Page 31 - Mid America Boating - January 2025 issue

Recreational boating and

fishing anchor the nation’s outdoor

recreation economy

New BEA data shows top economic contributions

from boating and fishing activities

report revealed that boating and fishing account for 31 [ MID-AMERICA BOATING ] JANUARY 2025
$36.8 billion in current-dollar value added, representing
a significant portion of the $639.5 billion outdoor recre-
ation economy in 2023.
The data also highlighted the impact of the industry
at the state level, with Florida ($4.2 billion), California
($3.1 billion), and Texas ($2.8 billion) leading as top
contributors.
“BoatUS is committed to ensuring that policymak-
ers recognize and prioritize the needs of boaters and
anglers,” said BoatUS Manager of Government Affairs
David Kennedy. “This may include ensuring boaters have
A new report from the U.S. Department of sufficient and safe access to the water such as launch
Commerce’s Bureau of Economic Analysis ramps, support for boating safety programs, and conser-
(BEA) reaffirms that recreational boating and vation efforts to support fish stocks.”
fishing continue to drive the outdoor recre- The report also noted that outdoor recreation overall
ation economy, contributing more than any accounted for 2.3% of the U.S. Gross Domestic Product
other conventional outdoor activity includ- (GDP) in 2023. Boating and fishing were listed as the
ing RVing, hunting/shooting, motorcycling largest contributors to this sector in 34 states and the
or equestrian activities. The “Outdoor Recre- District of Columbia, demonstrating their widespread
ation Satellite Account: U.S. and States, 2023” economic significance.
The BEA report’s findings come as communities across
the U.S. face decisions on how best to manage natural
Having sufficient boating access resources and recreation infrastructure.
points such as launch ramps or For more information on BEA’s findings and what
marinas are critical for recreational they mean for recreational boating, visit www.bea.gov/
boating and fishing and supporting news/2024/outdoor-recreation-satellite-account-us-and-
the outdoor economy states-202 MAB

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