Assessing the Economic Impact & Significance of Recreational Angling on Pennsylvania’s Lake Erie Waters: A $40 Million Annual Economic Input
Overview:
Recreational fishing is a cornerstone of the economy in the Erie, Pennsylvania region. In 2016, Pennsylvania Sea Grant funded researchers at the Pennsylvania State University to assess the economic impact of the recreational fishing industry within Pennsylvania’s section of Lake Erie, and to garner angler feedback about their experiences and activities. Lake Erie is the shallowest, warmest, and most biologically productive of the five Great Lakes, supporting over 100 species of cold and warm water fish species, attracting anglers from around the world.
The Research:
The overarching goal of the research study was to assess the economic impact and significance of the recreational angling industry within the Pennsylvania Lake Erie watershed. For a guiding framework, the study utilized an exploratory mixed methodology which resulted in 1,189 completed online and mail-back questionnaires, 516 completed on-site questionnaires of Lake Erie anglers, and approximately 15 hours of stakeholder interviews.
Overarching Economic Observations:
- In 2016, angling related activities brought in an estimated $40.6 million in revenue to Erie County, Pennsylvania.
- For every $1 spent on recreational fishing within the Pennsylvania section of Lake Erie in 2016, $1.65 was generated for the Erie County, Pennsylvania gross regional product.
- Erie-based anglers spent an average of $459 on items like groceries, gas, groceries, fishing rods, reels, and other fishing equipment.
- Anglers visiting the region reported spending $503 on expenditures such as overnight lodging and accommodations, gas, and food and drinks at restaurants and bars.
- Pennsylvania Lake Erie angling supported approximately 539 jobs within Erie County in 2016.
- Angler expenditures provided more than $13 million in income for Erie County residents in 2016.
- A total of $19.9 million of employee compensation, proprietor income, indirect business taxes, and other property type income was generated in Erie County, Pennsylvania as a result of angler spending in 2016.
Mail-in or Online Questionnaire Results:
The following observations were received through 1,189 mail-in or online questionnaires, completed by anglers.
- Approximately 91% of respondents live in Pennsylvania but report traveling an average of 69 miles to their fishing destination.
- Anglers identified a variety of reasons and motivations for visiting the area, including relaxation, enjoyment of nature, challenge seeking, and social and family togetherness.
- Anglers reported high levels of satisfaction with the setting and environmental conditions, with more than 72% reporting being satisfied with the weather, water quality, cleanliness, and habitat conditions.
- Anglers were most likely to fish from the shoreline
- (38%) or a private boat (22%), while angling from a charter boat (3%), a rental boat (< 1%), and ice fishing (< 1%) represented the smaller angler segments.
- Anglers primarily sought to catch Yellow Perch
- (49%), Walleye (17%), Steelhead (10%), Smallmouth Bass (9%), and Largemouth Bass (6%). Other species targeted included Bluegill/Sunfish (6%), Brown Trout (1%), and Crappie (1%).
Applying the Research:
This research can be used to assist natural resource managers, business owners, decision-makers, agencies, and others to inform decisions and actions that will sustain the Pennsylvania Lake Erie recreational fishery for generations to come.
Learn more about Pennsylvania research and previous and currently funded research projects by visiting our Research page.
