Rec fishing: Culturally, economically and environmentally significant to Australians
A national survey announced last week has uncovered the true value of recreational fishing in Australia and the results are clear – it’s great for your health, the environment and our economy.
The National Social and Economic Survey of Recreational Fishers jointly carried out by ABARES, the University of Canberra, FRDC and the Australian Recreational Fishing Foundation is the first national survey in more than 20 years.
The survey found:
- 4.2 million Aussies fish each year, which is the equivalent of one in five adults – that’s a lot of fishos!
- It is great for the economy contributing more than $11.5 billion to GDP per annum and supporting over 100,000 jobs each year
- Rec fishers contribute to waterway conservation with 75% participating in stewardship activities like litter cleanups or habitat restoration projects
- Fishing improves your health, with people who fish found to have, on average, higher levels of wellbeing than non-fishers
- Fishing is perceived positively by non-fishers
- Fishing helps nurture family bonding and positive social connections
Another finding worth celebrating is that most recreational fishers are up to date in correct fishing practices and will share that information with their peers.
“The evidence is clear, rec fishers do their best to fish responsibly and contribute to supporting the future of fishing by being waterway stewards,” said Craig Copeland, CEO of OzFish Unlimited.
“We’ve seen through the success of OzFish that anglers want to give back. But it remains critical for all of us to work together to continue to provide anglers with the tools and knowledge to foster their involvement in conservation projects and citizen science activities.
“The information provided in the survey will be invaluable. It will guide our future strategy and ensure we are focused on what matters,” stated Craig Copeland.
The publication of this survey is extremely timely as more focus is placed on the importance of habitat restoration with the Australian Government signing on to the COP 15 international biodiversity agreement to have restoration completed or underway on at least 30% of degraded inland waters, and coastal and marine ecosystems.