Where’s the Value: Recreational or Commercial Fishing?

“The Billfish Conservation Act is win-win legislation for the environment and the economy, “says NCMC’s Hinman.  “Marlin, sailfish and spearfish are some of the world’s most majestic marine fish.  They are apex predators that play a critical role in maintaining healthy ocean ecosystems.”

“Billfish are also highly esteemed by recreational anglers the world over,” adds Rob Kramer, president of the IGFA. “Catch-and-release fisheries for these species support many marine jobs and generate billions of dollars to the U.S. economy.”

The sale of billfish in the U.S. contributes very little to our commercial fishing industry, on the other hand.  Billfish account for just 0.07% of the total annual revenue from all commercial fishing.  There are many sustainable alternatives for restaurants and retailers to offer in place of billfish, which is why many restaurants are already voluntarily taking marlin off their menus.

As billfish require conservation action, the National Coalition for Marine Conservation points out that the fish are worth more in alive than on a dinner plate.  That’s from the Summer issue of the NCMC Marine Bulletin found here.