New report reveals angler numbers in Australia

A new survey containing valuable information for the Australian fishing tackle industry has just been released.

The National Social and Economic Survey of Recreational Fishers is the first of its type in more than 20 years and reveals information on participation rates and fishing’s contribution to the economy and society.

Its findings show that one in five Australians go fishing every year, the sport provides 100,000 jobs and fishing contributes $11 billion to the country’s economy.

The survey was conducted by the Australian Bureau of Agricultural and Resource Economics and Science (ABARES), the University of Canberra and the Australian Recreational Fishing Foundation.

“A total of 4.2 million or one in five adult Australians were estimated to participate in recreational fishing each year,” said ABARES Executive Director, Dr. Jared Greenville (main picture).

“The number of recreational fishers has increased since 2000 as the population has also increased. However, the proportion of fishers has remained relatively stable overall.”

“Australians were estimated to spend 28 million days fishing each year. While most recreational fishers fish fewer than five days a year, a small proportion fish more than 52 days a year.

“The survey results also showed that most Australians have a positive outlook on recreational fishing, with 79% of Australian adults considering recreational fishing to be an acceptable activity.”

The Managing Director of the Fisheries Research and Development Corporation (FRDC), Dr. Patrick Hone, said recreational fishing is an important part of Australian culture and contributes to the health and wellbeing of participants.

“Timely research on recreational fishers is critical to informing fisheries management in a changing climate,” he added.

“This report will contribute to a body of knowledge that collectively we need to invest in to ensure that a pastime enjoyed by one in five Australians can be enjoyed now and for generations to come.”