Alexandria, VA - We've all heard that a picture is worth a thousand words. And that all politics is local. To this end, the American Sportfishing Association (ASA) and Southwick Associates released a report, Economic Contributions of Recreational Fishing: U.S. Congressional Districts, along with a series of one-page infographics, which depict recreational fishing's economic impact on all 435 Congressional districts and the 50 states.
This is the first time this information has been made available in such detail. In the macro, America's 46 million anglers generate more than $48 billion in retail sales with a $115 billion impact on the nation's economy creating employment for more than 800,000 people. Recreational fishing is the foundation of an industry that involves not just the manufacturing, sale or provision of tackle and other fishing gear, but also includes services such as tackle retailers, boat builders, hotels, restaurants and much more.
The information in the report and infographics use data from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Services' 2011 National Survey of Fishing, Hunting and Wildlife-Associated Recreation, conducted in conjunction with the U.S. Census Bureau, as presented in ASA's Sportfishing in America report. The study used mapping and population software to hone in on smaller geographic areas in a way that is particularly relevant to members of the U.S. House of Representatives.
The results in Economic Contributions of Recreational Fishing: U.S. Congressional Districts report the economic contributions for the respective state economies from anglers who live within each congressional district.
"Members of Congress consistently identify jobs and economic opportunity as among their top priorities," said ASA Vice President for Government Affairs Scott Gudes. "Clearly, recreational fishing is a tremendous economic driver and job creator. These pictorial reports deliver that point very succinctly by depicting for Members of Congress the economic impacts of recreational fishing in the district or state they represent."
Gudes further said, "These reports will help ASA and our partners to raise awareness among Members of Congress about the importance of recreational fishing in their state or district. Given the increasing number of legislative and policy issues confronting the recreational fishing community, it's critically important that we provide accurate, detailed information to decision-makers on the tremendous value that recreational fishing provides to the nation."
The report and congressional district infographics are available at www.ASAfishing.orgunder Facts & Figures – Studies and Surveys.
The American Sportfishing Association (ASA) is the sportfishing industry's trade association committed to representing the interests of the entire sportfishing community. We give the industry a unified voice, speaking out on behalf of sportfishing and boating industries, state and federal natural resource agencies, conservation organizations, angler advocacy groups and outdoor journalists when emerging laws and policies could significantly affect sportfishing business or sportfishing itself. ASA invests in long-term ventures to ensure the industry will remain strong and prosperous, as well as safeguard and promote the enduring social, economic and conservation values of sportfishing in America. ASA also gives America's 46 million anglers a voice in policy decisions that affect their ability to sustainably fish on our nation's waterways through KeepAmericaFishing™, our angler advocacy campaign. America's anglers generate more than $48 billion in retail sales with a $115 billion impact on the nation's economy creating employment for more than 800,000 people.
MEDIA CONTACT:
Mary Jane Williamson, Communications Director
mjwilliamson@asafishing.org, 703-519-9691, x227
www.asafishing.org
