Striper Fishery of Significant Economic Value

(Phippsburg, ME - August 20, 2007) 

The organizers of the 17 Rivers Striper Tournament recognize that saltwater striper fishing here in Maine is “world class” and the economic impact it imparts on the local economy is “significant”.

Fishing is one of America’s favorite past-times. A Harris poll conducted in 2001 found “recreational fishing was America’s top outdoor leisure activity”. According to U.S. Fish & Wildlife, “more than 50 million children and adults enjoy the sport of fishing in America” and the Sporting Goods Manufacturers Association claim “almost 2 times more people fish than play golf”.

Fishing and related activities have a significant impact on our economy. Data collected by the US Bureau of Census show “13% of the U.S. population ages 16 and older spent an average of 17 days per year fishing”. Nationally, this translates to “over $41 billion dollars spent on fishing”.

In the northeast, U.S. Fish & Wildlife estimate “11% (1.25 million) of the regional population fish” and in Maine “354,000 pursue such activities”. In aggregate “fishermen spending an estimated $256 million pursuing fishing activities in Maine” and saltwater fishing makes up nearly 26% of that total.

Tournament organizers recognize this tournament will be a fun regional fishing competition and anticipate a good deal of media visibility will result. We hope such visibility will raise the publics awareness to the value of this fishery and lend perspective to its impact on the local economy.

For additional information or for a Tournament Fact sheet (MS Word), please contact Mr. Robert Fernald - Event Organizer.