Fishing demand, catch and effort data, and economic impacts associated with recreational fishing near oil and gas structures in the Gulf of Mexico

Abstract

The purpose of this research project, performed under a Minerals Management Service contract, was
to estimate demand, expenditures, and economic impact associated with recreational fishing and
diving near GOM-based oil and gas structures and artificial reefs created from such structures. The
primary research approach involved a series of sample surveys during 1999 of recreational
fishermen and divers along the Gulf coast including the states of Alabama, Mississippi, Louisiana,
and Texas. Because detailed species information was collected, results are available on target
species and catch. The results of the surveys of recreational fishermen and divers strongly indicated
that the availability of oil and gas structures as well as artificial reefs created from such structures
are extremely important to the coastal counties of the Gulf states. Of the 4.5 million recreational
fishing trips estimated in the Gulf states from Alabama through Texas in 1999, 21.9% were within
300 feet of an oil or gas structure. Of the 83,780 estimated diving trips, 93.6% were within 300 feet
of such a structure. The economic activity associated with these visits was substantial. According
to the analyses performed, there were $172.9 million in direct expenditures during 1999 associated
with recreational visits to oil and gas structures in the Gulf states plus another $640.0 million in
annual equipment-related expenditures. The total economic output in coastal areas associated with
recreational fishing and diving near oil and gas structures in the Gulf was $324.6 million, including
$164.1 million in the value added component and employment estimated at 5,560 full-time
equivalents.