Recreational Fishing in Florida Bay: Economic Significance and Angler Perspectives

Abstract

Florida Bay is a large, shallow, subtropical estuary located off the southern tip of the Florida peninsula and north of the Florida Keys, and is mostly contained within the bounds of Everglades National Park. Its unique ecological characteristics and location near densely populated urban areas make Florida Bay a popular tourist destination for recreational fishing. A survey of recreational anglers and guides was conducted to estimate the economic significance of recreational fishing in the Bay. Results indicate that recreational fishing on Florida Bay contributed $439 million in economic activity to the local economy in the year the study was conducted. Further, anglers from outside the region made up a disproportionate share of the economic contribution. Anglers were also queried through the survey about their opinions of the current status of the Bay. Most respondents indicated that they perceived that the quality of fish populations and habitat was declining, and that they fished the Bay less frequently than in the past. The importance of the results to restoration efforts targeting the Bay and the greater Everglades ecosystem is discussed.