There is little argument that managing wild saltwater fish as gamefish for recreational/personal use while replacing commercial harvest with farm-raised fish makes economic sense.

A recent study conducted by Southwick Associates, Inc., a Florida-based firm specializing in socio-economic analysis of fishing and hunting, reveals some eye-opening statistics on striped bass, among the most popular fish ranging from Maine to South Carolina.

Based on data for the year 2003, the Southwick study found that the recreational fishery for wild striped bass includes 3,018,361 anglers along the U.S. Atlantic coast and has a direct retail sales value of $2.41 billion spent on tackle, boats, motors, guides, travel and food. The total economic activity (including 63,278 full-time jobs) was more than 26 times greater than revenues generated by commercial harvest of wild stripers.

Also in 2003, the sales of “hybrid” striped bass raised through aquaculture were over 61 percent higher than the documented commercial catch of wild stripers. Further, it is believed that fish farmers can easily satisfy market demand year-round to replace all wild striper now sold, and at the same retail price.

It is simply a case of best-use economics. Avid striper anglers are pushing for gamefish status for stripers, largely through Stripers Forever, a non-profit, membership organization.

“The wild striped bass is far and away the most popular and valuable sport fish on America’s east coast,” says Brad Burns, president of Stripers Forever. “Gamefish status has already allowed redfish and snook to flourish in southern waters and attract growing numbers of anglers whose impact on local economies is significant.”

FS