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My interpretation is that NOAA/ASMFC is trying to get a handle on the economic value of the recreational fishing segment. They already have numbers for the commercial segment and need to have something for the Recs in order to weigh decisions that could affect each sector. Remember, they do report to the Department of Commerce.
Since the Recs don't earn income from the fish they catch, how does one determine the value? NOAA has already asked Recs (me included) how much they spend on fishing, but that doesn't reveal the real value. I think the question asked about how much you would be willing to take in order to give up fishing is just a market research tool to come up with a measure.
I spent about $2,800 last season but It would take $10,000 or more for me to give it up.
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