Conservation Corner: May 27, 2002

National Fishing and Boating Week
by James L. Cummins

National Fishing and Boating Week is June 1 through June 9, 2002. This is the perfect time to celebrate Mississippi's bountiful waters and its fisheries resources, as well as relax.

According to Clarke Reed, Chairman of the Mississippi Fish and Wildlife Foundation, "The Foundation is pleased to be a part of this worthwhile effort to reconnect families in the communities throughout Mississippi through fishing and boating."

Recreational boating is one of the most popular forms of family recreation. According to the National Marine Manufacturers Association, more than 72 million Americans participated in recreational boating in 2000. Almost 17 million boats were used in 2000. It is estimated that more than half a million boats were sold in 2000. Over $25 billion was spent at retail outlets during 2000 for new and used boats, motors and engines, trailers, accessories and other associated costs. Over 41% of fiberglass and aluminum fishing boat owners are adults with children 18 years old and younger.

Fishing is one of America's favorite outdoor recreational pastimes. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service states that of the U.S. population, ages 16 and older, over 35 million go fishing. This represents 17 percent of the population. In addition, there are almost 15 million youth anglers. Recreational anglers, ages 16 and older, spend over $37 billion a year to fish. This has tremendous economic impacts: $108.4 billion in industry output, $28.2 billion in salaries and wages, $5.4 billion in income and sales taxes and 1.2 million jobs.

Recreational anglers, ages 16 and older, spend 625 million days fishing on 507 million trips a year. Of the days spent fishing, 82 percent are in freshwater and 17 percent are in saltwater. The average angler, age 16 and older, spends $1,072 to fish in a year's time. Over a year, the average angler 16 years and older spends $151 for fishing tackle and other equipment, $436 for trip-related goods and services and $106 for transportation. Freshwater fishing expenditures by anglers, 16 years and older, are estimated at $26.9 billion and saltwater fishing expenditures estimated $8.7 billion.

During National Fishing and Boating Week, I encourage you to carry your son, daughter, niece, nephew or other young person fishing. Besides the economic impact that will accrue to Mississippi and our nation, the values it will instill will last a lifetime.

And finally, a conservation message by Forrest Gump, "When you go fishing', never keep the little fish. You won't eat them and the big fish will."

James L. Cummins is Executive Director of the Mississippi Fish and Wildlife Foundation in Stoneville, Mississippi. Known as "Wildlife Mississippi," the Foundation is a non-profit, conservation organization founded to conserve, restore and enhance fish, wildlife and plant resources throughout Mississippi.