IV-537 



estuarine-dependent species. This is a conservative estimate of the 

 direct value derived from the estuarine fishery for it does not 

 include the value of fish harvested by foreign vessels off the 

 United States coast. Five of the six leading species by weight, 

 representing over one-half of the United States commercial fish 

 tonnage 1n 1967, are estuarine-dependent. 



RECREATION 



The demand for outdoor recreation has increased significantly over 

 the past decade. The trend toward higher Dersonal income and 

 more leisure time has made it possible for a greater percentage of 

 the populace to seek new outlets. Companies manufacturing equipment 

 for outdoor recreation have sprung up by the hundreds. 



The advertising industry has campaigned vigorously to sell the 

 public on the need for recreation, and service facilities to support 

 the recreational ist are blossoming in all parts of the country. 



There are a wide variety of land and water recreational activities 

 available in the estuarine zone and many estuarine systems are 

 intensively used for recreational pursuits. The unique combination 

 of available resources in close proximity to large population 

 centers offers an unparalleled recreational opportunity for 

 many people who could not afford to travel far from their homes. 



Each type of recreational activity has a certain sensitivity to 

 the quality of the environment in which the activity takes place. 



