Demographic Change in the United States in the 1990s and the Twenty-first Century: Implications for Fisheries Management

Abstract

Abstract Projected decreases in rates of population growth, an aging population, and an increase in minority residents will affect the demand for sport fishing with implications for management. Age and race/ethnicity-specific projections of the U.S. population and of participation in fishing are used to examine the impacts of future demographic trends on the number and characteristics of anglers. Results suggest that the rate of increase in the angler population will decline, the population will become older, and the population will have larger minority components. These changes may require increased services for elderly and minority residents at a time when they are exempt from license fees or require lower access costs, respectively. As their numbers increase, older age and minority groups are likely to enjoy greater political power. Managers are likely to find themselves forced to address the needs of these groups in more direct and visible ways than had previously been required. This will require mana...