishery in The Bahamas, Belize, and the Florida Keys (USA). Results show high economic impact, often twice that of other tourism activities, for a mostly catch-and-release fishery with high post-release fish survival rates. The EIAs have already provided leverage for improved management, including spatial protections and catch-and-release designations. The EIAs, in combination with data on fish ecology, are useful for formulating effective conservation strategies and should be applied more widely. Here we report these EIAs as case studies and propose applicability for recreational fisheries in other regions.
This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.
Similar content being viewed by others
Data Availability
Data will be made available upon reasonable request.
References
https://www.ebp-us.com/en/topics/economic-impact-analysis/economic-impact-analysis Last accessed 31 October 2022
https://myfwc.com/fishing/saltwater/recreational/bonefish/ Last accessed 31 October 2022
https://myfwc.com/fishing/saltwater/recreational/wdr/ Last accessed 31 October 2022
https://myfwc.com/fishing/saltwater/recreational/permit/ Last accessed 31 October 2022
Adams AJ, Murchie KJ (2015) Recreational fisheries as conservation tools for mangrove habitats. In: Murchie KJ, Daneshgar PP (ed) Mangroves as fish habitat. American Fisheries Society, Symposium 83. Bethesda, MD, pp 43–56
Adams AJ (2017) Guidelines for evaluating the suitability of catch-and-release fisheries: lessons learned from Caribbean flats fisheries. Fish Res 186:672–680
Adams AJ, Cooke SJ (2015) Advancing the science and management of flats fisheries for bonefish, tarpon, and permit. Environ Biol Fish 98:2123–2131
Adams AJ, Horodysky AZ, McBride RS, MacDonald TC, Shenker J, Guindon K, Harwell HD, Ward R, Carpenter K (2014) Global conservation status and research needs for tarpons (Megalopidae), ladyfishes (Elopidae), and bonefishes (Albulidae). Fish Fish 15(2):280–311
Adams AJ, Shenker J, Jud Z, Lewis J, Carey E, Danylchuk AJ (2019) Identifying pre-spawning aggregation sites for bonefish (Albula vulpes) in the Bahamas to inform habitat protection and species conservation. Environ Biol Fish 102(2):159–173
Adams AJ, Lewis JP, Kroetz AM, Grubbs RD (2021) Bonefish (Albula vulpes) home range to spawning site linkages support a marine protected area designation. Aquatic Conserv Mar Freshw Ecosyst 31(6):1346–1353. https://doi.org/10.1002/aqc.3534
Arlinghaus R, Mehner T (2005) Determinants of management preferences of recreational anglers in Germany: habitat management versus fish stocking. Limnologica 35:2–17
Beets J (2001) Declines in finfish resources in Tarawa Lagoon, Kiribati, emphasize the need for increased conservation effort. Atoll Res Bull 490:1–14
Bealey R, Pérez Moreno M, Van Anrooy R (2019) The Caribbean Billfish Management and Conservation Plan. FAO Fisheries and Aquaculture Technical Paper. No. 643. Rome, FAO, pp. 106
Boucek RE, Allen MS, Ellis RD, Estes J, Lowerre-Barbieri S, Adams AJ (2022) An extreme climate event and extensive habitat alterations cause a non-linear and persistent decline to a well-managed estuarine fishery. Environ Biol Fish. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10641-022-01309-6
Brownscombe JW, Adams AJ, Young N, Griffin LP, Holder P, Hunt J, Acosta A, Morley D, Boucek R, Cooke SJ, Danylchuk AJ (2019a) Bridging the knowledge-action gap: a case of research rapidly impacting recreational fisheries policy. Mar Policy 104:210–215
Brownscombe JW, Griffin LP, Morley D, Acosta A, Hunt J, Lowerre-Barbieri SK, Crossin GT, Iverson SJ, Boucek R, Adams AJ, Cooke SJ, Danylchuk AJ (2019b) Seasonal occupancy and connectivity amongst nearshore flats and reef habitats by permit (Trachinotus falcatus): considerations for fisheries management. J Fish Biol 96(2):469–479. https://doi.org/10.1111/jfb.14227
Butler EC, Childs AR, Saayman A, Potts WM (2020) Can fishing tourism contribute to conservation and sustainability via ecotourism? A case study of the fishery for giant African threadfin Polydactylus quadrifilis on the Kwanza Estuary, Angola. Sustainability https://doi.org/10.3390/su12104221
Belize Tourism Board (BTB) (2013) Belize Travel and Tourism Digest 2012. Belize City, BZ: Belize Tourism Board
Cooke SJ, Philipp DP (2004) Behavior and mortality of caught-and-released bonefish (Albula spp.) in Bahamian waters with implications for a sustainable recreational fishery. Biol Conserv 118:599–607
Cooke SJ, Suski CD (2005) Do we need species-specific guidelines for catch-and-release recreational angling to effectively conserve diverse fishery resources? Biodivers Conserv 14:1195–1209
Cowx IG, Arlinghaus R, Cooke SJ (2010) Harmonizing recreational fisheries and conservation objectives for aquatic biodiversity in inland waters. J Fish Biol 76:2194–2215
Chacon MY, Li AG, Garcia AC, Bolanos RL, Rojas F, Gonzalez G (2010) Analysis of the economic contribution of recreational and commercial fisheries to the Costa Rican economy. Final Report. Universidad de Costa Rica, Instituto de Investigaciones en Ciencias Economicas pp. 134
Danylchuk AJ, Danylchuk SE, Cooke SJ, Goldberg TL, Koppelman J, Philipp DP (2007) Post-release mortality of bonefish, Albula vulpes, exposed to different handling practices during catch-and-release angling in Eleuthera, The Bahamas. Fish Manag Ecol 14:149–154
Ditton RB, Stoll JR (2003) Social and economic perspective on recreational billfish fisheries. Mar Fresh Res 54(4):545–554
Fedler AJ (2010) The economic impact of recreational tarpon fishing in the Caloosahatchee River and Charlotte Harbor Region of Florida. Palmetto Bay, FL: The Everglades Foundation. 20pp. https://www.bonefishtarpontrust.org/downloads/research-reports/stories/Caloosahatchee%20Final%20Report%20wExSum.pdf
Fedler AJ (2011) The economic impact of recreational tarpon fishing in the St. Lucie River and Treasure Coast region of Florida. Palmetto Bay, FL: The Everglades Foundation. 16 pp. https://www.bonefishtarpontrust.org/downloads/research-reports/stories/st-lucie-tarpon-economic-impact%20report.pdf
Fedler AJ (2013) Economic impact of the Florida Keys flats fishery. Vero Beach, FL. Bonefish & Tarpon Trust. 25 pp. https://www.bonefishtarpontrust.org/downloads/research-reports/stories/BTT%20-%20Keys%20Economic%20Report.pdf
Fedler AJ (2014) 2013 Economic impact of flats fishing in Belize. Bonefish & Tarpon Trust, Vero Beach, 19 pp. https://www.bonefishtarpontrust.org/downloads/research-reports/stories/2013-belize-economic-study.pdf
Fedler AJ (2019) The 2018 economic impact of flats fishing in The Bahamas. Miami, FL. Bonefish & Tarpon Trust. 20 pp. https://www.bonefishtarpontrust.org/downloads/research-reports/stories/bahamas-flats-economic-impact-report.pdf
Filous A, Lennox RJ, Eveson P, Raveino R, Clua EEG, Cooke SJ, Danylchuk AJ (2020) Population dynamics of roundjaw bonefish Albula glossodonta at a remote coralline Atoll inform community-based management in an artisanal fishery. Fish Manag Ecol 2:200–214
Frezza PE, Clem SE (2015) Using local fishers’ knowledge to characterize historical trends in the Florida Bay bonefish population and fishery. Environ Biol Fish 98:2187–2202
Griffin LP, Adams PA, Fordham G, Curd G, McGarigal C, Narty C, Nogues J, Rose-Innes K, Merwe DV, Clark Danylchuk S, Cooke SJ, Danylchuk AJ (2021) Cooperative monitoring program for a catch-and-release recreational fishery in the Alphonse Island group. Ocean Coast Manage, Seychelles: From data deficiencies to the foundation for science and management. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ocecoaman.2021.105681
Hanley N, Shogren JF, White, B (2016) Environmental economics: in theory and practice. Macmillan international higher education
Hanley ND, McGregor PG, Swales JK, Turner K (2006) Estimating the economic value of improvements in river ecology using choice experiments: an application to the water framework directive. In S. Navrud and R. Ready Eds) Environmental Value Transfer: Issues and Methods. 111–130
Holder PE, Griffin LP, Adams AJ et al (2020) Stress, predators, and survival: exploring permit (Trachinotus falcatus) catch-and-release fishing mortality in the Florida Keys. J Exp Mar Bio Ecol 524:151289. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jembe.2019.151289
Lewin W-F, Arlinghous R, Mehner T (2006) Documented and potential biological impacts of recreational fishing: insights for management and conservation. Rev Fish Sci 14:305–367. https://doi.org/10.1080/10641260600886455
Muoneke MI, Childress WM (1994) Hooking mortality: a review for recreational fisheries. Rev Fish Sci 2:123–156
Ostrega M, Adams AJ, Cooke SJ, Amargos FP, Bailey M (2022) Evaluating spawning aggregation management as a strategy for conserving bonefish (Albula vulpes) in Cuba. Environ Biol Fish. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10641-022-01355-0
Perez AU, Schmitter-Soto JJ, Adams AJ (2021) The first estimate of population dynamics for an interjurisdictional recreational fishery in the Caribbean Sea. Environ Biol Fish 104:341–356. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10641-021-01081-z
Philipp DP, Claussen JE, Koppelmen JB, Stein JA, Cooke SJ, Suski CD, Wahl DH, Sutter DAH, Arlinghaus R (2015) Fisheries-induced evolution in largemouth bass: linking vulnerability to angling, parental care, and fitness. Am Fish Soc Symp 82:223–234
Pina-Amargos F, Figueredo-Martin T, Perez A, Olivera Espinoza Y, Adams AJ (2022) (This Issue) The first examination of flats fish movement data to evaluate the effectiveness of marine protected areas for flats fishery conservation. Environ Biol Fish. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10641-022-01343-4
Post JR, Sullivan M, Cox S, Lester N, Walters CJ, Parkinson EA, Paul AJ, Jackson L, Shuter BJ (2002) Canada’s recreational fisheries: the invisible collapse? Fisheries 27(1):6–17
Potts WM, Saayman M, Saayman A, Mann BQ, Van de Merwe P, Britz P, Bova CS (2021) Understanding the economic activity generated by recreational fishing in South Africa provides insights on the role of recreational fisheries for social development. Fish Manag Ecol 29:29–43
Raynal JM, Weeks R, Pressey RL, Adams AJ, Barnett A, Cooke SJ, Sheaves M (2020) Habitat-dependent outdoor recreation and conservation organizations provide potential for recreational fishers to contribute to conservation of coastal marine ecosystems. Global Ecol Conserv 24:e01342. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.gecco.2020.e01342
Rennert J, Shenker JM, Angulo J, Adams AJ (2019) Age and growth of bonefish, Albula species, among Cuba habitats. Environ Biol Fish 102(2):253–265
Sherman KD, Shultz AD, Dahlgren CP, Thomas C, Brooks E, Brooks A, Brumbaugh DR, Gittens L, Murchie KJ (2018) Contemporary and emerging fisheries in The Bahamas—conservation and management challenges, achievements and future directions. Fish Manag Ecol 25(5):319–331
Smith AM, Sutton SG (2008) The role of a flagship species in the formation of conservation intentions. Hum Dimens Wildl 13(2):127–114
Southwick R, Maycock D, Bouaziz M (2016) Recreational fisheries economic impact assessment manual and its application in two cases in the Caribbean: Martinique and The Bahamas. Food and Agriculture Organizations of the United Nations. Bridgetown, Barbados
Stavins RN (1986) Saving the Tuolumne. Kennedy School of Government, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, John F
Steinberg MK (2015) A nationwide assessment of threats to bonefish, tarpon, and permit stocks and habitat in Belize. Environ Biol Fish 98:2277–2285. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10641-015-0429-x
USFWS (2013) US. Fish and Wildlife Service (2011) National Survey of Fishing, Hunting, and Wildlife-Associated Recreation: Florida. U.S. Department of Interior, Washington, DC, p 72
Weisbrod G, Weisbrod B (1997) Measuring Economic Impacts of Projects and Programs. http://www.edrgroup.com/images/stories/Transportation/econ-impact-primer.pdf
Wilson JK, Stevens PJ, Blewett D, Adams AJ (2022) A recreational fish is an appropriate flagship umbrella species for habitat conservation. Environ Biol Fish. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10641-022-01214-y
WTTC (2014) World Travel and Tourism Council, Travel and Tourism Economic Impact 2014: Belize. London, UK: World Travel and Tourism Council
WTTC (2019) World Travel and Tourism Council, Annual Research: Key Highlights. London, UK
Zwirn M, Pinsky M, Rahr G (2005) Angling ecotourism: issues: guidelines and experience from Kamchatka. J Ecotourism 4:16–31
https://www.fao.org/3/CA3366EN/ca3366en.pdf. Accessed 31 Oct 2022
Acknowledgements
We thank the many fishing guides, fishing lodge owners, and anglers who participated in this study. We also thank the Bahamas Ministry of Tourism for visitor data.
Funding
Funding was provided by grants from Bonefish & Tarpon Trust.
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Corresponding author
Ethics declarations
Conflict of interest
The authors have no conflicts of interest to declare that are relevant to the content of this article.
Ethics approval
Aaron Adams is a Guest Editor of this special issue, but he had no involvement in the peer review of this article and had no access to information regarding its peer review. No approval of research ethics committees was required to accomplish the goals of this study.
Additional information
Publisher's note
Springer Nature remains neutral with regard to jurisdictional claims in published maps and institutional affiliations.
Rights and permissions
Springer Nature or its licensor (e.g. a society or other partner) holds exclusive rights to this article under a publishing agreement with the author(s) or other rightsholder(s); author self-archiving of the accepted manuscript version of this article is solely governed by the terms of such publishing agreement and applicable law.
About this article
Cite this article
Smith, M., Fedler, A.J. & Adams, A.J. Economic assessments of recreational flats fisheries provide leverage for conservation. Environ Biol Fish 106, 131–145 (2023). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10641-022-01375-w
Received:
Accepted:
Published:
Issue Date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10641-022-01375-w