Chris Hyde, Rebecca Travnichek, and Howard Clonts

Alabama has tremendous recreational fishing resources. Public waters of the state total more than one million surface acres, and there are 150,000 additional surface acres of private impoundments. Until recently, little was known about the economic benefits that recreational fishing provides to the economy of Alabama. A recent AAES study indicates that in 1994 total economic activity from fishing was estimated at $2 billion.

For the study, a questionaire was mailed to a random sample of 1994 Alabama resident anglers. Survey respondents were asked about numerous fishing-related issues as well as sociodemographic questions. A total of 403 useable surveys were collected. A spending distribution plan was used to determine the transfer of wealth among the four regions and an input-output simulation plan was used to estimate economic impact of recreational fishing in Alabama.

Results showed that Alabama's economy gained direct spending of $1.3 billion from the fishing activities of 695,558 resident anglers and 99,356 nonresident licensed anglers. The recreational fishing industry also was found to provide a substantial number of jobs to the citizens of Alabama. Expenditures by licensed anglers in Alabama sustain an estimated annual work force of 36,539 employees with annual earnings of $600 million.

In 1994 there were 452,113 licensed Alabama resident anglers. Interestingly, national studies estimate that only 65% of anglers purchase a resident fishing license. Although some anglers are exempt from the license requirement, an estimated 19% fish illegally without the required license. Using the national average of 35% nonlicensed, 243,445 resident Alabama anglers were nonlicensed bringing the total number of resident anglers during 1994 to 695,558.

Part of the study characterized Alabama anglers as to who they are, what their fishing and spending habits are, and how their fishing concerns and needs can be met. About 60% of Alabama's population resides in the northern counties, yet anglers from these counties accounted for almost 75% of all fishing expenditures. Anglers from all regions tended to stay in their home areas to make their purchases, but this was more true for southern residents than northern anglers.

Although anglers from northern counties spent more on fishing than those in the southern counties, South Alabama benefitted from northern residents traveling and spending in southern counties. Residents of Northwest Alabama spent about 42% of their fishing expenditures in the other three regions, but only 3% of expenditures by residents in the other three regions were spent in the northwest region. The income transfer from north to south helps the less populated southern portion of the state benefit from the fishing industry.

The study documented the importance of Alabama's rivers and reservoirs as fishery resources to all segments of anglers whether young or old, urban or rural. In fact, 75% of anglers surveyed reported that they fished in public waters exclusively. Alabama licensed anglers are also predominantly freshwater anglers. About 85% of anglers fished freshwater exclusively, with the remainder of anglers fishing either saltwater (5%) or a combination of freshwater and saltwater (10%).

Survey results indicated a highly homogeneous population of Alabama anglers. The licensed angler population was determined to be 93% white and 83% male. Other analysis showed that fishing for food was of relatively low importance and that anglers were not fishing to escape from their daily routine. Considering the reported angler average of 36 fishing days and seven fishing tournaments per year, fishing is apparently more a part of the angler's regular routine rather than an escape from it. Although fish consumption was not considered to be an important benefit of fishing by the respondents to this survey, previous studies have shown fish consumption to be a very important benefit to low-income anglers and their families in Alabama.

Information from the survey provided a profile of the typical Alabama licensed angler. The angler is a 43-year-old white, married male who lives in a small town of less than 2,500 persons, has approximately 13 years of education, and an annual household pre-tax income of $46,600. He has been fishing for 32 years, enjoys fishing with his family, and spent a remarkable $2,330 (about 5% of his income) on fishing equipment and activities in 1994.

Estimated 1994 Alabama Licensed, Alabama Nonlicensed, and Out-of-State Angler Expenditures

Expenditure category	Totals	Resident licensed angler	Resident nonlicensed angler	Out-of-state licensed angler
	mil. dol.	mil. dol.	mil. dol.	mil. dol.
Camping equipment	83.0	50.0	26.9	6.1
Boat/boating equipment	650.0	407.5	219.4	23.1
Fishing equipment, licenses, and fees	199.4	125.8	67.7	5.9
Food and lodging	137.7	87.6	47.2	2.9
Transportation	152.6	96.5	52.0	4.1
Miscellaneous goods and services	36.5	22.3	12.0	2.2
Totals	1,259.2	789.8	425.2	44.2

Recreational fishing is a sustainable natural resource that provides excellent recreational opportunities and a strong economic base to Alabama. Efforts should be made to encourage both resident and nonresident anglers, and nonanglers alike, to share in the excellent fisheries resources found throughout Alabama. Promotional programs designed to target these groups could increase economic benefits to rural communities in the state.