Understanding the economic activity generated by recreational fishing in South Africa provides insights on the role of recreational fisheries for social development

While the economic activity associated with recreational fishing is well assessed in the developed world, substantially less is known in developing countries. South Africa is a unique microcosm for applying economic evaluation frameworks as its dualist economy shares characteristics of both the developed and developing world. Understanding participation levels and the role of dualism in economic activity linked to recreational fisheries is a crucial step towards leveraging the sector for economic development. A total of 1320 face-to-face and online questionnaires were used to estimate annual economic spend by recreational fishers, and the economic activity associated with this spend was modelled using Social Accounting Matrix analysis. Recreational fishing participation estimates totalled 1,327,633, which contributed ZAR 32.6 billion (US$2.2 billion) per year to economic activity and sustained 94,070 full-time jobs. However, less than 10% of the economic activity benefitted lower income households, suggesting that the first and second economies of this dualist economy are disconnected. This is likely similar in other developing nations with international tourism-driven recreational fisheries. To reduce this disconnect, changes in tourism policies to focus on local development, the identification of recreational fisheries tourism hotspots and the development of local education, skills and appropriate infrastructure through public-private partnerships will be necessary.

Automated summary

The study in South Africa found that recreational fishing contributes significantly to the economy but mainly benefits higher income households, indicating a disconnect between the two economies. To address this issue, changes in tourism policies, development of local education, skills, and infrastructure will be necessary.