A national survey shows sport fishing continues to have a positive impact on Nova Scotia’s rural economy.

Sport fishing generated $58 million in direct spending and attracted 65,000 licensed anglers in 2010.

The estimated economic impact of the sport fishery in Nova Scotia is $85.6 million each year.

“Sport fishing is a healthy, outdoor activity which may be enjoyed at a reasonable cost and, as a lifelong sport, can be enjoyed by young and old,” said Keith Colwell, Minister of Fisheries and Aquaculture. “The survey results tell us more about the people who take part in the sport, the money they spend in the province, and their fishing activities.”

Of the 57,755 licensed anglers in 2010, 55,951 were Nova Scotia residents and 1,804 were non-residents, mainly from Canada. The survey estimated 14,466 youth participated in the fishery.

Nova Scotia’s inland fisheries division, with the economic analysis division of the federal Department of Fisheries and Oceans, conducted the survey. Questionnaires were sent to 2,788 people who bought recreational fishing licences in Nova Scotia in 2010. Fifty-nine per cent were returned, which is considered to be representative of the licensed participants in Nova Scotia’s sport fishery.

The survey is available online at http://novascotia.ca/fish/sportfishing.

Source: Release