The hidden value of recreational fishing

“We conduct research on the sustainability, management and valuation of natural resources. Part of our research focuses on the theme of recreational fishing – that is, fishing other than commercial fishing. This is a significant recreational activity in Sweden and plays an important role in both nature experiences and the economy,” says Rönnbäck.

Millions of anglers and billions in turnover

In 2023, 1.3 million Swedes reported fishing at least once. That year, recreational fishing had a total turnover of no less than SEK 16 billion. Most of the fishing is done using hand-held tackle – in other words, various types of fishing rods.

How were these figures arrived at? The calculations include recreational anglers’ costs such as travel, accommodation, food, clothing, tackle, boats and other expenses, amounting to a substantial combined economic value. Some fish in their home municipality, others travel long distances to visit particularly attractive fishing waters.

A sea trout worth SEK 18,000

On Gotland, the research group has conducted in-depth studies of sea trout fishing and fishing tourism. They found an annual turnover of approximately SEK 40 million. But what is most striking is the value per fish.

“We have found that a single sea trout that is kept can represent an expenditure of between SEK 7,000 and SEK 18,000. That’s a huge price per kilo and really puts a value on the fish being caught.”

The studies show that the value is even higher in some parts of the country. In Blekinge, at the famous Mörrum river sportfishing waters, the average expenditure per salmon or sea trout caught comes to SEK 45,000. But here, only 17 per cent of fish are actually kept, which means that the value per fish kept could soar to almost SEK 300,000. This highlights a key aspect of the economics of recreational fishing – the fact that most of its value is not about the fish as a food resource, but about the experience surrounding it.

How researchers collect data

How do you actually find out what a fish is worth? To obtain these figures, the researchers use surveys addressed to anglers. They are asked to report their expenditure on accommodation, travel, food, tackle and clothing for a specific fishing trip. By linking this to the total catch, and how much of it is kept, researchers can create economic analyses.

The research also builds on interviews, field trips and cooperation with local actors. In addition, the researchers collaborate with a wide network of stakeholders: national authorities, county administrative boards, tourism entrepreneurs and organisations such as the Swedish Sport Fishing and Fishing Conservation Association.

A complex resource to manage below the surface

Fish are not a static resource. They swim between rivers, lakes and seas – sometimes over long distances and between countries. This makes their management unusually complex.

“It is precisely this complexity that makes it so fascinating to study,” says Rönnbäck. “We work with resources that cannot always be controlled, that move across large and living waterscapes.”

Recreational fishing also involves many stakeholders and interests. Besides the economic aspects, it encompasses recreation, outdoor activities and public health. In addition, there are many dedicated private individuals who voluntarily participate in fish conservation and aquatic environment projects.

Sustainable fishing requires living waters

Sustainable recreational fishing depends, first and foremost, on the presence of fish. For there to be fish, there have to be well-functioning ecosystems and a good aquatic environment status. There also have to be regulations limiting the amount of fish extracted by both commercial and recreational fishing.

“Fishing has to be carefully managed. If we extract too much, we jeopardise entire stocks. But we mustn’t just look at the threats either. It’s important to highlight good examples of management that give hope for viable aquatic environments and sustainable fishing,” Rönnbäck concludes.

Daniel Olsson