Angler Expenditures and Economic Impact Assessments

NOAA Fisheries conducts nationwide expenditure surveys of marine anglers every three to five years. Survey results are used to assess how marine recreational fishing contributes to the economies of coastal communities and to the nation’s economy.

 In 2014, marine anglers in the United States spent $4.9 billion on fishing trips and $28 billion on fishing equipment (e.g., fishing rods, fishing tackle, boats and other fishing-related goods). These expenditures generated an estimated $60.6 billion in total output, added $35.5 billion in contribution to gross domestic product, and supported more than 439,000 jobs across the United States.