The Impact of United States Recreational Fisheries on Marine Fish Populations

• DOI: 10.1126/science.1100397
• Publication Date: 2004-08-27T00:17:10Z
• Authors: Felicia C. Coleman; Will F. Figueira; Jeffrey S. Ueland; Larry B. Crowder
• Keywords: Overfishing; Pollock; Stock assessment; Catch and release

We evaluated the commercial and recreational fishery landings over past 22 years, first at national level, then for populations of concern (those that are overfished or experiencing overfishing), finally by region. Recreational in 2002 account 4% total marine fish landed United States. With large industrial fisheries excluded (e.g., menhaden pollock), component rises to 10%. Among concern, 23% nationwide, rising 38% South Atlantic 64% Gulf Mexico. Moreover, it affects many most-valued species—including red drum, bocaccio, snapper—all which taken primarily fishery.