Marine sport fishing is an important activity in the region. The 

 gross value of sport fishing in the Northeast has been estimated at 

 nearly $1 billion, not including the popular activity of recreational 

 shellfishing. Sport fishing landings account for almost 37 percent of 

 the total harvest of bluefish, striped bass, mackerel, flounder, and 

 cod. Commercial and sport fishermen also compete for scup, haddock 

 and pollack. Offshore oil development could disrupt sport fishing to 

 some degree. Offshore and nearshore spills could damage stocks and 

 OCS-related facilities could restrict public access to fishing and shell 

 fishing areas. 



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