46 



and recession. Since that time the prices of fish substitutes (meat, 

 poultry) have risen again and fish consumption and prices have generally- 

 resumed their upward trend. It is perhaps appropriate therefore that the 

 study be updated. 



C. Recreational Fisheries 



In Sections I and II of this report it was noted that the Act contains 

 provisions which require the inclusion of recreational or sport fishing 

 benefits in the implementation of the OSY concept. It was also noted that 

 while some surveys have been conducted in recent years, the data base is 

 extremely fragmentary. Moreover there exist substantial gaps, both in con- 

 ception and measurement of recreational fishing benefits. 



Although most of the discussions surrounding the Act have dealt with 

 commercial fishing, the Act empowers the Secretary of Commerce to manage 

 marine recreational fisheries with the goal of OSY. The concept of OSY has 

 received considerable attention in commercial fisheries, but relatively little 

 attention in recreational fishing. Since OSY ostensibly maximizes direct net 

 benefits Cnational benefits] subject to a sustainable level of fish stocks, 

 it becomes necessary to determine what affects these benefits. We do not 

 have good conceptual understanding of the relationship between (a) direct 

 net benefit to the users and (b) population dynamics of the fishery. Hence 

 the first need is for ad hoc studies of marine recreational fishing which 

 develop the OSY concept; these studies should also attempt to substantiate 

 conceptual models with empirical work. This initial phase would provide 

 benchmark results and experience for subsequent, more comprehensive phase of 

 work. 



