A preliminary study on economic value of recreational fishing in Izmir Inner Bay, Aegean Sea (Turkey)

Abstract

This study on recreational fishing characteristics and economic valuation in İzmir Inner Bay is intended to provide fisheries management information for the decision makers. With the on-site face-to-face interviews with 50 shore-based recreational fishermen in the period of January-June, 2011, it was aimed to demonstrate demographics, fishing related expenditures (fishing equipment, transportation, bait and special costs such as food and drinks), market and non- market economic value of recreational fishing. Then, fishing participation dimensions was planned to consider who participate, when the participation occurs, how much time they spend. Non-market benefits rising from recreational fishing was planned to represent via travel cost methodology, whereas negative binomial model was estimated to calculate non-market benefits. Calculated consumer surplus per individual, 25 Turkish Liras and existence of 7,669 licensed recreational fishers in İzmir Province according to official data represent the enormous economic value of recreational fishing in İzmir Inner Bay.