Recreational Fishing Recreational Fishing Industry in Industry in Washington State: Washington State: An Economic ReviewAn Economic Review

Carl Burke, Director of Government Carl Burke, Director of Government Affairs, Affairs, Northwest Sportfishing Industry Northwest Sportfishing Industry AssociationAssociation & Fish Northwest & Fish Northwest

National Hunting & Fishing National Hunting & Fishing Economic OverviewEconomic Overview

34 million anglers & hunters $76 billion annually Spending greater than Microsoft,

Google, eBay and Yahoo. 1.6 million jobs.

Northwest Sportfishing Industry AssociationNorthwest Sportfishing Industry Association & Fish Northwest & Fish Northwest

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National Hunting & Fishing National Hunting & Fishing Economic Overview Economic Overview (cont.)(cont.)

$208 million spent daily $25 billion in federal, and state taxes.

Northwest Sportfishing Industry AssociationNorthwest Sportfishing Industry Association & Fish Northwest & Fish Northwest

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Washington State Washington State Recreational Fishing IndustryRecreational Fishing Industry

Fish Northwest Northwest Marine Trade

Association 71 boat builders statewide 800+ support businesses

Northwest Sportfishing Industry AssociationNorthwest Sportfishing Industry Association & Fish Northwest & Fish Northwest

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Northwest Sports Fishing Northwest Sports Fishing Industry AssociationIndustry Association

350+ businesses Manufacturing, wholesalers, retailers,

hotels, marinas, sports clubs and associations.

1200+ businesses in the marine and tackle industry combined.

15,000+ statewide employees

Northwest Sportfishing Industry AssociationNorthwest Sportfishing Industry Association & Fish Northwest & Fish Northwest

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$3.7 billion annual revenue $99 million state taxes annually One of state’s larger businesses No single corporate identity/logo

i.e. Weyerhaeuser, Boeing, Microsoft

Economic ContributionsEconomic Contributions

Northwest Sportfishing Industry AssociationNorthwest Sportfishing Industry Association & Fish Northwest & Fish Northwest

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MissionMission Conservation & recovery of

the state’s fisheries resources Expansion of meaningful

fishing opportunities & participation when scientifically justified

Northwest Sportfishing Industry AssociationNorthwest Sportfishing Industry Association & Fish Northwest & Fish Northwest

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ValuesValues Recognize the fishing

rights of Native tribes Recognize the role

commercial fisheries play in providing fish to the public

Northwest Sportfishing Industry AssociationNorthwest Sportfishing Industry Association & Fish Northwest & Fish Northwest

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Decision Making ProcessDecision Making Process Science Advisory Board

2 former directors of State fish and wildlife agencies.

4 retired scientists from federal regulatory agencies

Northwest Sportfishing Industry AssociationNorthwest Sportfishing Industry Association & Fish Northwest & Fish Northwest

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Decision Making Process Decision Making Process (Cont.)(Cont.)

Advise on all aspects of science, policy, politics, and demographics

All non-paid volunteers

Northwest Sportfishing Industry AssociationNorthwest Sportfishing Industry Association & Fish Northwest & Fish Northwest

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An Industry in TroubleAn Industry in Trouble

2001- 901,000 recreational fishing licenses

2006- 700,000 recreational licenses

Exodus of angling & tourist dollars to Oregon, British Columbia & Alaska

Northwest Sportfishing Industry AssociationNorthwest Sportfishing Industry Association & Fish Northwest & Fish Northwest

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Why Are We in Trouble? Why Are We in Trouble? Declining wild salmon & steelhead

populations resulting in a loss of “meaningful opportunity”

“The opportunity to fish in a predictable place and time with a reasonable expectation of catching a fish.”

Northwest Sportfishing Industry AssociationNorthwest Sportfishing Industry Association & Fish Northwest & Fish Northwest

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How can the Legislature How can the Legislature Help?Help?

Legislature looks at ways to increase recreational opportunities.

Benchmark what the 19 other coastal states doing?

Support expansion of selective fishing statewide.

Northwest Sportfishing Industry AssociationNorthwest Sportfishing Industry Association & Fish Northwest & Fish Northwest

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How can the Legislature How can the Legislature Help? Help? (cont.)(cont.)

Help with funding for hatchery reform initiatives.

A Study regarding economic values and returns of various fishery options.

Statues governing fisheries policies are 60 years old.Northwest Sportfishing Industry AssociationNorthwest Sportfishing Industry Association & Fish Northwest & Fish Northwest

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Legislative Involvement 2007Legislative Involvement 2007

HB 1651 boating activities Provided monies for boat ramps Increased marine law enforcement

Derelict vessels & ghost net removal Governor’s Puget Sound Initiative

Northwest Sportfishing Industry AssociationNorthwest Sportfishing Industry Association & Fish Northwest & Fish Northwest

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Northwest Sportfishing Industry AssociationNorthwest Sportfishing Industry Association & Fish Northwest & Fish Northwest

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