This makes interesting reading.
quote:1.86 billion reasons to wet a line
The largest survey of recreational anglers ever undertaken in Australia has found the hobby injects $1.86 billion into Australia's economy each year.
The National Recreational and Indigenous Fishing Survey looked at the fishing patterns of 29,837 households, and has determined about one-in-five people are now classed as recreational anglers, having wet a line at least once during the 12-month period.
Speaking at the Sydney International Boat Show, Federal Fisheries Minister Senator Ian Macdonald said the survey also revealed that about 136 million aquatic animals were harvested by recreational anglers, equating to about 30,000 tonne of seafood.
"It gives the Federal Government statistics we have never before had available to us, and we will undertake a rigorous process to see if these figures are sustainable," Senator Macdonald said. "What is pleasing to me, is the fact that 60 million animals were released, representing about one-in-three fish caught.
"Releasing the animal is only half the battle though, which is why the Federal Government is funding a catch-and-release project with the Fisheries Research and Development Corporation to ensure the long term survival of an animal once it's returned to the water."
The information was collated by following the habits of 18,400 recreational anglers, who kept a diary for 12 months during 2000/01. "We now know there's over half a million boats in Australia, and 23 million fishing events each year, so the survey has confirmed how popular fishing is," Senator Macdonald said.
It's been revealed 4 per cent of Australia's 4.6 million international tourists engage in fishing, with their catch forming an insignificant proportion of the national harvest.
The survey has also found Indigenous communities harvested more than 3 million aquatic animals, with about 26,500 comprising protected animals such as dugongs and turtles.
The analysis covered 2000-01, with a repeat planned for 2005-06, in an attempt to establish a trend line. The survey is the most comprehensive ever conducted, and was funded through the Natural Heritage Trust, the Fisheries R&D Corporation and individual States and Territories. It was compiled by Gary Henry of NSW Fisheries, and Jeremy Lyle of the Tasmanian Aquaculture and Fisheries Institute.
Source: Federal Minister for Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries media release [4 August 2003]
Source: Western Angler Magazine Website
http://www.westernangler.com.au
Cheers!
Aussie - A drinkin country with a fishing probem! 
