Economic impact of recreational fishing and diving associated with offshore oil and gas structures in the Gulf of Mexico

Abstract

From Conclusions: "In summary, it can be concluded as a result of this study that there is substantial recreational activity associated with the presence of oil and gas structures in the Gulf of Mexico from Alabama through Texas and these activities have a considerable economic impact. Because the presence of oil and gas structures is important to recreational fishing and diving, consideration should be given to assuring the continued availability of at least some of these structures across the range of the Gulf Coast area, even after they are no longer used for oil or gas extraction. Decisions on structure removal must take into account the effects on recreational activities and the economic value they represent . It is noted that the process by which fishermen and divers select the specific oil and gas structures to visit is not well understood. Both the incremental value that was established in this research and the fact that fishermen and divers visit multiple structures on each trip suggest that there is a decision process which underlies the selection of particular structures for recreational activities. If a decision about removal of a specific structure is being considered, it would be extremely useful to have in hand a set of variables which are known to be associated with structure selection . Decision-making processes for structure removal should include consideration of the needs of recreational fishermen and divers. Moreover, fishing and diving interests across the Gulf should be kept informed about the processes of structure removal and given opportunity to participate in such decisions.