The United Nations Food and Agriculture Organisation’s (UNFAO) State of World Fisheries and Aquaculture (SOFIA) report for 2008 reveals that around 80 per cent of the world’s fish species are either fully or over-exploited. Many in the sportfishing industry feel that it’s time that sportfishing – and particularly the tourism that it generates – was recognised as providing ecologically sustainable and economically beneficial answers for creating healthy, sustainable fisheries.
Current government attitudes give primary industry (especially commercial fishing) or Green groups priority in the use of natural resources. Recreational fishing as an industry will need to organise itself to achieve
better and more conservation-minded fisheries policy, and demonstrate they offer a superior alternative to both the short-term outlook of commercial fishing and the protectionism of the
Green lobby.
Studies by organisations such as The Billfish Foundation (TBF) show that conservation programs like those advocated by the sportfishing industry actually increase the quality and quantity of commercial harvests over time. TBF reported that sportfishing in Baja California Sur – a single State in Mexico – generated over US$630 million in 2008, accounting for 35,000 jobs and more than US$1.25 billion in revenues overall.
A 2004 study by Ernst & Young on the economic impact of the striped marlin fishery in NSW, quoted in the 2011 Boating and Fishing Council of Australia report Keep Australia Fishing, concludes that recreational fishing’s contribution to the local economy surpassed that of commercial fishing by a factor of nearly 30.
The international market for eco-tourism is rapidly expanding and seeking new destinations, particularly in the area of sportfishing. There are an estimated three million recreational anglers in Australia alone, fostering economic activity of up to $10 billion annually.
Recent market research shows that a tourist destination that has reduced over-fishing and put in place sound conservation regulations on sportsfishing increases the probability that a travelling angler will choose that destination by over 80 per cent. In the United States alone, approximately 7.5 million people travel outside their country to fish.
Australia has many advantages in attracting recreational anglers. In addition to the wide range of fishing experiences and species that are accessible, the sport is very popular locally, with an experienced, high-quality local industry with worldwide connections. To further support the industry, there is established tourist infrastructure in many of the best gamefishing locations, and recreational angling enjoys growing popularity with the expanding Asian tourism market.
Low environmental impact industries like sportfishing offer a sustainable, rewarding way to maintain and protect domestic fisheries while still being able to profit from them. Eco-tourism has been hugely beneficial to many of the world’s most highly regarded, pristine environments; offering protection and the managed use of a unique, irreplaceable resource.
Australia already trades heavily on a reputation for unspoilt natural attractions – like the Great Barrier Reef or Kakadu – and a great outdoors lifestyle, so sportfishing tourism is a natural fit with the existing perceptions of the tourism market.
To capitalise on the economic and environmental benefits of an expanded sportfishing industry will require more coordination and political representation from the diverse array of associated individuals and organisations. If properly managed, a robust and responsible sportfishing industry is in Australia’s long-term interest, and should be encouraged by all who value the preservation of our natural environment.
