05-02-2008, 08:15 PM
Sacramento, California - A new economic study, released Friday by the Partnership for Sustainable Oceans (PSO), demonstrates that two of the three marine protected area (MPA) proposals currently before the Marine Life Protection Act (MLPA) Blue Ribbon Task Force (BRTF) could have a devastating effect on the economy of California's North Central Coast. Using available economic and fishing data, the study illustrates the impact that each MPA proposal will have on marine recreational fishing and local economies. Annually, recreational fishing has more than a billion dollar impact on California's economy.
<br>"This economic analysis was developed to help policymakers, the media and recreational fishermen gain a better appreciation of the extent of marine recreational fishing, the related retail expenditures and the resulting jobs, tax revenues and other economic benefits generated for California's economy," said Gordon Robertson, vice president, American Sportfishing Association. "Many of these businesses are directly related to fishing such as charter boats, marinas and tackle shops. However, many more businesses supported by anglers include hotels, restaurants, convenience stores and more."<br>
<br>Of the three proposals being considered by the BRTF, Proposal 2-XA, which has the support of the PSO, establishes MPAs that will have the least economic impact by minimizing unnecessary closures to recreational fishing. According to the study, adoption of Proposal 1-3 would result in higher economic losses in contrast to 2-XA. Proposal 4 would result in a 30 percent decrease in retail sales, jobs and state and local tax revenues, compared to 2-XA, by prohibiting fishing in 14 percent of the study area.<br>
<br>Combined with the recent salmon season closures, businesses dependent on recreational fishing will suffer significant and potentially irreparable economic consequences. This may require California Governor Schwarzenegger to issue another disaster proclamation concurrent with the implementation of the Marine Life Protection Act (MLPA).<br>
<br>"The available economic data proves what we already know: Marine recreational fishing is an important outdoor activity for nearly one million of California residents and visitors. Recreational fishermen spend significant amounts of money, and that money has a ripple effect throughout the economy - particularly in coastal communities reliant on tourism and destination dollars," said Rob Southwick, president, Southwick Associates, who conducted the research.<br>
<br>Recreational fisherman in the North Central Coast generate:<br>
<br>* $104.4 million in retail sales;
* $59.6 million in salaries, wages, and business earnings;
* 1,611 jobs;
* $13.0 million in State and local tax revenue; and
* $184.7 million in total economic activity (ripple effect).<br>
<br>A copy of the report is available at www.keepamericafishing.org/california.asp.<br>;
<br>For frequent updates about the PSO's efforts on behalf of recreational fishermen within the MLPA process please visit www.keepamericafishing.org.
<br>"This economic analysis was developed to help policymakers, the media and recreational fishermen gain a better appreciation of the extent of marine recreational fishing, the related retail expenditures and the resulting jobs, tax revenues and other economic benefits generated for California's economy," said Gordon Robertson, vice president, American Sportfishing Association. "Many of these businesses are directly related to fishing such as charter boats, marinas and tackle shops. However, many more businesses supported by anglers include hotels, restaurants, convenience stores and more."<br>
<br>Of the three proposals being considered by the BRTF, Proposal 2-XA, which has the support of the PSO, establishes MPAs that will have the least economic impact by minimizing unnecessary closures to recreational fishing. According to the study, adoption of Proposal 1-3 would result in higher economic losses in contrast to 2-XA. Proposal 4 would result in a 30 percent decrease in retail sales, jobs and state and local tax revenues, compared to 2-XA, by prohibiting fishing in 14 percent of the study area.<br>
<br>Combined with the recent salmon season closures, businesses dependent on recreational fishing will suffer significant and potentially irreparable economic consequences. This may require California Governor Schwarzenegger to issue another disaster proclamation concurrent with the implementation of the Marine Life Protection Act (MLPA).<br>
<br>"The available economic data proves what we already know: Marine recreational fishing is an important outdoor activity for nearly one million of California residents and visitors. Recreational fishermen spend significant amounts of money, and that money has a ripple effect throughout the economy - particularly in coastal communities reliant on tourism and destination dollars," said Rob Southwick, president, Southwick Associates, who conducted the research.<br>
<br>Recreational fisherman in the North Central Coast generate:<br>
<br>* $104.4 million in retail sales;
* $59.6 million in salaries, wages, and business earnings;
* 1,611 jobs;
* $13.0 million in State and local tax revenue; and
* $184.7 million in total economic activity (ripple effect).<br>
<br>A copy of the report is available at www.keepamericafishing.org/california.asp.<br>;
<br>For frequent updates about the PSO's efforts on behalf of recreational fishermen within the MLPA process please visit www.keepamericafishing.org.