As I said, it is already well known what the impact to the economy is. The rec contribution is very big. What's the point of the fishery dept's putting an accurate dollar figure on this? Their job is to PROTECT THE FISHERY and they are NOT doing it (by any measure). Determining what it takes to "buy out" a fishermen from fishing again is ridiculous.
Recreational fishing is a multi-billion dollar industry[1] In the USA, about 12 million recreational saltwater fishers generate $30 billion in economic impact and support 350,000 jobs.[2]
1)
American Sportfishing Association
2)
Recreational Fisheries Services