Recreational fishing in NZ a billion dollar industry
Kiwi anglers generate $1.7 billion in annual economic activity and support more than 8100 jobsIn 2014, the New Zealand Marine Research Foundation commissioned research to generate statistically valid estimates of the economics related to recreational fishing, including expenditures, jobs, tax revenues, income and other economic contributions.
Research results have been collated in a report: Recreational Fishing in New Zealand: A Billion Dollar Industry (March 2016). The report includes some valuable findings that add considerable weight to the validity of the recreational fishing economy in NZ.
New Zealand residents and international visitors spend a billion dollars per annum fishing in the sea around New Zealand. This spending stimulates around 1.7 billion dollars in annual economic activity, supporting more than 8100 jobs and contributing at least $638 million in GDP to the New Zealand economy.
Recreational fishers are making a significant contribution to the national economy, and this spending is enhancing the well-being of all New Zealanders.
Until now the thousands of businesses that serve recreational fishing interests from north to south had not been considered an industry in its own right. This research confirms there is substantial economic activity associated with recreational fishing. It also presents a strong basis to support policy changes that enable restoration of inshore fisheries and diversity in the marine environment.
Recreational fishing is a vital part of the fastest growing revenue sector in New Zealand, tourism. Greater abundance of inshore fish stocks will mean greater certainty leading to better fishing experiences, increased international and domestic tourism, more consumer spending and job creation.
You can read the report Recreational Fishing in New Zealand: A Billion Dollar Industry here. Here are 13 key facts from that report...
13 Interesting Stats about the NZ Rec Fishing Industry
>> Rec anglers spend 2.5 million fishing days per year in NZ
>> Each Kiwi resident spends on average $1400 per year on fishing
>> Each Kiwi resident boater spends $1800 per year on fishing
>> Rec fishing is the 5th most popular rec activity for adults
>> Rec fishing supports 8100 full-time jobs
>> 65 per cent of all anglers in NZ fish from a boat
>> Just 6 per cent of all landed catch in NZ are taken by rec fishers
>> Most popular species in order: snapper, kahawai (salmon), various gamefish, blue cod, kingfish, trevally, hapuka
>> 100,000 international tourists fish in the NZ sea each year
>> 39,000 tourists hire a charter boat
>> $2800 spent per trip spent by visiting fishers
>> $89m dollars spent by tourists on marine fishing activities annually
>> $68m to GDP and 1100 full-time jobs supported by fishing tourism
Photo credit: Courtesy of Stabicraft and Nomad Charters (kingfush).
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