NOAA Fisheries Image Gallery

Harbor Sunset

Picture by: Nicole Bartlett Picture taken on: February 7th, 2008

Tags: for-hire fishing harbor charter boat economic impact

More than just an enjoyable way to spend time on the water with friends and family, recreational fishing is an economic engine that drives the economies in many coastal communities. According to a 2006 National Oceanic and Atmospheric Agency (NOAA) survey, recreational saltwater anglers collectively spent $18 billion on equipment like rods, reels, and boats. These purchases rippled through the economy contributing $59 billion in benefit to the U.S. economy and supporting 384,000 American jobs.